2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's commitment to incremental improvement while maintaining its core strengths of utility, safety, and performance. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, the Outback boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine, although appearing similar to its predecessor, was 90% new in design, offering 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the introduction of an 11.6-inch touchscreen in all but the base trim was a significant upgrade, alongside the innovative DriverFocus technology, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and sophistication, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. With a $97,000 MSRP, the Navigator Reserve was a luxurious offering, featuring a design theme of elegance and understatement. Its exterior was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, chrome accents, and a Monochromatic Package that added a touch of class. The interior was equally impressive, with seven colour palettes and a focus on finer details. The Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing unparalleled comfort. Despite its size, the Navigator managed to maintain a sense of refinement and power, appealing to those seeking a luxurious driving experience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system was a standout feature, providing consistent power delivery and reducing the risk of wheel slip. With 22.1 cm of ground clearance, the Outback was capable of handling various terrains, although it wasn't designed for extreme off-roading.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD) in Canada, the Navigator offered a smooth and powerful driving experience. Its towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kg. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 13.8 litres per 100 km. While the Navigator excelled in power and refinement, its handling and ride quality were not as superior as some competitors.

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a practical choice for those valuing functionality. It offered 920 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Visibility was a strong point, although the rear quarters presented a slight challenge. The Outback's design prioritized proportion, contributing to its excellent sightlines and overall practicality.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a spacious SUV, capable of seating up to eight passengers. Its boxy design maximized interior space, offering 546 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,925 litres. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable, providing exceptional comfort. However, parking the Navigator could be challenging due to its size, despite the inclusion of 360-degree cameras.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag issues. While the screen was easy to navigate, some functions were buried, and the camera resolution was lacking. Despite these drawbacks, the system had potential for improvement.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer offerings. While the software was intuitive, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. However, the Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's safety features were a mixed bag. While the standard safety suite was impressive, the DriverFocus system was problematic, often issuing unnecessary alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, although standard, could be obstructed by various environmental factors, leading to temporary deactivation.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control was optional, and the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.