2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and an appealing dash-to-axle ratio, complemented by a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette. The design leaned more towards a sports wagon than a traditional SUV, though the 2025 styling updates were perceived as less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, though this might encourage the use of the Aviator’s Phone as a Key technology.

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons in the U.S., adopting crossover trends like chunky wheel-arch flares and a robust roof rack setup. Its design clearly communicated its off-road capabilities, especially in the Crimson Red Pearl paint paired with a black leather interior. Subaru focused on buyers needing off-road capabilities, a strategy that paid off with the Outback being one of its best-selling models. The 2025 model saw no major changes, with trims ranging from Base to Touring XT, the latter offering Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. The Outback’s rugged exterior housed a well-executed interior, with minimal use of chrome and glossy black plastic, and easy-to-read gauges flanking a small digital display.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Excite and Conserve, and featured adaptive air suspension. Despite its power, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort and composure. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed 17.7 mpg. The Aviator provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, though its ride quality suffered on rough roads due to heavy 22-inch wheels. The adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at maintaining a smooth ride, but the Aviator’s steering and handling lacked athleticism.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 260 hp. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a CVT and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided smart acceleration, though the Outback was not a performance car. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode, the Outback was well-suited for off-road adventures. The Wilderness model offered even more ground clearance and additional X-Mode settings. The Outback’s ride was smooth and comfortable, with light steering and powerful brakes. However, the stop/start technology was intrusive, and the CVT was slow to respond during throttle transitions.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were also comfortable, though less adjustable. The third-row seats were less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizable bin in the center console. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2025 Subaru Outback’s wagon shape offered practicality with easy entry and exit, a low center of gravity, and quick direction changes. It provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with the seat folded. The Outback’s total passenger volume of 109 cubic feet was larger than its crossover competitors, offering more front headroom and legroom. Buyers were advised to test drive different trims, as the Limited, Touring, and Wilderness models offered distinct driving experiences. The Outback’s towing capacity increased from 2,700 pounds to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine.

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 was unresponsive in the test vehicle, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator’s 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system was impressive, and the head-up display provided useful data, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2025 Subaru Outback’s technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless connectivity on most trims. The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system performed well, though navigational commands limited audio to the rear speakers. The dashboard featured a mix of buttons and knobs, with some functions requiring touchscreen interaction. The Outback Touring included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering features like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were standard, and BlueCruise provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.