2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that differentiated it from its Ford Expedition counterpart. Designers added unique front and rear styling elements, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, which illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The Navigator's lattice-type grille, illuminated star logo, and full-width taillights were distinctive, while black roof pillars gave the glass a wraparound appearance. Inside, the Navigator offered a mid-century modern dashboard, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic glass roof, creating a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models. While the base trim had a less appealing dashboard with dual 7-inch touchscreens, higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by chrome and leatherette. The Outback's interior quality improved over previous models, with substantial materials and comfortable seating. Its exterior styling was smooth and plain, with high gray cladding for protection. The Outback's design remained practical, emphasizing functionality over flashy aesthetics.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 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 and four-wheel drive were standard, with multiple drive modes for various conditions. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Despite its size, the Navigator offered strong acceleration and excellent body motion control, though fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-litre flat-four, delivered 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, struggling with the vehicle's weight. The optional 2.4-litre turbocharged engine on XT trims improved performance significantly, offering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Outback's handling was comfortable, with high ground clearance and Subaru's renowned AWD system. Fuel efficiency for the turbo XT was slightly lower than the base engine, but the added power made it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking better performance.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator provided ample interior space, with 30-way adjustable front seats and a choice between a bench or captain’s chairs in the second row. The third-row seat offered exceptional legroom and thigh support. Cargo capacity was class-leading, with up to 3,407 litres in the long-wheelbase model. The Navigator's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive cargo space, with 2,144 litres available with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with excellent visibility and comfortable seating. Storage options were plentiful, and the standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The large touchscreen complicated some controls, but overall, the Outback's interior was practical and well-designed.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow loading times. However, it included features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. The "Phone As A Key" technology was a convenient addition, and the vehicle offered a surround-view camera and head-up display.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared outdated, but it included standard features like SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight was standard, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The system's reliance on cameras rather than radar limited its functionality in certain conditions, but it provided good semi-automated control on highways.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger chassis and standard airbags, with additional safety features available on higher trims. It was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," earning top ratings in crash tests and for its forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, with some four-star ratings in specific tests.