2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts and offered 182 horsepower. Higher trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent. Exterior changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, while the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system.

The 2020 Outback came in seven trims, starting at $26,645 for the 2.5i, which included LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. The Premium trim, starting at $28,895, introduced the 11.6-inch touchscreen and additional features like dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. Higher trims like the Limited and Touring offered more luxury and tech, with the Onyx Edition XT adding off-road capabilities. The top-tier Touring XT, priced at $39,695, featured the turbo engine and premium amenities.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, unlike its predecessors, stood out with its unique design and luxury features, distancing itself from the Ford Expedition. Priced at $92,000, the Navigator Reserve exuded elegance with its rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White model, tested in winter conditions, showcased its impressive lighting features and powered running boards.

Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Slate Gray interior of the test model featured a 10-inch touchscreen, push-button gear selector, and a floating center console. Black Label trims offered even more luxurious options. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 ways, provided exceptional comfort. The Navigator's interior was spacious and refined, rivaling even the most luxurious SUVs.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, reducing the typical CVT drawbacks.

Subaru's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, thanks to the low center of gravity of the boxer engine. The Outback's off-road capabilities were enhanced with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT, making it suitable for various terrains, though not as rugged as a Jeep.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks. The steering and brakes lacked the precision of its competitors, but the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power. Paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness with quick response times.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered the functional benefits of a station wagon, with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to the larger interior space. The Outback provided ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers, and excellent visibility, though the rear quarters had a noticeable blind spot.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, accommodating six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience.

The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility from the high driving position. Parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size, but the 360-degree cameras helped.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to newer models. The infotainment system was intuitive but slow, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including AWD and EyeSight, but the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. EyeSight's optical system could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. It offered optional inflatable rear seat belts and standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available but less advanced than competitors.