2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trim levels, including the base, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier. The base model started at an MSRP of $29,495, while the Premier trim reached $40,595, with an additional $1,800 destination charge. All-wheel drive was standard across all models, and Subaru offered a variety of dealer-installed accessories. The Forester Wilderness, new for 2022, featured a white exterior, dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $38,995, including destination. Despite its rugged modifications, such as a suspension lift and protective cladding, the Forester's design was not universally appealing, resembling a "raccoon on wheels." Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, and retained its 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, which was user-friendly despite having three display screens.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, while awaiting an electric transformation, continued to impress with its luxurious design. The fourth-generation Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, remained largely unchanged for 2023. It was available in Canada as the Navigator Reserve, featuring standard four-wheel drive. Our test model, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, included the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Despite its Infinite Black exterior being difficult to keep clean, the Navigator's interior exuded luxury with real wood trim and chrome accents. The ambient lighting added character, although some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall premium feel. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and comfortable, but its size proved challenging in urban environments.

The 2022 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road courses, thanks to its re-tuned suspension and dual-function X-Mode system. However, its naturally aspirated engine felt sluggish at higher altitudes, and wind noise was noticeable at speeds above 100 km/h.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but our test loop averaged 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. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps and a floating sensation over larger dips. 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 Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to its tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with ample rear-seat space and practical storage solutions. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the numerous adjustments proved challenging to perfect. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. 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 behind the front seats.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, Lincoln Connect services, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Navigator also offered Phone As A Key technology, allowing owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included features like 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, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear automatic braking system. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, while the IIHS had not yet rated the 2022 model.

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. It also featured Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones. The NHTSA awarded the Navigator a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating, but a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.