Lincoln Navigator vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator presented a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its previous flashy design to embrace a subtler elegance. The Black Label Special Edition package added a sophisticated touch with blacked-out wheels and details, allowing the illuminated star logo and light bars to stand out. The overall design was cleaner and more cohesive, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint option exclusive to Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator adopted a minimalist cabin design, enhancing the perception of quality despite some ergonomic challenges. The 48-inch panoramic display and Revel speaker grilles added a touch of modernity, although some interior elements like the tweeter speaker housings and door defogger vents appeared less refined.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintained its attractive design with evolutionary improvements. The third-generation model carried forward changes from 2024, featuring a frameless grille and aerodynamic enhancements for improved efficiency. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, adhering to Subaru's straightforward design philosophy. Material quality was consistent, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The Canadian model featured black leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. Chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats provided upscale accents, while standard features like heated seats and a power moonroof enhanced comfort.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered a towing capacity of up to 3,950 kilograms with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Navigator's 4WD system and 22.6 centimetres of ground clearance made it capable on various terrains. Despite its weight, the Navigator accelerated swiftly, with driving modes like Excite enhancing responsiveness. However, the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride, transmitting road shock into the cabin. The steering wheel's size and shape were unconventional, but the Navigator excelled on highways, offering a quiet and composed ride with BlueCruise for hands-free driving.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre engine and an 118 hp traction motor, producing a total output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than its gas-only counterpart. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management enhanced its capability on variable terrain, while the revised steering rack improved handling. The Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balanced ride, though the Wilderness trim introduced additional body roll due to its off-road suspension setup.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior space and luxury, though taller passengers found the rear seats less accommodating. The Navigator featured Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated, with massage functionality in Black Label models. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system offered stress relief through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. Second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable but had limited knee room due to thick front seats. The third-row seat provided good leg support but also faced knee room constraints. The Navigator L offered ample cargo space, with a new Split Gate tailgate design for easier access. Cargo volumes ranged from 611 to 3,443 litres, depending on the configuration.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on its predecessors with more horsepower and cargo space. It offered 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refuelling. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and deep door pockets. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided a practical and spacious interior for its class.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch centre touchscreen. It integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in for an intuitive interface, though some controls required navigating the touchscreen, which could be distracting. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system delivered a satisfying listening experience. Additional tech included Phone As A Key, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and various trailering technologies. However, the Navigator lacked a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and night vision technology.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its software lagged behind competitors. The display was a fingerprint magnet, and many controls were touchscreen-based, which was less convenient than physical buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, offering an alternative to the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though it couldn't display Google Maps from phone projections. Despite its shortcomings, the Crosstrek Hybrid's tech package was functional but not groundbreaking.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator boasted an extensive list of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Unique features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist enhanced safety. BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads, with the latest version offering improved functionality. However, the Navigator had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. The Crosstrek Hybrid had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2026, but the 2025 model received mixed results. Subaru addressed safety concerns by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats. While lacking a semi-autonomous driving system, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered comprehensive safety features.