2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2019 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus was essentially an MKX with a refreshed exterior, but this was not a disappointment. The MKX, redesigned in 2016, was already a stylish and well-defined SUV, standing out among its boxy competitors. The Nautilus featured a sleek roofline, an arching rear shoulder line, and a slim tailgate, giving it a toned appearance. The Black Label trim added elegance with its 22-inch wheels and a wide, thin taillight. The new grille and standard bi-LED headlights were the most significant changes, while the Nautilus badges on the front fenders were subtle indicators of its new name. Inside, the Nautilus continued the theme of elegance with pleasant colors and luxurious materials. The Black Label trim offered soft leather from a Scottish tannery, matte wood accents, and padded materials in areas typically lined with hard plastic. The interior was further enhanced by a brown-and-black steering wheel, white-stitched leather, and metal trim with exposed tweeters, making it stand out even more.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was offered in a variety of trims, including S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, with optional Technology and R-Line packages. Its styling was a major selling point, with a shorter length and lower height giving it an SUV coupe look. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package featured 21-inch wheels and Pure Gray paint, creating a custom appearance. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport had a Burgundy and Titan Black two-tone color scheme, but closer inspection revealed hard plastics. Despite this, the design and materials in high-contact areas were well-executed, and ambient lighting added a nice touch. The Atlas Cross Sport was designed to appeal to those who valued style, though it sacrificed some cargo space compared to the larger Atlas.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus introduced a new turbocharged 4-cylinder base engine, replacing the previous 3.7-liter V6. This 2.0-liter turbo four produced 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. However, the recommended option was the twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, delivering 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Nautilus accelerated smoothly and quietly. The transmission was responsive, with paddle shifters providing rev-matching downshifts. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The steering was light yet connected, and the adaptive dampers stiffened in Sport mode. Despite its size, the Nautilus handled road imperfections well, and its double-paned windows ensured a quiet ride. Fuel efficiency was average for its class, with an EPA rating of 19-21 mpg city, 25-27 highway, and 21-23 combined.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The optional 3.6-liter V6 offered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The 4Motion system distributed power to the rear wheels as needed, enhancing traction. The V6 engine was adequate, though some might prefer a more powerful option. The transmission performed well, though downshifts were delayed in normal mode. The Atlas Cross Sport offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, adjusting the powertrain and steering behavior. While the SUV handled well, it lacked an adaptive damping suspension, leading to some unwanted body motion. Fuel efficiency was rated at 19 mpg combined, with an average of 18.7 mpg during testing.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus featured a simple and intuitive interior layout, with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a central infotainment screen. The vertical PRNDS gear selector was the only confusing element. The Nautilus offered generous space, with reclining rear seats that folded forward at the touch of a button, providing 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space. With the seats up, it offered 37.2 cubic feet. A power tailgate with gesture control was standard, and visibility was sufficient, aided by a rear backup camera with a washer. The interior had ample storage, including large consoles and USB ports.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, though smaller than the Atlas, felt spacious inside. The test vehicle featured large heated and ventilated leather seats with numerous adjustments. The second row was comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom, and included rear air-conditioning vents and heated seats. The dual-zone climate control struggled in direct sunlight, especially with the engine's stop/start system engaged. Storage was plentiful, with a large center console, door bins, and a glove box. The rakish roofline limited cargo space, but it still offered 40.3 cubic feet behind the back seat and 77.8 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus shared its Sync 3 infotainment system with Ford, offering a user-friendly experience with fast response times. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The system allowed for Waze navigation and remote functions via a smartphone app. The digital instrument cluster offered customization, though not as extensive as some competitors. The optional 19-speaker Revel Ultima stereo and configurable LED mood lighting added to the luxury feel. Optional front seats with 11 air cushions and 22-way adjustments provided exceptional comfort. The Driver Assistance package included semi-automated driving functions.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim test vehicle featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display. The system supported two Bluetooth device pairings and included Car-Net connected services. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality. However, the Cross Sport lacked natural voice recognition, requiring specific voice command menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were necessary for more intuitive voice commands.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2018 MKX, its mechanical twin, received 5 stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision alert, automatic braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including an automatic post-collision braking system. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included all available ADAS, with smooth and subtle operation. Unique features included road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. Crash-test results were not available, but the larger Atlas performed well in safety tests.