2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to luxury and elegance, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. Despite sharing some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious features. Its imposing presence was accentuated by simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and tasteful chrome accents. The Pristine White model, with its black wheels and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and modern design elements, such as the layered wood trim and floating centre console. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a sporty appearance with its Onyx Edition trim, featuring blacked-out exterior trim and badges. The Ascent offered a range of trim levels, with the Onyx Edition positioned in the middle. The interior of the Ascent Onyx Edition was practical, with water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather and a gray two-tone scheme. However, the material had a tendency to trap sweat, which could be uncomfortable on hot days. The Ascent's interior was functional, with metallic trim and a focus on practicality, but it lacked the luxurious feel of the Navigator.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking precision, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive system provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, making it more efficient than the Navigator. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system and 22 centimetres of ground clearance enhanced its off-road capabilities. While the Ascent demonstrated agility in urban and suburban settings, its handling on highways was less stable when using lane-keeping technologies.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seat. The boxy design provided ample cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and a total of 2,925 litres. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, but it lacked some advanced features found in competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. However, parking the Navigator was challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could seat up to eight passengers, but the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent's interior was practical, with features like triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and the available panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space. The Ascent offered 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows folded. The interior was functional, with ample storage options, but it lacked the luxury of the Navigator.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt outdated compared to competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The Navigator's software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast, but it lacked advanced features like wireless software updates. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming, and the vehicle offered wireless device charging.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was user-friendly, its voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, which lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features, such as a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera, were reserved for the Premier trim.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked knee airbags and advanced self-steering capabilities.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and received five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and its adaptive cruise control lacked refinement. Additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, were available on higher trims.