2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, which was described as a "green-tinged dark khaki." The Outback's exterior varied across trims, with tasteful chrome accents on the Touring trim and different wheel designs, including black 17-inch alloy wheels and matte black versions for the Wilderness trim. Inside, the top-trim model impressed with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a luxurious feel uncommon for Subaru, while other trims featured a mix of leather and synthetic materials.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline. While the design was appealing, the 2025 styling felt less elegant, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with a plush interior that favored a traditional approach over excessive screens. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim featuring optional all-wheel drive and a host of luxury features.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Touring XT model we tested had the more powerful engine, which managed the vehicle's weight well. The CVT transmission mimicked eight distinct gears, and the brake pedal felt responsive. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, increasing to 9.2 inches in the Wilderness trim, which also featured all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from various driving modes, including Excite and Normal. The Aviator's twin-turbo V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but fuel economy was disappointing at 17.7 mpg during testing. The SUV offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking. The ride quality was generally pleasant, but the 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled with rough surfaces. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension ensured a composed ride, but the driving character lacked athleticism, focusing instead on comfort and stability.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered generous interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat starting with the Premium trim. Higher trims offered additional features like heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate was standard on higher trims, and the Onyx Edition included a power moonroof.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator excelled in comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, offering 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. The Aviator provided excellent storage space, with a center console featuring a smartphone charging pad and deep door panel storage pockets. Cargo space measured 19.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring featured a CD player, USB-C and USB-A ports, and an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless capability starting with the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM connectivity were standard, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on most trims.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts during testing. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The available head-up display provided comprehensive data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic emergency steering. Reverse automatic braking became standard on the Onyx trim, and the Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The reverse braking assist system was overly sensitive, but adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked well. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, offering proactive control handover. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.