2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in various trims, including base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, with prices starting at $25,195 and topping out at $35,295 for the Touring model. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims. The Forester Wilderness, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured a white exterior, dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945. With additional options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, the total price reached $36,014. The Wilderness trim added rugged features like a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, which gave it a distinctive but polarizing look.

Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality over aesthetics, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces. The interior featured copper-colored stitching and accents, maintaining a utilitarian feel. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. Despite its somewhat dated appearance, the Forester's interior was well-constructed and practical, though the Wilderness trim's unique styling elements were not universally appealing.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch wheel. The front end was restyled with an Audi-esque grille, which some found less elegant than previous designs. Despite this, the Navigator's overall update was successful, with the new grille being a minor misstep. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme, which mimicked a twilight sky.

The Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system, with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, was a significant upgrade, offering a user-friendly interface and ample display space. The SUV also featured a new electronic brake booster and an updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview, enhancing ride comfort. The Navigator's luxurious interior, combined with its advanced technology and comfortable seating, made it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model's CVT provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester Wilderness achieved an average fuel economy of 25.9 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 26 mpg.

The Forester's driving dynamics were pleasing, with a characteristic boxer engine grumble. However, at higher altitudes, the naturally aspirated engine felt sluggish, highlighting the need for a turbocharger. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved responsiveness, but a turbo or turbo-hybrid option would enhance performance. The Wilderness trim's dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved off-road capabilities, with longer springs and shocks increasing ground clearance to 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), with a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and new electronic brake booster enhanced ride comfort and braking performance.

During testing in Arizona, the Navigator's twin-turbo V6 effortlessly handled the SUV's nearly three-ton curb weight, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. The 4WD system, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes ensured excellent performance in snow and mud. The Navigator's adaptive suspension and 22-inch wheels provided a comfortable ride, while the SUV achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg, slightly above the EPA's combined rating of 18 mpg.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor activities. 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 offered high comfort levels, with ample rear-seat space and practical storage solutions.

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 squared-off cargo area and new ceiling-mounted cargo hooks added to the Forester's practicality. The Wilderness trim's full-size spare tire under the cargo floor further enhanced its utility.

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 also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, along with the updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seats provided roomy and supportive accommodations, making the Navigator a comfortable choice for all passengers.

Storage space was generous, with the Navigator offering 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L). Folding the third-row seat expanded the cargo volume to 57.5 cubic feet (73.3 in Navigator L), and with the second-row seats collapsed, the maximum volume reached 103.3 cubic feet (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L). The Navigator's spacious interior and ample cargo capacity made it an excellent choice for families and those needing extra storage.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base trim, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims, including Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, making it convenient for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and ample display space. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect, with over-the-air updates potentially enhancing its performance. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services, while the 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, featuring a wider field of vision and smoother operation. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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. Intersection Assist and Road Edge Detection provided additional safety measures, while Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed for automated parking. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. These advanced safety features enhanced the Navigator's overall safety profile.