2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous iterations, though the interior was fresher than the smaller 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, which added a touch of modernity and luxury. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, offered a unique and durable interior. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding and smooth, plain styling gave it a balanced and stable appearance, with minimal changes for 2021, including new adaptive LED headlights and a new brown paint option.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, while sharing its side glass and overall footprint with the Ford Expedition, distinguished itself with unique design elements and a luxurious feel. The Navigator Reserve, priced at $92,000, exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and a few chrome accents, while the interior impressed with seven color palettes and fine details like layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious materials and textures. The Perfect Position seats, with their 30-way adjustability, provided exceptional comfort, making the Navigator feel like a high-end luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when fully loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered performance, making the Outback slow and noisy. However, the XT trim's 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, offered a significant improvement in power and refinement. The turbo engine's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, but the performance gains were worth the trade-off. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road. Subaru's electronically-variable all-wheel drive system and X-Mode provided excellent traction and control in various conditions.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and responsiveness. The 4WD system was smooth and efficient, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but the suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The steering and brakes lacked the precision and control of the Escalade, but the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a comfortable and capable highway cruiser.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, allowing it to tackle rough terrain without the drawbacks of larger vehicles. Inside, it provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and excellent outward visibility. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, but the overall space was generous. Cargo capacity was substantial, 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 front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous settings and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size. The second-row seats could be removed for maximum storage, but they lacked electric recline and other luxury features found in competitors.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older technology. The user interface was clunky, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. Subaru EyeSight, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking, was standard on all trims. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer systems, and the instrument panel lacked advanced features like full-screen maps. The cameras were low-resolution, and the infotainment system did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. 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. Drive mode animations added a touch of elegance to the instrument panel.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and received top ratings in all crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional but did not offer advanced self-steering capabilities.