2019 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2019 Subaru Ascent marked a significant departure from Subaru's previous attempt at a 3-row SUV, the B9 Tribeca. Unlike the Tribeca, which suffered from minimal cargo space, poor fuel economy, and an almost nonexistent third row, the Ascent was a full and honest effort. It featured big, bold styling, ample cargo and passenger space, and the latest infotainment and driver-assistance technologies. The Ascent's upright design, pronounced fenders, and imposing grille gave it a commanding presence, while its 113.8-inch wheelbase made it the largest Subaru passenger vehicle ever built. Inside, the Ascent felt more like an extra-large Subaru Outback, offering plenty of space for occupants with either a 7-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs or an 8-passenger layout with a second-row bench.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design and attention to detail. Sharing a basic platform with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator featured completely different front and rear styling elements, including the Lincoln Embrace exterior lighting system that sequentially illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The Navigator's lattice-type grille insert, illuminated star logo, and full-width taillights were Lincoln-specific design hallmarks. For 2020, the new Reserve Monochromatic Package added to the Navigator’s custom look with body-color grille and side mirror enhancements combined with 22-inch black-painted wheels. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, showcased a Dark Slate leather interior with Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues, and a wide, two-tiered storage console.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, provided plenty of pickup for both city and highway driving. The Ascent's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was precise with minimal body roll. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and up to 5,000 pounds of available towing capacity (with a tow-prep package), the Ascent offered a blend of Subaru's unique DNA and new capabilities. Fuel economy for the Ascent was 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined, with the Limited trim returning 22.7 mpg in mixed driving.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a subtle yet aggressive engine note. The Navigator offered multiple Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb (with the optional towing package). With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds (RWD) or 8,300 pounds (4WD), the Navigator made towing easier with Pro Trailer Backup Assist. However, fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension and 22-inch wheels provided excellent body motion control, though impact harshness was noticeable over imperfect pavement.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent offered plenty of legroom and headroom in the first and second rows, while the third row was tighter for full-size adults. The third row was mostly suitable for children or could be dropped to increase cargo space. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and provided 47 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down, expanding to 86 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This cargo capacity was more than the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.

In comparison, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, but once inside, passengers found plenty of room to stretch out. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or two captain’s chairs with an optional center console. The third row provided ample legroom and thigh support, making it comfortable for most adults. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard-length model offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent came standard with Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system, featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base trim, and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system had easy-to-follow menus, physical buttons for key functions, and real dials for volume and tuning. The optional Technology Package added a Harman Kardon premium stereo, panoramic moonroof, navigation, and real-time traffic and weather updates.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, taking time to load content. However, it provided Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, 911 Assist, a Lincoln Way smartphone and smartwatch app, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. The Reserve’s Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system with three listening profiles. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent came standard with a full array of front- and side-impact airbags, vehicle dynamics control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology was also standard, including pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The Ascent was backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, a blind-spot warning system with trailer coverage, a rear cross-traffic warning system, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though the rollover resistance rating for RWD models was three stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not tested the 2020 model.