2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive appearance, further enhanced by a simulated skid plate, fog lights, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a more appealing choice for those who preferred a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Outback's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was praised for its upscale feel, with Java Brown leather and contrasting stitching adding a touch of luxury. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior maintained a quality look and feel, though the infotainment screen and gloss black trim were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its design from previous years, with no significant updates since its 2022 refresh. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. While the exterior was sleek, keeping the Infinite Black paint clean proved challenging. Inside, the Navigator's cabin was all black, accented with real wood trim and chrome. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character, but the chrome plastic on some switchgear detracted from the luxury feel. The Navigator's interior was spacious and comfortable, though the abundance of black made it feel somewhat monotonous.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-liter engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT that mimicked an eight-speed automatic. However, the Outback's 3,781-pound weight left it feeling underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in the 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, while its suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride. Despite its handling prowess, the standard engine's lack of power and disappointing fuel economy were notable drawbacks.

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 five drive modes, including an optional Hill Climb mode. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with the Reserve trim's 22-inch wheels contributing to a truck-like ride over smaller bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton weight challenged the brakes on mountain roads, and its size proved cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sills. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and ample legroom, though wind noise was a minor issue. The Outback's cargo space was generous, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded. The vehicle's height made entry and exit easy, and the roof rack was ready for accessories, though more practical storage space would have been welcome.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seating across three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage. However, the multitude of adjustments proved cumbersome. Storage was ample, with large trays and covered cupholders maintaining a clean interior look. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on all but the Base trim. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the native voice recognition system was lacking. The system's usability had improved, but the graphics and colorful icons were not to everyone's taste. Additional tech included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity. The Sync 4 system was user-friendly, and the digital assistant excelled in voice recognition tests. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices. The Navigator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality, and the Lincoln Play system offered rear-seat entertainment, though it went unused by the test vehicle's passengers.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system's new cameras and electronic brake booster enhanced safety features, earning the Outback top marks from the IIHS. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, was available but struggled with certain driving conditions. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.