2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, particularly in its new Onyx Edition trim, embraced the trend of blacking out shiny exterior trim, offering a sporty appearance that was previously absent. This edition featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The interior was adorned with StarTex synthetic leather, which was water-repellant but had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable feature. The gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching provided a refreshing alternative to the typical black interior. Despite its sporty exterior, the Ascent Onyx Edition's interior was designed for practicality, with metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels setting an appropriate mood.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its luxurious and imposing presence without significant updates from its previous model year. The Navigator Reserve model, with its Monochromatic Package, featured black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim, although keeping the Infinite Black exterior clean proved challenging. The interior was predominantly black, accented with real wood trim panels and chrome accents, creating an upscale atmosphere. The ambient lighting added character, especially at night, but some chrome plastic switchgear failed to convey the luxury expected in a vehicle of this calibre. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with quality materials throughout, although the chrome plastic on some switchgear detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing loop averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The flat-four engine layout contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's towing capacity was up to 2,270 kilograms (5,000 pounds), and its X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance added to its off-roading capabilities. However, the lane-keeping and lane-centring assistance technologies sometimes made the driving experience feel uncertain.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km combined, with our testing loop averaging 15.0 L/100 km. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. The adaptive damping suspension, with Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was often harsh over smaller bumps and floated over larger ones. Excite mode improved handling on mountain roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size was a liability in urban settings, making parking and manoeuvring challenging.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, although the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain's chairs were available on most trims. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo space was generous, with 458 litres behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, and the third row accommodated taller adults comfortably. Storage was abundant, with various trays and covered compartments. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third row, 2,075 litres behind the second row, and 3,403 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons, but the voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, lacking in sound quality, and the optional Harman Kardon premium sound system was not available for this trim. Additional technology features included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera on the Premier trim.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed excellently, understanding commands accurately. The Navigator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, providing rich sound. The Lincoln Way app and Phone As A Key technology allowed for digital key access. The Lincoln Play system offered rear-seat entertainment, but our teenage passengers preferred their smartphones.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique ADAS features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed surfaces, and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.