2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, boasting a higher stance and more aggressive all-terrain tires. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was closer to a Jeep than a traditional station wagon. The Wilderness featured unique design elements such as a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal. Its roof rack could support a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for rooftop camping. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with dark gray StarTex water-repellant upholstery, Anodized Copper accents, and all-weather floor mats, creating a purposeful and adventurous aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in the Black Label trim, exuded luxury and sophistication. The exterior was marked by 21-inch machined-finish wheels and a balanced, detailed design. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a touch of elegance. Inside, the Black Label offered two design themes: Chalet with light gray premium leather and Flight with Luggage Tan upholstery. The interior was decadent, featuring a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, although some chrome-plated plastic pieces detracted from the overall premium feel. The Black Label trim included nearly every available feature, making it a top-tier choice for luxury SUV enthusiasts.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided ample power for the 3,896-pound SUV, allowing for a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. However, the CVT's droning and soft simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The Wilderness trim featured 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system, making it highly capable off-road. It averaged 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 24 mpg.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options. The standard and Reserve trims came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Black Label trim featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Nautilus provided Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behavior and steering effort. On a road trip from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, the Black Label's adaptive suspension and massaging seats ensured a comfortable journey. The V6 engine achieved an average of 25 mpg over 871.1 miles, with a maximum range of 450 miles on the highway.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could become uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated and offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. Rear seat space was generous, with heated seats, air conditioning vents, and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The roof rack could support a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label offered a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The front seats were heated, ventilated, and available with 22-way power adjustment and massage functions. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents, but legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The cargo area provided 37.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Practical storage space was adequate, though some compartments were hard to access.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control. However, most functions required the touchscreen, and the voice recognition technology was not very responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, offering better voice assistant functionality. The Outback also featured PIN code entry technology, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Black Label trim included connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel premium audio system. The system's user interface was intuitive, and the natural voice recognition worked well. The Nautilus also offered Phone as a Key technology, turning a smartphone into a digital key.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. It also featured steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Black Label trim added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not assessed the Nautilus for safety.