2023 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with its modern Lincoln face and three-row midsize SUV design. It offered a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid version, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator's interior was lavish, featuring high-end materials like soft leather and a simulated suede headliner, though some chrome detailing felt less premium. The Black Label Grand Touring model, with its ambient lighting and electric door handles, aimed to provide an effortless and elegant experience, despite some design choices that seemed overly complex.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, adopting a more aggressive look with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and dark gray cladding. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold design. The Outback's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was comfortable and upscale, featuring Java Brown leather and a cohesive design. While the Outback's styling changes were subjective, its practicality and comfort were undeniable, making it a versatile choice for those seeking utility and style.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive performance with 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. Despite its added weight, the Aviator offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV's various driving modes allowed for efficient power management, and its adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride. However, the Aviator's drivetrain could be unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behavior. While it handled well, it wasn't particularly engaging to drive, focusing more on comfort and isolation.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, with its standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine, produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While the CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, the Outback felt underpowered for passing and climbing. The turbocharged XT models offered a more satisfying 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, though at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, and its suspension provided a comfortable ride. However, the standard engine's lack of power and fuel economy were disappointing, making the turbocharged option more appealing for those seeking better performance.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 18.3 cubic feet, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, but the third-row limitations and some design choices detracted from its overall practicality.

The 2023 Subaru Outback emphasized utility with its roof rack, dashboard storage shelf, and practical accessories. The Touring trim offered comfortable seating with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The Outback's interior was spacious, with ample legroom and storage options. Its cargo area provided 32.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback's design made it easy to enter and exit, and its robust roof rack added to its practicality, though more interior storage would have been beneficial.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was impressive, and the Phone As A Key system offered convenience. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, but the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested. Overall, the Aviator's technology was advanced but hampered by the outdated software.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was improved for 2023, but the voice recognition remained subpar. The Outback offered a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was absent. The infotainment system's usability was enhanced, but the graphics and icons were not visually appealing. The wireless smartphone connectivity was a welcome addition, reducing clutter and reliance on the native voice recognition system.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The test vehicle had additional features like blind-spot monitoring and evasive steering assist. The Aviator's safety tech performed well on highways but struggled in dense traffic. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex, adding frustration to the user experience. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency steering. The Outback's safety systems were effective, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist felt artificial. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, requiring manual deactivation. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test.