2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out exterior trim with its new Onyx Edition trim level. This version featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, and the interior boasted a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. While the blacked-out treatment gave the SUV a sporty appearance, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its luxurious appeal with a triple-black Navigator Reserve model. The exterior featured black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, while the interior was all black with real wood trim panels and chrome accents. The ambient lighting added character to the cabin at night. Despite its upscale look, the chrome plastic on the switchgear failed to convey the luxury expected from a vehicle in this class.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined, though our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and offered off-road capabilities with its X-Mode traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg combined, but our testing loop averaged 15.6 mpg. Drivers could choose between five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview helped prepare the suspension for changes in the pavement surface. However, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps and a floating sensation over larger dips.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, though the third-row seats were best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third-row seat, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style. Power-deploying running boards made it easier to enter and exit the cabin. The Navigator's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage ensured comfort for long trips. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, where even taller adults could sit comfortably. The Navigator L model offered more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet with all seats folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an available widescreen head-up display, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed excellently, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided lush sound. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, which included advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed for hands-free driving on designated highways but struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.