Compare the2026 Subaru OutbackVS 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Outback has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Nautilus doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Outback’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Nautilus doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

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

Both the Outback and the Nautilus have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee 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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 34 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Lincoln dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Outback’s warranty.

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.

The Outback XT/Wilderness’ standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 10 more horsepower (260 vs. 250) than the Nautilus’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Outback lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The Nautilus doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Outback 2.5i 2.5 DOHC flat-4 gets better fuel mileage than the Nautilus 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder 8-speed Auto (25 city/31 hwy vs. 21 city/29 hwy).

The Outback’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Nautilus are solid, not vented.

The Outback Wilderness has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Nautilus; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which has mileage and speed limitations, or roadside assistance and a tow-truck.

For better maneuverability, the Outback’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Nautilus’ (36.5 feet vs. 37.5 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Outback has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Nautilus (8.7 vs. 7.9 inches), allowing the Outback to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Outback Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 1.6 inches higher than on the Nautilus (9.5 vs. 7.9 inches).

The Subaru Outback may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 750 pounds less than the Lincoln Nautilus.

The front grille of the Outback uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Nautilus doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Outback has 1.4 inches more front headroom and .7 inches more rear headroom than the Nautilus.

The Outback has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Nautilus with its rear seat folded (80.5 vs. 71.3 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Outback. The Nautilus doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Outback’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Nautilus’ (2700 vs. 0 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Lincoln Nautilus is only 1750 pounds. The Outback offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

The engine in the Outback is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Nautilus. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

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.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Outback to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Nautilus doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Subaru Outback outsold the Lincoln Nautilus by almost five to one during 2024.