2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that differentiated it from the Ford Expedition, on which it was based. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system, lattice-type grille insert, and illuminated star logo added to its premium appeal. The Navigator also offered a new Reserve Monochromatic Package with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels, available in White, Ceramic Pearl, and Infinite Black. Inside, the test vehicle boasted Dark Slate leather with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a panoramic glass roof, creating a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek adopted a rugged crossover look by adding black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height to the Impreza hatchback. The Crosstrek's design changes, including vibrant color options like Plasma Yellow Pearl, gave it more character than the base Impreza. The interior remained functional but plain, with the Sport trim featuring clashing Plasma Yellow Pearl accents and simulated carbon-fiber trim. Despite these quirks, the Crosstrek maintained a practical and comfortable cabin with water-repellant StarTex upholstery in the Sport model.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provided strong acceleration and a subtle yet aggressive engine note. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds for rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds for four-wheel drive. However, fuel economy was a concern, averaging 16.4 mpg on the testing loop. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension and body motion control ensured a comfortable ride, though impact harshness was noticeable with 22-inch wheels.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine for the Sport and Limited trims, generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with the 2.0-liter engine, producing 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on lower trims, while a CVT was available and standard on higher trims. The Crosstrek's standard AWD system included torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved handling and off-road capability. Despite the new engine, acceleration remained adequate, with noticeable droning from the CVT. The Crosstrek offered predictable handling and a comfortable ride, though body roll was evident due to its higher center of gravity.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and heated steering wheel provided exceptional comfort. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or captain's chairs with a large center console. The third-row seat provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was also impressive, 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. The longer Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was competitive for its class, with 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Crosstrek included a rear-seat reminder system, a handy cubby hole for phones, and minimal storage space. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility was good thanks to large side windows and a car-like front fascia.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive feature, with slow content loading. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. The system's voice recognition worked reasonably well, though not as naturally as some competitors. The test vehicle included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display. The optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was not included in the test vehicle.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added WiFi, SiriusXM, and a single-disc CD player. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was standard on the Limited trim and optional on lower trims. The Crosstrek also featured a second screen above the main touchscreen for additional information. The 8-inch touchscreen was easy to navigate, and the Crosstrek included large analog knobs and buttons for vital functions.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, 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 NHTSA, though the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the 2020 model a "Top Safety Pick" rating, which likely applied to the 2021 model as well. The Crosstrek's EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added reverse automatic braking, lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The EyeSight cameras were well-protected but could be blocked by windshield wipers or direct sunlight.