2023 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with a focus on comfort and elegance. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models added a hybrid system with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery, offering standard all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, with the top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model reaching $91,225. The Aviator's design was generally appealing, though some wheel designs were considered too plain for its price point. The interior was lavish, with a mix of high-end materials and a somewhat busy design, featuring patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and rich leather seats. However, some details, like the chrome switchgear and key fob, felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a more utilitarian and functional design, prioritizing practicality over style. It was available in several trims, including Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, with prices ranging from $26,395 to $36,495. The Forester's design was reminiscent of previous models, with a boxy shape and robust roof rails. The Touring trim offered a more upscale appearance with satin chrome exterior trim and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Forester featured Saddle Brown leather and metallic accents, with a focus on traditional Subaru design elements. The interior was busy but functional, with a mix of hard plastics and analog controls. The Forester's design emphasized ease of use and practicality, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a straightforward and capable SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive performance with its 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite the added weight from the electric motor and battery, it offered 21 miles of electric driving range and an average of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing for a tailored driving experience. During testing, the Aviator achieved 22.3 miles on electric power alone, with a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power, though the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping suspension, but it wasn't particularly engaging to drive. The SUV excelled in providing a quiet, smooth ride, ideal for those seeking comfort over sporty performance.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, offered a more modest performance. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) for a sportier response. Most Forester trims included an X-Mode off-road traction management system, enhancing its capability in various conditions. During testing, the Forester handled challenging weather conditions with ease, inspiring confidence in its all-weather performance. On dry roads, the Forester's driving dynamics were impressive, with light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. While the engine was adequate, a turbocharged option would have been appreciated for better performance at higher elevations. The Forester returned 25.9 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating, highlighting the need for a more efficient powertrain option.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort and luxury, featuring a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, though the third-row seats were cramped and best suited for children. With the third row in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 77.7 cubic feet, making it suitable for families needing extra storage.

The 2023 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality, with features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats available from the Premium trim. Higher trims offered leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's design provided excellent outward visibility, making it easy to drive and park. While the front seats were comfortable, the rear seats lacked leg support and had a reclined backrest angle. The Forester excelled in interior storage, with numerous pockets and compartments for stashing items. Its cargo area offered 26.9 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing ample room for various needs.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and a WiFi hotspot. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The Aviator also included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2023 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims featured an 8-inch display, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's older Starlink system was user-friendly, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs and buttons. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better choice for navigation and other tasks.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. The test vehicle had additional features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the Grand Touring model was not specifically rated.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, with improved software and cameras for better performance. It included Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking on higher trims. The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System was exclusive to the Touring trim. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in new side-impact and frontal-impact tests.