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.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Subaru Outback 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 Nautilus has not been tested.

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.

The Subaru Outback 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 Nautilus is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” 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 Outback’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 Outback’s reliability 24 points higher than the Nautilus.

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 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.

As tested in Car and Driver the Outback XT/Wilderness 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Lincoln Nautilus 4 cyl. hybrid gas:

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 stops much shorter than the Nautilus:

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.

The Outback Touring XT handles at .81 G’s, while the Nautilus Black Label pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Outback Touring XT executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the Nautilus Black Label (27.2 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 28.8 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

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.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Subaru Outback retains 56.65% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 43.1% resale value of the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus after five years, which can save the Subaru’s owner up to $17688 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru Outback, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lincoln Nautilus isn't recommended.

The Subaru Outback outsold the Lincoln Nautilus by almost five to one during 2025.