Compare the2026 Subaru AscentVS 2026 Lincoln Navigator

The Subaru Ascent has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Navigator doesn’t offer knee airbags.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Subaru Ascent achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Lincoln Navigator has not been tested.

The Subaru Ascent’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Lincoln Navigator does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Ascent uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The Navigator uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Ascent and the Navigator have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The Subaru Ascent has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2026 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test, and a “Good” score in the revised vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention test. The Navigator has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2026.

There are over 49 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Lincoln dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Ascent’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Ascent’s reliability 14 points higher than the Navigator.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Ascent second among upper midsize suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Navigator isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Lincoln vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lincoln is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Lincoln With 9 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Lincoln.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Lincoln vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru second in overall reliability. Lincoln is ranked 20th.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Ascent lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The Navigator doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Ascent gets better mileage than the Navigator:

The Ascent has a standard locking fuel door, which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Navigator. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

The Ascent has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Navigator doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Ascent stops shorter than the Navigator:

The Ascent Touring handles at .80 G’s, while the Navigator Black Label pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Ascent’s turning circle is 3.7 feet tighter than the Navigator’s (38 feet vs. 41.7 feet).

The Subaru Ascent may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1450 to 1500 pounds less than the Lincoln Navigator.

The Ascent is 1 foot, 1.2 inches shorter than the Navigator, making the Ascent easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Unibody construction lowers the Ascent’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The Navigator doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

The Ascent has 2.9 inches more front headroom and 2.1 inches more rear headroom than the Navigator.

The front step up height for the Ascent is 3.3 inches lower than the Navigator (17.7” vs. 21”). The Ascent’s rear step up height is 4.9 inches lower than the Navigator’s (18.1” vs. 23”).

The Ascent’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The Navigator’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

A Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the Ascent, using the Vehicle Dynamics Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Navigator.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Lincoln. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 23% lower rating, Lincoln is ranked 15th.

When the Ascent Limited/Touring is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Navigator’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Subaru Ascent retains 50.27% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 40.85% resale value of the 2026 Lincoln Navigator after five years, which can save the Subaru’s owner up to $39252 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru Ascent, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Ascent outsold the Lincoln Navigator by over two to one during 2025.