2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the common trend of emulating competitors' styles. It carried forward the sharp, chrome-accented design language of the Navigator, making it a visually striking vehicle. Inside, the Aviator offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's unique charm, creating an air of class and luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality over form, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. The interior was designed for durability, featuring water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The Forester's cabin emphasized quality construction, though it appeared somewhat dated. The vehicle's exterior, especially in the Wilderness trim, was rugged and utilitarian, with protective cladding and a matte-black hood decal that gave it a distinctive, albeit polarizing, appearance.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a powerful performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trims enhanced this with a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The Aviator's drive mode selector included unique options like "Excite" and "Conserve," catering to different driving preferences. However, its large size and long wheelbase made it less agile in tight spaces, and noticeable body roll was present in corners.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, while not as powerful, provided a practical and capable driving experience. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25%, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension, which improved ride and handling. However, the lack of a turbocharger left it feeling underpowered at higher altitudes.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered ample cargo space, with 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The second-row captain's chairs and digital control panel added to the comfort and convenience. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in practicality, with easy entry and exit and a functional interior. The StarTex upholstery and all-weather mats made it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the sunroof and 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The upgraded roof rails and full-size spare tire added to its versatility, making it a strong contender among compact SUVs.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and crisp graphics, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. The Wilderness trim added a 180-degree forward-view camera, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was well-equipped with safety features, including the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and DriverFocus technology on the Touring trim. It received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.