2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to capture the growing market for crossovers with its rugged appearance, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and elevated driving position. Subaru's strategy mirrored that of the Outback, which had successfully outlasted many station wagons in the U.S. market. The Crosstrek distinguished itself from the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a higher ride height, offering 22 centimetres of ground clearance. This transformation gave the Crosstrek a more SUV-like character, enhanced by vibrant colour options like Plasma Yellow Pearl. Despite its SUV mimicry, the Crosstrek retained the Subaru Global Platform, ensuring a refined driving experience, although the interior remained functional yet plain, with some design elements like simulated carbon-fibre trim appearing less premium.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome sequence. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt diminished its elegance. However, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, now enhanced by Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system, with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, improved the Navigator's tech offerings, while the SUV's adaptive-damping suspension and electronic brake booster contributed to a smoother ride. The Navigator's spacious interior, with comfortable seating across all rows, and generous cargo capacity, especially in the long-wheelbase version, made it a compelling choice for those seeking luxury and practicality.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrains, with the Outdoor and Limited trims featuring a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Other trims retained the 2.0-litre engine, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Subaru's signature boxer engine design provided a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling, although the SUV-like ride height somewhat negated this benefit. A six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, but most buyers opted for the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which was standard on Sport and Limited trims. All trims came with AWD, and features like X-Mode and hill descent control improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek excelled on pavement, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride, though the CVT's droning was noticeable during acceleration.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration, and its Trailer Reverse Guidance technology was user-friendly. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, featuring Road Preview, smoothed out imperfections in the road, while the new electronic brake booster improved pedal feel. The Navigator handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity compared to rivals. With 588 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,565 litres with them folded, the Crosstrek outperformed some competitors but lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder system, and the front cabin included a convenient cubby with USB and auxiliary ports, though rear passengers had limited access to charging options. The Crosstrek's driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility remained excellent due to ample side glass.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats offering 30-way power adjustments. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided a luxurious experience, complemented by the upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seats remained spacious and comfortable, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,925 litres with all seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more capacity, making it ideal for large families or those needing extra storage.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation standard on the Limited. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, enhancing safety without overwhelming the driver.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with user profiles to save settings. The voice recognition system was improved, though not flawless, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high marks in crash tests and front-crash prevention. EyeSight driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, were standard on CVT-equipped models. The system's cameras were well-protected but had limitations in certain conditions.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing safety. ActiveGlide performed well on approved highways, though drivers needed to remain attentive. These systems represented progress toward fully autonomous driving but required responsible use.