2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 22-inch design in Canada. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the new "single-frame" grille being a minor footnote. Inside, the Navigator impressed with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing the vehicle's competitive edge in display technology.

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift with a new front end, redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray cladding. The Outback's aggressive appearance was complemented by a simulated skid plate, fog lights, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim. The Onyx Edition, with black wheels and trim, offered a more cohesive look. The Outback was available in seven trims, with the Onyx Edition priced at $38,695 in Canada. The interior of the Limited trim was praised for its upscale design, featuring premium Nappa leather upholstery and light gray contrast stitching. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior maintained a high-quality feel.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It featured 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 the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, while the new electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 L/100 km, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-litre flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, but passing and climbing power was limited. The Outback's towing capacity was 1,225 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 8.3 L/100 km, but the test vehicle averaged 9.2 L/100 km. The Outback XT models offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but lower fuel efficiency. The Outback's suspension was well-tuned, offering a firm ride at lower speeds and excellent ride quality at higher speeds. The vehicle handled well, with decent steering and capable brakes.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its heated, ventilated, and available massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a comfortable experience. The third-row seat was roomy and supportive, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space, with 972 litres behind the third row and up to 3,403 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Limited trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, both heated and wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The rear outboard seats were also heated. The Outback's cargo space measured 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the back seat folded. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, with a high ground clearance and supportive seats. The roof rails and rack were robust, ready for accessories and tying down items.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering two data panels for navigation and music details. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate functions. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with access to Starlink connected services. The voice recognition system was less effective, struggling with basic commands. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera. A surround-view camera was not available.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake in unsafe conditions, while Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well but required driver attention.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, enhancing safety features. The IIHS rated it highly, including in the new side-impact crash test. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Outback Premier XT added a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were less impressive, with artificial steering feel. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.