Compare the2022 Mazda CX-9VS 2022 Lincoln Aviator

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-9. But it costs extra on the Aviator.

Both the CX-9 and the Aviator have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mazda CX-9 is safer than the Lincoln Aviator:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-9 its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 74 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Aviator is only a standard “Top Pick” for 2021.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the CX-9’s reliability 68 points higher than the Aviator.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Lincoln vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda first in reliability. Lincoln is ranked 26th.

On the EPA test cycle the CX-9 gets better mileage than the Aviator running its gasoline engine:

The CX-9 has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Aviator Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (19.5 vs. 18 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The CX-9 stops shorter than the Aviator:

The CX-9 Signature handles at .85 G’s, while the Aviator AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The CX-9 Signature executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Aviator AWD (26.7 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.1 seconds @ .69 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the CX-9 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Aviator (8.8 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the CX-9 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Mazda CX-9 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 1250 pounds less than the Lincoln Aviator.

The CX-9 has .4 inches more rear legroom and .5 inches more third row legroom than the Aviator.

A Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the CX-9, using the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Aviator.

The CX-9 has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Aviator doesn’t offer a locking fuel/charge port door.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-9’s headlight performance “Fair,” a higher rating than the Aviator’s headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

Insurance will cost less for the CX-9 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CX-9 will cost $530 to $7845 less than the Aviator over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda CX-9 will be $14576 to $31217 less than for the Lincoln Aviator.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-9, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lincoln Aviator isn't recommended.

The CX-9 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 4 of the last 14 years. The Aviator has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

The Mazda CX-9 outsold the Lincoln Aviator by 58% during the 2021 model year.