2026 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid underwent a redesign that introduced a more conventional look, losing some of its previous distinctiveness. Its blockier shape and reduced body sculpting gave it a visual heft reminiscent of a smaller Ford Explorer. Despite this, the Forester maintained a rugged appearance with black plastic elements hinting at its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Forester Hybrid featured a beveled dashboard centre section dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen, adding modernity alongside a digital instrument panel exclusive to the Hybrid model. While hard plastics were prevalent, soft-touch materials covered frequently touched areas, and the front seats offered ample cushioning and support. The hybrid model also included heated outboard rear seats, enhancing comfort.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator, essentially a premium Ford Explorer, boasted an elegant exterior with a long dash-to-axle ratio, restrained character lines, and large wheels. Its reverse-horseshoe grille, LED headlights, and subtle body sculpting contributed to its premium feel. The interior was the Aviator's main attraction, with synthetic leather upholstery in the base trim and leather options in higher trims. The Aviator offered seating for up to seven, with second-row captain’s chairs providing additional comfort. The third row, however, was less hospitable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with power controls for folding seats to maximize storage capacity.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine paired with a parallel hybrid system, producing a combined 194 horsepower. Its all-wheel-drive system, combined with hybrid components, promised better traction and consistent off-road performance. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made it feel slower than it was. The ride quality was firm, with some passenger jostling over moderate road undulations. Off-roading was a strong suit for the Forester Hybrid, thanks to its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, making it a versatile choice for both urban and adventurous drivers.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 383 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Its smooth 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive provided a powerful yet placid driving experience. The Aviator's suspension, even in its sportiest mode, prioritized a smooth ride over handling, resulting in considerable body lean through corners. An optional Air Glide suspension offered additional control and adjustable ride height for varying conditions. The Aviator also came with a Class III trailer tow package, capable of towing up to 2,268 kilograms, making it suitable for towing midsize boats or campers.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid offered an unimpeded forward view from the driver's seat, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The cockpit had an open, airy feel, with ample space for front passengers. Rear seats provided generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets, though they were not overly generous. The Forester Hybrid's cargo space was 779 litres, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator's base trim featured power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massagers and second-row captain’s chairs with heat and ventilation. The Aviator seated up to seven, with second-row seats that slid and folded for third-row access. While the third row was less comfortable for adults, cargo space was generous, with 467 litres behind the third row and up to 2,149 litres with seats folded. Power controls facilitated easy seat adjustments for maximizing cargo space.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen featuring built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. The hybrid model also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Off-road enthusiasts appreciated the external camera views available when driving under 20 km/h, aiding in navigating challenging terrains.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, complemented by a 5.8-inch second-row touchscreen. The Lincoln Digital Experience provided access to apps like Google Assistant and the Google Play store. Standard tech features included a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start, digital key functionality, and a 14-speaker audio system. The Reserve trim added ambient lighting and a Revel 14-speaker audio system, with a high-end 28-speaker system available.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most categories and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It came standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Additional features like blind spot monitoring and a surround-view monitor were included in the top-trim Hybrid model. The systems functioned well, with the adaptive cruise control noted for its smooth operation.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator included a comprehensive set of standard safety features as part of the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 system. This included forward collision warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Aviator performed well in crash tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS in several categories. However, it lacked a rating for its headlights, preventing it from qualifying for a Top Safety Pick award.