2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark grey cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Premier XT model, offering a surprisingly appealing aesthetic. The Outback's various trims showcased different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Premier XT trim tastefully incorporating chrome accents. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Premier XT featured a machine finish. Inside, the Premier XT impressed with its luxurious Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, elevating the Outback's traditionally capable nature to a more refined level.

In contrast, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions with a blunt nose and a tapered roofline. While the Aviator's design was fundamentally appealing, the 2025 styling updates, particularly with the optional Jet Appearance Package, seemed less elegant. The interior exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with a focus on traditional luxury rather than overwhelming technology. However, the remote keyless entry fob felt cheap, contrasting with the Aviator's otherwise plush interior. The Aviator's Reserve trim, equipped with the Reserve 201A package, offered numerous desirable features, including upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were upgraded to a 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbo setup increased the towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The Premier XT test car, equipped with the more powerful engine, provided a well-balanced driving experience, with the CVT mimicking eight distinct gears. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, especially in the Wilderness trim, made it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite and Normal, with an optional adaptive air suspension enhancing the ride quality. Despite its power, the Aviator prioritized comfort over excitement, with the adaptive Air Glide suspension ensuring a composed and calming ride. The Aviator's fuel economy was rated at 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres, though our test observed 13.3 L/100 km. The SUV's sightlines were excellent, aided by a 360-degree camera view, though the ride quality suffered on rougher roads due to the large 22-inch wheels.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space despite its sleek proportions. It provided more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 923 litres with all seats in place and expanded to 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback's feature availability included dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard from the Touring trim, while the Premier XT offered ventilated front seats.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator excelled in comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, offering 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. The Aviator's storage solutions were excellent, with a spacious centre console and deep door panel storage pockets. Cargo space measured 466 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres. The Aviator's interior was well-equipped, though it lacked side window sunshades.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Premier XT featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform, while dated in appearance, offered essential connectivity options. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. The Premier XT also included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator boasted a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. The system included Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in our test vehicle. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered an exceptional audio experience. The available head-up display provided valuable information, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic pre-collision braking. The Touring trim added reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Premier XT featured a digital rearview mirror and a driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, offering advanced safety features like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, providing a four-year subscription. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating its safety in collisions.