2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to luxury and elegance, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. It shared some structural elements with the Expedition, but its unique design and luxurious interior set it apart. The Navigator's exterior was characterized by simple, rectilinear shapes, with a body-colour grille, sweeping LED lights, and a full-width taillight assembly. The Pristine White model, with its black wheels and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and modern design elements like a floating centre console and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials used were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, making it one of the most comfortable large SUVs available.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and functionality. The Forester Wilderness model, with its white paint and dark grey interior, was designed for rugged use. It featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with a combination of hard plastic and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, and the interior was designed to withstand dirt and moisture, with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The Forester's interior was spacious and comfortable, with upgraded roof rails and ample cargo space, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

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 impressive acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Navigator's towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms, but its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The suspension, while equipped with adaptive dampers, lacked the refinement of some competitors, and the steering and brakes were not as precise as those found in the Cadillac Escalade. However, the Navigator excelled in highway driving, offering a quiet and refined ride.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as the Navigator, the Forester's engine was adequate for most driving situations. The continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive system provided a smooth and efficient driving experience, with a towing capacity of 1,360 kilograms in the Wilderness model. The Forester's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres. The SUV's suspension was re-tuned for improved ride and handling, and the Wilderness model featured longer springs and shocks for better ground clearance and off-road capability. The Forester excelled in off-road conditions, handling various terrains with ease.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, with seating for up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. The boxy design provided 546 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second row, and a total of 2,925 litres. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate control system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with features like separate thigh extensions and massage programs. However, parking the large SUV could be challenging, despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit and a practical interior design. The Forester Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The SUV's roof rails were upgraded to accommodate a three-person roof tent, and the interior offered comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 818 litres available without the panoramic sunroof and 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded down. The Forester's interior was well-equipped for storage, with various bins and holders for personal items.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while intuitive, felt outdated compared to competitors. The system included Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio but lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good, but not exceptional. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming, but the overall technology package felt less advanced than some rivals.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base trim, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system was not always reliable. The Forester's technology package was comprehensive, with features like remote engine starting and Starlink connected services.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts for the second row.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited and Premier trims featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring driver alertness. The Forester received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.