2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, sharing its platform with the Ford Expedition, distinguished itself with unique front and rear styling elements and the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, which sequentially illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The Navigator featured a lattice-type grille insert mimicking the Lincoln star logo, an illuminated star in the center, fender vents with simulated exposed front door hinges, and full-width taillights. Black roof pillars, except those framing the windshield, gave the Navigator’s glass a wraparound appearance. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package added a 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, extra-cost paint, and both the Luxury and Reserve Monochromatic option packages, was priced at $92,385, including the $1,295 destination charge.

Inside, the Navigator’s Dark Slate leather interior, part of the Luxury Package, included Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The dashboard featured mid-century modern styling cues, digital instrumentation, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and piano-key transmission controls. A panoramic glass roof provided natural light, and high-quality materials were used throughout. The Navigator’s luxurious look and feel made it a convincing flagship SUV.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2019, filled a long-overdue gap in Subaru’s lineup. It resembled a scaled-up version of the Forester and Outback, with a cabin design similar to other Subaru models, likely to create a connection with the brand’s popular models. The Ascent was available in Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring trims. The Standard trim included driver-assistance features, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, four USB ports, and remote keyless entry. The Premium trim upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, stain-resistant upholstery, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and second-row climate controls. The Limited trim added push-button start, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, third-row USB ports, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The range-topping Touring trim included second-row captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition’s most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, with an option for four-wheel drive. Lincoln Drive Modes tailored the powertrain to specific driving conditions, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb with the optional towing package. The Navigator’s maximum towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. The twin-turbo V6 provided strong acceleration, though it lacked the resonant sound of a V8 engine. The Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in combined driving. Despite its size, the Navigator’s body motion control was excellent, lending it a hint of athleticism, though it was best suited for open roads and smooth pavement. Around town, the Navigator felt huge, but a tight turning radius, parking assist system, and numerous camera views improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. While some shoppers might have preferred a premium engine option, the standard engine was effective for most driving scenarios, excelling in town and holding its own on highways. The Ascent’s ride focused on refined comfort, with responsive handling through corners and the ability to absorb road bumps, making it popular in regions with inclement weather. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and Subaru’s X-Mode system, the Ascent was capable in snow and light off-roading. The Ascent’s towing capacity was up to 5,000 pounds, with standard Trailer Stability Assist.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, akin to ascending a short flight of stairs, though available power running boards helped. Inside, the Navigator offered ample room for all passengers. The test vehicle’s 30-way Perfect Position front seats, part of the Luxury Package, were exceptionally comfortable, though finding the perfect settings took time. The Navigator also featured power-adjustable pedals and a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, with memory settings for the front seats. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or two captain’s chairs, with an optional large center console between the captain’s chairs. Triple-zone climate control ensured comfort across all three rows, and the test vehicle included heated rear seat cushions. The third-row seat provided excellent legroom and thigh support, unmatched by competitors. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet in the standard-length model. The longer Navigator L offered 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. While this was on the higher end of the midsize three-row SUV class, some rivals offered more cargo space. The Ascent came standard with a power liftgate, though a hands-free option was not available. In base configuration, the Ascent seated up to eight passengers, with an option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for adults on shorter trips and better for kids on longer journeys. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and numerous trays and cubbies for gear.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator’s Sync 3 infotainment system was the least impressive piece of technology, taking time to load content. However, it provided Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and 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. Sync 3’s voice recognition system worked reasonably well but required specific command pathways. The Reserve’s Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system with three listening profiles, with Stereo being the preferred option. 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 2021 Subaru Ascent’s StarLink infotainment system featured logical menu layouts and large, easy-to-read icons for both available touchscreens, backed by hard buttons and dials, and a home button. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Ascent included two front USB ports, two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available tech features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator included the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), featuring 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’s adaptive cruise control operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was subtle yet effective. The lane-departure warning system produced a vibration in the steering wheel, though it was hard to detect at normal sensitivity. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though the rollover resistance rating for RWD was three stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ due to its crash test results and Subaru’s comprehensive EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. EyeSight also alerted drivers if the vehicle in front had pulled away when stopped in traffic. For 2021, the Ascent gained standard automatic high beams and headlights that bent with the steering angle. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.