2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus evolved from the second-generation Lincoln MKX, which shared its platform with the Ford Edge. In 2019, the MKX was facelifted and renamed the Nautilus, moving away from the alphanumeric naming convention and adopting more attractive styling. For 2021, the exterior design remained largely unchanged, but the interior received significant updates. The cabin featured a new dash design with clean lines, soft materials, and a large, crisp 13.2-inch touchscreen. The unconventional “Piano Key” shifter-button layout was easy to use, though it took some time to locate the stop-start button. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the glossy screen reflected the bright work in the center console.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly the Wilderness trim, was evaluated in Bend, Oregon, and the Cascade Mountains. The test vehicle had white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945. The Wilderness trim added rugged features like a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was easy to use, though the three display screens were less than ideal. The Wilderness trim also included practical features like all-weather floor mats, a rubber cargo mat, and washable material on the rear seatbacks.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The Reserve and Black Label trims offered an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine had standard front-wheel drive (FWD) with available all-wheel drive (AWD), while the twin-turbo V6 came standard with AWD. The V6 provided smooth and controlled acceleration, complementing the adaptive suspension that nearly eliminated road bumps. The engine stop-start feature had a slight delay, but overall, the driving experience was pleasant.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the previous year, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and AWD, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25%. This CVT also doubled the Forester Wilderness’s towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness’s fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 25.9 mpg. The Forester’s engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT had eight programmed ratios and performed well, especially in Sport mode. The dual-function X-Mode system improved off-road capabilities, and the re-tuned suspension provided a comfortable ride with less body roll.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 37.2 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with plenty of head- and legroom in the rear seats. The front seats were especially comfortable, with available 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units. The center console and door handles featured soft-touch materials, and the center console bin and in-door pockets provided ample storage.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats, a rubber cargo mat, and washable material on the rear seatbacks. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester’s interior was comfortable, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space included armrest bins, door panel bottle holders, and dual front seatback pockets. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof) with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the available wireless charging pad made phone integration seamless. The Revel 19-speaker premium audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. The Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the CoPilot360 package, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. However, the backup camera quality was low.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system with improved field of vision and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim added DriverFocus facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating.