2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its elevated stance, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance, which was 0.8 inches higher than other Outback models. This gave it a more rugged appearance, akin to a Jeep, with aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection trim, and improved approach and departure angles due to restyled bumpers. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal added to its distinctive look. The new roof rack and rail system could support a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for rooftop camping, and the exclusive Geyser Blue paint hue further set it apart.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness featured a dark gray and black cabin with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, which looked like leather but wasn't. While it lacked ventilated seats, it did offer heated ones. The interior was completed with a black headliner, Gunmetal Gray trim, Anodized Copper stitching and accents, brushed aluminum pedals, and all-weather floor mats. The waterproof rear seatback material and cargo tray were practical additions. Collectively, these modifications gave the Outback Wilderness a unique personality and purpose, making it a standout in the Outback lineup.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice between a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid version with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, with our fully loaded Black Label Grand Touring model costing $91,225. The Aviator was a three-row, midsize SUV with a modern Lincoln face, though the wheel designs on our test model were too plain for its price tag. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, electric door handles, and soft-close doors added a touch of luxury, while the ambient cabin lighting created a welcoming atmosphere. However, the electronic door latches could pinch fingers if not used carefully.

Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring was luxurious but perhaps overly so, with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats contrasting with the black interior. The materials were mostly high-end, with soft leather and a simulated suede headliner around a panoramic sunroof. However, some chrome detailing and stitching looked cheap, and the key fob felt too plasticky for a vehicle of this caliber. The Phone As A Key digital key technology was a convenient feature, allowing the use of a smartphone to unlock, start, and drive the Aviator.

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 vehicle, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, though our test drive averaged 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The CVT, while functional, lacked the engaging feel of a dual-clutch automatic transmission, with its droning and soft simulated gear changes detracting from the driving experience.

The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, 17-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. The dual function X-Mode traction system, with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, and hill descent control, made it capable of tackling challenging terrain. On pavement, the Wilderness felt quick but soft, with limitations in grip and handling due to its off-road tires. However, it proved adept at climbing and descending steep hills and navigating narrow trails during our off-road test.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, generating an impressive 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 lb-ft of torque at 2,250 rpm. The EPA estimated 21 miles of electric driving range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. During our test drive, we achieved 22.3 miles of electric range, with a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg. Over a longer drive, the Aviator averaged 24.3 mpg, demonstrating the efficiency of its hybrid system.

The Aviator's powertrain offered plenty of power, though it could be unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behavior. The regenerative braking system required deliberate care for smooth stops. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package, with adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, managed the vehicle's added weight well, providing a flat, predictable cornering stance. However, despite its commendable handling traits, the Aviator was not particularly fun to drive, with heavy and numb steering. It excelled in providing a quiet, smooth ride, ideal for gliding down highways in comfort.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant simulated leather that prevented water and sweat from soaking into the seats. While heated front seats were standard, ventilated seats would have been a welcome addition for hot weather. The driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment, and the front passenger seat had 8-way power adjustment, ensuring comfort. The rear seat provided generous space for two adults or three kids, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. However, the StarTex upholstery caused discomfort in hot weather.

The Outback Wilderness offered 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The seatbacks and cargo tray were covered with waterproof material, and LED lighting illuminated the cargo area. The robust roof rack could hold a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, making it suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with a four-zone automatic climate control system, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and automatic heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with a center console for storage and controls for the panoramic sunroof's shade.

However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, with limited kneeroom and legroom. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seats in use, 41.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded flat, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which dominated the center of the dashboard. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was not very responsive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. However, the PIN code entry technology was a useful feature for active lifestyles.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. However, it ran the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was spectacular, and the warning chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra were a nice touch. The Phone As A Key digital key system allowed the use of a smartphone to unlock, start, and drive the Aviator. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were also notable features.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system (ADAS), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The EyeSight technology proved effective during testing, maintaining safe distances and keeping the vehicle centered. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids, depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle had features like automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The driver aids performed well, though the lane-keeping system struggled in curves. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The standard Aviator earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.