2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with its modern Lincoln face being a standout feature in the automaker's lineup. The Black Label Grand Touring model, although fully loaded and priced at $91,225, had wheels that seemed too plain for its price tag. The vehicle's lighting sequence and electric door handles added a touch of elegance, though the electronic door latches could be tricky. Inside, the Aviator's cabin was a mix of high-end materials and intricate design elements, with a focus on Art Deco styling. However, some details, like the chrome switchgear and stitching, felt less premium than expected.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 boasted an artful design with a long hood and dramatic flanks, though its excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall appeal. The 2.5 Turbo model's black wheels blended into the dark lower body, making them less noticeable. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, including leather upholstery and polished metal accents. The interior's tasteful color combination and thoughtful design elements gave it an entry-level luxury feel, justifying its premium pricing.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its added weight, the Aviator offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, to optimize efficiency. During testing, the Aviator demonstrated a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg when relying on electric power. However, the drivetrain's unpredictability and inconsistent brake pedal behavior were noted. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its adaptive suspension, but it lacked the fun factor in more aggressive driving modes.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options: a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged version producing up to 250 horsepower. The turbocharged engine provided robust acceleration and a satisfying sound, though it could be caught flat-footed in traffic. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard, with a Sport mode for improved performance. Despite its small fuel tank, the CX-30 averaged 23.6 mpg during testing. The vehicle's handling was enjoyable, with G-Vectoring Control Plus and a compliant suspension contributing to a rewarding driving experience. However, the brake pedal required more effort than expected, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 18.3 cubic feet, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The driver's seat was comfortable, but the front passenger seat lacked adjustability. Rear passengers faced tight legroom, though the seatbacks were padded for comfort. Storage space was reasonable, with various compartments for organization. The CX-30's cargo area provided 20.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the lack of underfloor storage and nooks was noted.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, the outdated Sync 3 software struggled with voice recognition, leading to frustrating experiences. The vehicle also included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a head-up display. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera system were helpful, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: the lack of a touchscreen, non-conversational voice recognition, and no tuning knob. These issues detracted from the user experience, though the system's design and graphics were pleasing. The CX-30 included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with Turbos adding SiriusXM satellite radio and a Bose premium sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was available as an accessory.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The test vehicle had additional features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. However, the lane-keeping system struggled in curves, and the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with improvements in side-impact crash protection. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Turbo Premium Plus model added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The forward-collision warning system worked effectively, though it could be overly sensitive. The CX-30's safety systems generally performed well, with customizable lane-departure warnings and effective blind-spot monitoring.