2022 Subaru Outback 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 successful design language of the Navigator, resulting in a sharp-looking vehicle with crisp lines and tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that elegantly dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's air of class and luxury, setting it apart from its Ford counterpart.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness embraced a rugged aesthetic, with increased ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires. Its unique grille design, blacked-out trim, and Anodized Copper accents gave it a distinctive look. Inside, the Outback Wilderness featured a dark gray and black cabin with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. While lacking ventilated seats, it offered heated ones and a practical layout with waterproof materials, making it suitable for adventurous outings.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft 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 hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration, although the Aviator's size resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," catering to different driving preferences.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. While the engine was strong, the CVT transmission's droning detracted from the driving experience. The Outback's all-wheel drive and 9.5 inches of ground clearance made it capable off-road, with features like the dual function X-Mode traction system enhancing its performance. On pavement, the Wilderness felt quick but was limited by its all-terrain tires.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 77.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring model, offered comfort with captain's chairs and a digital control panel. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offered 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the seat folded. The StarTex upholstery, while water-repellant, could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The Outback's robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping. Rear seat space was generous, with heated seats and dual USB ports enhancing comfort.

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

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though its reliance on the touchscreen for most functions could be cumbersome. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved usability, the lack of a premium sound system was a drawback. The PIN code entry technology was a practical feature for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was well-equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including features like automatic emergency braking 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.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness also included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.