2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. The new 20-inch wheel design became standard, and the Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence was updated. However, the new Audi-esque grille design was less elegant than before. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display added to the vehicle's appeal.

The 2023 Subaru Outback also underwent a facelift, featuring a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, offered a more aggressive appearance. The Outback was available in six trim levels, with the Onyx Edition now accessible with the base powertrain. The interior of the Touring trim was particularly appealing, with Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery and a cohesive design. However, the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim on the center console easily collected dust and smudges.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and the new electronic brake booster improved the driving experience. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The standard engine struggled with power, especially during passing and climbing, and returned 25.6 mpg in combined driving, below the EPA's estimate of 28 mpg. The turbocharged engine provided better performance but was less fuel-efficient. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Outback's suspension tuning provided a comfortable ride, and the vehicle handled well in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations. The Navigator provided generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Touring trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear outboard seats were also heated. The Outback's cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The vehicle's design made it easy to get in and out, and the interior provided ample legroom and storage space.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, came with an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system. The system included physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate functions, while other controls were embedded in the touchscreen. The base model had a 7-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered wireless connectivity, a navigation system, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The voice recognition system was subpar, and the infotainment system's graphics and icons were not user-friendly. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required the driver to remain attentive.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, enhancing safety features and supporting new pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Outback's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems were less impressive, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.