2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its imposing presence with minimal changes from the previous year. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model continued to offer a blend of luxury and functionality. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the cabin exuded an upscale feel with quality materials, though some chrome plastic elements fell short of conveying true luxury. The ambient lighting added character, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though largely ignored by younger passengers, was a notable feature. The MSRP for this model reached $104,715, including destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a design that remained consistent with its predecessors. The test vehicle, a Touring trim, showcased a utilitarian style with features like 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. Inside, the Forester offered Saddle Brown leather and a mix of traditional buttons and knobs for easy control. The cabin was practical, with ample storage and a focus on visibility, making it easy to drive and park. Despite its simplicity, the Forester's interior was comfortable, though the back seats could have offered more support. The MSRP for the Touring trim was $37,720, including destination charges.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, it offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite. The Navigator's ride quality was a mixed bag, with the Reserve trim's 22-inch wheels contributing to a truck-like ride over smaller bumps. Excite mode improved handling but reduced fuel efficiency. The SUV's size was a challenge in urban settings, and its nearly three-ton curb weight tested the brakes on mountain roads. The Navigator averaged 15.6 mpg during testing, below its EPA rating of 18 mpg.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and all-wheel drive. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode, while X-Mode provided off-road traction management. The Forester excelled in adverse weather conditions, handling flooded roads and muddy trails with ease. On dry roads, its driving dynamics impressed, with responsive steering and effective brakes. The Forester's ride was firm yet comfortable, though the engine's performance was merely adequate. It returned 25.9 mpg during testing, falling short of its EPA rating of 29 mpg.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and a generous cargo area. The test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though finding the perfect adjustment was challenging. Storage was ample, with various compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model provided even more cargo space, with up to 120.2 cubic feet available. Power-deploying running boards and quality leather upholstery added to the luxury experience.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized practicality, with features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats available from the Premium trim. The Forester's visibility was excellent, thanks to its high seating position and large windows. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting led to solar heating issues. The rear seats offered ample space but lacked support. Interior storage was plentiful, with well-sealed doors and a usefully shaped cargo area. The Forester provided up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Sync 4 system was user-friendly, though the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices. The Navigator's digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. Lincoln Play offered rear-seat entertainment, though it was underutilized by passengers.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and other tasks.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering advanced driving assistance systems like Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, was available 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.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras. Models with blind-spot monitoring included Automatic Emergency Steering. The Touring trim offered a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with an Acceptable rating in side-impact protection and a Marginal rating in small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings and a four-star rollover resistance rating.