2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to luxury and elegance, standing apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Its design was a blend of sophistication and subtlety, a challenging feat for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, with a body-color grille, sweeping LED running lights, and a full-width taillight assembly. Chrome accents added a touch of class, while the Pristine White model with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo made a striking impression during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and attention to detail, such as the layered wood trim and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the Black Label trims elevated the luxury with more textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, making the Navigator one of the most comfortable large SUVs available.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of what a station wagon could be, with its increased ground clearance and rugged design elements. It featured 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents gave it a distinctive look, while the matte black hood decal reduced glare. The interior was practical, with dark gray StarTex upholstery that was water-repellant, though it lacked ventilated seats. The cabin offered a comfortable experience with heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. The rear seat provided ample space for passengers, and the cargo area was generous, with waterproof materials and LED lighting. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack, capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a surprisingly agile performance for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds for the RWD model. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, but its suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking precision, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for the midsize SUV, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Outback Wilderness achieved an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world tests averaged 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. While the CVT offered paddle shifters for manual control, its droning and soft simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The Outback Wilderness stood out with its all-wheel drive system, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it highly capable off-road. Its redesigned bumpers improved approach and departure angles, and the dual function X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, with seating for up to eight passengers. The boxy design maximized cargo space, providing 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered power adjustments and heating, while the rear seats provided ample space for passengers. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack, capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen that seemed small compared to newer models. While the software was intuitive, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. However, the Navigator offered features like onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dominating the center of the dashboard. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. However, it offered PIN code entry technology, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, a rare safety feature.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, providing adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were not available, the standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.