2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a trendy blacked-out exterior. This edition sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a sporty appearance with black 20-inch aluminum wheels, unique grille design, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition was priced at $37,995, excluding destination charges, and included water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. While the gray two-tone interior was appreciated, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable option, though they were only available on the Touring trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. The SUV maintained its luxurious appeal with quality materials and a mid-century modern design inside. The Navigator featured Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme, creating a visually stunning experience. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, enhancing the vehicle's technological appeal. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Black Label trim offering a luxurious Central Park theme.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive as standard. The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, though testing showed an average of 20.5 mpg. The SUV's flat-four engine design contributed to a lower center of gravity, improving handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and included Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The SUV featured an updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview, which prepared the suspension for bumps and potholes. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined, and testing showed an average of 18.6 mpg. The SUV handled various driving conditions with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 9.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The SUV offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo capacity was 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging second-row captain’s chairs. The third row provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator excelled in storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Premium trims added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system's voice recognition required improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo lacked sonic quality. Additional tech features were reserved for the Touring trim.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and allowed for extensive personalization. The Navigator's voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Ascent came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. However, the system struggled in direct sunlight and lacked refinement in its adaptive cruise control and lane-centering functions.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The SUV also featured a surround-view camera system. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well within its operational limits but required driver attention. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but still required human oversight.