2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the appearance and feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the CX-5 faced criticism for its small back seat, cramped cargo area, and a somewhat frustrating infotainment system. Mazda's decision to eventually phase out the CX-5 in favor of the redesigned CX-50 was seen as a strategic move to align with broader marketing strategies, similar to what Infiniti did with its G37 sedan and coupe.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a more sophisticated and streamlined exterior design, signaling a new direction for Lincoln. The grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that extended through it, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The interior was a standout, with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a full-width screen that served as the crown jewel. The Nautilus offered a luxurious experience, especially with the Black Label trim's 24-way Perfect Position front seats, which were considered among the most comfortable in the mid-size luxury SUV class. The rear seats provided ample legroom, and the Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base model, the 2.5 S, came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The more powerful 2.5 Turbo variant featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. This engine also came with AWD and a six-speed automatic transmission, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by structural and suspension improvements, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. For an additional $1,500, buyers could opt for the hybrid setup, which offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid also provided a range of over 600 miles. The Nautilus featured five drive modes, with the available adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was well-tuned, avoiding the typical drawbacks of CVTs. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus offered a satisfying driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates to its front seats for improved comfort and support. The interior featured high-quality materials, with the Signature trim offering Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and cargo space were less impressive. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, and the CX-5's cargo space was limited, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus excelled in interior comfort, especially with the Black Label model's 24-way Perfect Position front seats, which included a massage function. The rear seats offered 43 inches of legroom, providing ample space for taller passengers. The Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods. The Nautilus offered 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with the seats folded down in the Premiere trim. However, it was only available with seating for five, unlike some competitors with three-row options.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its functionality. The system lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and its physical controls were awkward to use. The user experience was often frustrating, with the control knob requiring multiple twists and pushes to execute commands. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a massive 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. The center console housed an 11.1-inch touchscreen for basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The HVAC controls were permanent icons on the screen, but adjusting the vents required navigating menus. The steering wheel controls were unlabelled, adding to the distraction. However, the Nautilus included Google maps, Alexa Built-in, gaming, web browsing, and over-the-air updates. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with the i-Activsense suite of driver assistance technologies. Most features were standard, with a few exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The hands-free/eyes-up Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was included on all trims, with a trial period for Premiere and Reserve trims. The Nautilus had not yet been rated by the NHTSA for 2024, but the 2023 model received five stars for frontal and side crash protection. The IIHS gave the 2024 Nautilus a top score of "Good" in crashworthiness.