Compare the2023 Mazda CX-9VS 2023 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 performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, and daytime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-9 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, a rating granted to only 53 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Aviator last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2022.

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 49 points higher than the Aviator.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Lincoln vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Lincoln is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Lincoln vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda fourth in overall reliability. Lincoln is ranked 10th.

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.”

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mazda CX-9 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Aviator Reserve/Grand Touring/Black Label offers wireless charging.

Insurance will cost less for the CX-9 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CX-9 will cost $550 to $7310 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 $9239 to $30290 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 Mazda CX-9 outsold the Lincoln Aviator by 57% during 2022.