2023 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with a focus on comfort and elegance. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models added a hybrid system with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery, offering standard all-wheel drive. The Aviator's design was highlighted by its modern Lincoln face, although the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring were considered too plain for its price point. The interior was lavish, with a mix of high-end materials and a somewhat busy Art Deco style, featuring rich caramel-hued leather seats and a panoramic glass sunroof.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged alternative to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions and square wheel arches. It was available in eight trim levels, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its active-lifestyle image, featuring all-terrain tires and a black hood graphic. The interior was well-designed, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality for a non-luxury brand. However, Mazda's attempt to move upscale was still a work in progress, as the base models featured manually-adjustable front seats and standard half-leatherette upholstery. The CX-50's earthy color palette and Terracotta leather upholstery added to its appeal, but it didn't quite match the luxury aspirations Mazda aimed for.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its added weight from the electric motor and battery, it offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing for a versatile driving experience. However, the drivetrain's unpredictability and inconsistent brake pedal behavior were noted drawbacks. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension and Pirelli tires providing a smooth ride, but it lacked the fun-to-drive factor.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine delivered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The CX-50's handling was more aligned with its segment, lacking the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise at highway speeds. Overall, the CX-50 was a competent daily driver but didn't inspire spirited driving.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position 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 seats in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. While the CX-50 trailed competitors in cargo space, it featured a power liftgate for easier access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console. However, the cargo area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform was challenging for shorter individuals to use.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was a highlight, along with wireless charging and the Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were well-executed, and the parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface took some getting used to, but it provided physical feedback and was easy to use without taking eyes off the road. The infotainment system felt dated, but it was suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity over excessive tech.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received a "Basic" score for nighttime pedestrian detection and "Average" for standard headlights. The NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but it received a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist, with optional rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.