2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Subaru Ascent presented itself as a practical and utilitarian SUV, reminiscent of a larger Subaru Forester. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares that added visual strength. The robust roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels on most trims contributed to its purposeful design. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was more stylish than previous Subaru models, with quality materials and thoughtful details. The Abyss Blue Pearl paint and Java Brown leather interior added a touch of luxury, making it feel like a worthwhile investment.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its sharp design, characterized by crisp lines and chrome accents. It avoided emulating competitors' styles, instead adopting the successful design language of the Lincoln Navigator. The Aviator's interior was defined by comfort and warmth, with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen dominating the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the luxury feel. The Aviator's trims offered various levels of luxury, with the Grand Touring trim featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain and advanced seating options, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, providing good acceleration. However, the Ascent's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.9 mpg compared to the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The CVT's behavior was inconsistent, leading to uneven power delivery. The Ascent's handling was not particularly engaging, with numb steering and a suspension that struggled on uneven surfaces. Despite these drawbacks, the Ascent excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its AWD system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a more powerful performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The Aviator's 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth acceleration, although its size and weight resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing the driving experience. The Aviator was best suited for highways and suburban environments, where it delivered a comfortable and composed ride.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered a comfortable interior, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats provided significant track travel, making it appealing to tall individuals. The Ascent's second-row captain's chairs were comfortable and offered sliding functionality for added legroom. The third-row seats were accessible and provided acceptable space for shorter trips. The Ascent's cargo space was practical, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The second row was particularly comfortable, featuring captain's chairs and a digital control panel for seat and climate adjustments. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a unique feature, though they raised concerns about functionality if the battery died. Overall, the Aviator offered a luxurious and spacious interior, with thoughtful design elements enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Touring trim offered a high-resolution screen with navigation. The system's voice control was outdated, and the navigation system occasionally misplaced the vehicle's location. However, the Harman Kardon speakers provided excellent sound quality, and the Ascent's PIN Code Vehicle Access system was a standout feature for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and a sensible menu layout. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were well-integrated, and the fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the tech-savvy experience. The Aviator's infotainment system was intuitive and complemented by redundant controls, making it easy to use.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was built on a robust platform, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured the EyeSight suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Ascent's LED headlights and reverse automatic braking system performed well, and the EyeSight Assist Monitor provided helpful visual cues. The rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services added to the Ascent's safety credentials.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade. Its comprehensive safety features and seamless integration made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.