2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a notable facelift, featuring a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a simulated skid plate and fog lights in oversized housings. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a popular choice among the six available trims. The Outback's interior, particularly in the Touring trim, was praised for its upscale Java Brown leather and cohesive design, despite some criticism of the infotainment screen's tendency to collect dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, highlighted by a new grille with LED lighting extending through it, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The rear featured a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports, while the profile showcased high door handles integrated into the beltline. Inside, the Nautilus impressed with its high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a standout full-width screen. The Black Label trim offered 24-way Perfect Position front seats with massage functions, setting a new standard for comfort in the mid-size luxury SUV class.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled with passing and climbing power, leading to a less-than-expected fuel efficiency of 25.6 mpg. The turbocharged XT models offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but at a higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency. All Outback models came with a CVT and standard AWD, with an X-Mode traction system for challenging terrains. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Outback excelled in off-road capabilities and city maneuverability.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid option, available for an additional $1,500, offered 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an impressive EPA estimated 30 mpg combined. The Nautilus featured AWD and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. The hybrid's CVT was well-tuned, avoiding common pitfalls like droning. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus provided a satisfying driving experience with its Excite mode and adaptive features.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and practical interior design. The Touring trim offered comfortable seating with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and ample legroom. The Outback's cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded down. However, wind noise and limited practical storage space were noted drawbacks.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus excelled in interior comfort, especially in the Black Label trim with its 24-way Perfect Position front seats offering massage and extended heating functions. Rear passengers benefited from 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Nautilus offered 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 71 cubic feet. While seating was limited to five, the Nautilus provided a luxurious and spacious environment, enhanced by features like the Lincoln Rejuvenate system.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity from the Premium trim upwards. The system included a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and optional navigation and premium audio systems. However, the voice recognition system was criticized for its limited functionality. Additional tech features included a digital rearview mirror and a front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was notably absent.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a stunning 48-inch curved display, with customizable sections for various information. A smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While some controls were criticized for being distracting, the inclusion of Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, and OTA updates were appreciated. Standard wireless charging and multiple USB ports ensured connectivity and convenience.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was lauded for its safety features, including the EyeSight system with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system's new Automatic Emergency Steering function and Wide-Angle Mono Camera enhanced pedestrian and cyclist detection. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems were criticized for their artificial steering feel.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite, featuring lane-keeping assist, park assist, and adaptive cruise control. The standout Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with features like automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. While the 2024 model had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, the 2023 model received high marks for crash protection.