2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. Its blunt nose, short front overhang, and appealing dash-to-axle ratio contributed to its sports wagon-like appearance, despite being an SUV. However, the 2025 styling updates made it appear less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. The remote keyless entry fob, though, was a letdown due to its cheap plastic construction. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with prices starting at $79,595. Our test vehicle, in Reserve trim, featured several option packages, bringing its MSRP to $96,295.

The 2025 Subaru Outback embraced crossover trends with its rugged design, including chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias. Its design was intended for off-road adventures, and it was particularly appealing in muted earthy shades. Subaru focused on catering to buyers who needed a vehicle capable of handling dirt roads, and this strategy paid off, as the Outback remained popular. The 2025 model saw no major changes, with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel in Canada. The Outback's interior was well-executed, with a mix of chrome and glossy black plastic kept to a reasonable level. The Premier XT trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats, enhancing comfort.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The optional adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, but the Aviator's mission was more about comfort than excitement. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, though fuel economy was a concern, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator's sightlines were clear, aided by thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors. However, the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at maintaining composure, but the Aviator's driving character didn't encourage spirited driving.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms. The standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged 2.4-litre engine offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided smart acceleration, though the Outback wasn't a performance car. With 22 centimetres of ground clearance and Subaru's X-Mode, the Outback excelled on slippery surfaces. The Wilderness trim increased ground clearance to 24.1 centimetres and added a front skid plate. The Outback's ride was smooth and comfortable, with light steering and powerful brakes. However, the stop/start technology and CVT's response could be improved.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though lacking massage features. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin in the centre console. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality, with easy entry and exit and a low centre of gravity. It provided 923 litres of cargo space with the rear seat up and 2,141 litres with the bench folded. The Outback's total passenger volume of 3,044 litres was larger than its crossover competitors, offering more front headroom and legroom. Buyers could choose between different trims, each offering unique features and driving experiences. The standard towing capacity was 1,225 kilograms, increasing to 1,588 kilograms with the turbocharged engine.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, making wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri more reliable. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The Aviator's head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with the Starlink infotainment system. While the screen was bright and easy to use, the system was slow to respond, especially at startup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless connectivity available on most trims. The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system performed well, though Starlink disturbances affected audio quality. The dashboard featured a mix of buttons and knobs, appealing to buyers who preferred physical controls. The Premier XT trim included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, providing a proactive approach to driver control. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Touring and higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.