2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, featuring 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 model also boasted unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and a host of dark gray and black accents, making it both functional and stylish for outdoor adventures.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its luxurious appeal with minimal changes from its 2022 refresh. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the cabin was equally luxurious, with real wood trim panels and chrome accents. The ambient lighting added a touch of elegance, although some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Navigator's spacious interior and high-quality materials made it a standout in the full-size SUV segment.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) detracted from the driving experience with its droning and soft simulated gear changes. The Wilderness trim's 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and enhanced approach and departure angles made it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the Navigator offered a smooth yet powerful driving experience. However, its ride quality was inconsistent, with the adaptive damping suspension failing to smooth out smaller bumps and cracks. The Excite driving mode improved handling on twisty roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. Despite its nearly three-ton curb weight, the Navigator felt surprisingly nimble on mountain roads, although its size proved cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could become uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger, ensuring a comfortable ride. Rear seat space was generous, with ample room for two adults or three children. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The robust roof rack could support a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for additional cargo space. The power-deploying running boards made entry and exit easier, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage ensured maximum comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, which was spacious enough for taller adults. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which dominated the center dashboard. While physical knobs and buttons were available for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for voice commands. The Outback also featured PIN code entry technology, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed exceptionally well, understanding and executing a wide range of commands. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, providing an immersive audio experience. However, the wireless smartphone charger tended to overheat devices, making it less practical for extended use.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system (ADAS), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were not available, 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, which included advanced features like Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving. BlueCruise allowed for hands-free driving on designated highways but required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, although a full crashworthiness assessment was not available.