2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out as a luxurious flagship SUV, distinguished by its unique design elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers incorporated exclusive front and rear styling, a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, and full-width taillights, creating a sophisticated appearance. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a welcoming touch, while the black roof pillars gave the glass a wraparound look. Inside, the Navigator offered a mid-century modern dashboard, digital instrumentation, and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, all contributing to its upscale feel. The panoramic glass roof and high-quality materials further enhanced the luxurious ambiance.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek adopted a rugged crossover aesthetic, building on the Impreza hatchback's foundation. It featured black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a taller ride height, providing 22 centimetres of ground clearance. These changes gave the Crosstrek an SUV-like character, complemented by vibrant colour options like Plasma Yellow Pearl. While the interior remained functional and somewhat plain, the Crosstrek offered water-repellant upholstery and Plasma Yellow Pearl accents on the Outdoor grade. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek retained the Impreza's practicality, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a crossover experience.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed the Ford Expedition's most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission efficiently transferred power to all wheels, with multiple Lincoln Drive Modes tailoring the powertrain to various driving conditions. The Navigator boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,764 kilograms, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Despite its size, the Navigator offered strong acceleration and subtle engine notes, though fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine for the Outdoor and Limited trims, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The base engine remained a 2.0-litre boxer-four with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Crosstrek's boxer engine design provided a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. While a six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, most buyers opted for the CVT. Standard AWD and X-Mode with hill descent control improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite the new engine's additional power, acceleration remained adequate, with the CVT producing noticeable droning.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with the optional Luxury Package providing 30-way Perfect Position front seats. These seats, along with power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel, ensured a tailored driving experience. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and triple-zone climate control maintained comfort across all rows. The Navigator's third-row seat provided exceptional legroom and thigh support, unmatched by competitors. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard model offering up to 2,928 litres and the longer Navigator L providing up to 3,407 litres.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space for a small crossover. Cargo space was 588 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded. While the Crosstrek surpassed some rivals in cargo capacity, it lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder system, and the front offered a convenient cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports. Despite its higher driving position, the Crosstrek maintained good outward visibility, thanks to its large side glass.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, despite its slow loading times, offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The system included "Phone As A Key" technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided an immersive listening experience, while additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek utilized the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch version on higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with navigation available on the Limited trim. Subaru's unique dual-screen setup displayed additional information, and the system featured large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, enhancing usability.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance systems operated with refinement, contributing to the Navigator's five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award. EyeSight driver-assist technology offered features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The system's cameras, mounted behind the windshield, provided protection but had limitations in certain conditions. The optional blind-spot monitoring system featured prominent warning lights for enhanced effectiveness.