Lincoln Nautilus vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid presented a more conventional design compared to its predecessor, with a blockier shape that gave it a visual heft reminiscent of a compact Ford Explorer. While it lost some of its distinctiveness, 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. The cabin, though filled with hard plastics, offered soft-touch materials in high-contact areas, with the front seats providing ample cushioning and support, enhanced by ventilation and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a stately appearance with a distinctive grille and squinting eye-slit headlights. Its wide body featured a contrasting black roof and pillars, with integrated door handles and a spear-shaped design element along the upper doors. The rear was marked by a spoiler and full-width taillight, sitting on standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Nautilus adopted a high-end look with a unique layout centred around a large 48-inch screen at the base of the windshield. The interior offered a stepped design with a low-set centre console and a wide display screen, complemented by synthetic leather upholstery in the base trim and leather in higher trims.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder engine, combined with a parallel hybrid system featuring two motor/generators and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, producing 194 horsepower. The all-wheel drive system used a traditional driveshaft, promising better traction off-road. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission made it feel slower, with the engine emitting a monotone groan at higher speeds. The hybrid system functioned smoothly, with consistent braking and predictable handling on twisty roads. The ride quality was firm, but the Forester Hybrid excelled off-road with its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The hybrid variant, with a larger turbo and electric motor, boosted output to 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, using a continuously variable transmission. The Nautilus prioritized quiet, serene comfort over sportiness, with a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. It featured adaptive dampers in the Reserve trim, offering various drive modes. The ride was smooth, even with 22-inch wheels, though the dampers were too soft for secondary motions.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid offered an unimpeded forward view from the driver's seat, with thin front roof pillars enhancing visibility. The front seats provided ample space and an open, airy feel, while the rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, complemented by a panoramic sunroof. Storage included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets, with USB ports and air vents for rear passengers. The Forester Hybrid had 779 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus focused on comfort, with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats, 24-way power seats with massage, and heated rear seats were available. The second row offered excellent space, with 1,095 millimetres of legroom and sculpted seats. Cargo space was generous, with 1,030 litres with rear seats upright and 2,020 litres when folded flat. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free version available.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink system was praised for its large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. The X-Mode off-road drive menu and external camera views were useful for off-roading. The Forester Hybrid also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus showcased a 48-inch screen at the base of the windshield, displaying essential information. An 11.1-inch lower touchscreen handled infotainment controls, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless charger. The audio system ranged from a standard 10-speaker setup to a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D unit. Lincoln Rejuvenate offered relaxation programs using scent, seating, and visuals on the 48-inch screen.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included Subaru's EyeSight suite, with additional features on the top-trim Hybrid. The systems functioned well, with smooth adaptive cruise control.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system. BlueCruise was effective but had some flaws, such as sensitivity to driver attention. The Nautilus scored well in crash tests, earning five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.