2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that distinguished it from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers gave it unique front and rear styling, along with the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that welcomed owners with sequential illumination. The Navigator's lattice-type grille, illuminated star logo, and full-width taillights were distinctive, while black roof pillars created a wraparound glass appearance. Inside, the Navigator offered a mid-century modern dashboard, digital instrumentation, and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, all contributing to its luxurious flagship SUV status.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh, with new front and rear bumpers, LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille shared with the Atlas Cross Sport. The Atlas had a more extroverted look compared to its predecessor, though the fake chrome exhaust tips were less appealing. The R-Line trim added sportier bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic changes, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, offering a minimalist interior with logically laid-out controls. However, the material quality was below average, with cheap plastics and simulated trim.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most potent version. A 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive were standard, with multiple drive modes for various conditions. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. While acceleration was strong, fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The Navigator excelled on open roads, though its size was a challenge in urban settings.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre VR6 producing 276 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Atlas's driving experience was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. Despite its multilink suspension, handling felt truck-like, and the Atlas struggled with pavement imperfections. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder version was limited to 900 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space and comfort. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, though finding the right settings took time. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with heated rear seats and triple-zone climate control. The third row provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was generous, with up to 3,407 litres in the long-wheelbase version.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, designed as a family hauler, offered average passenger and cargo space, with 2,741 litres behind the front seats. While third-row legroom was commendable, second-row legroom was lacking, and the bench seat was uncomfortable. Folding and accessing the rear seats was straightforward, aided by a sliding second-row bench. The Atlas featured a driver-focused layout, with up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad. It also boasted 17 cupholders, though forward visibility was limited.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive feature, with slow loading times. However, it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera and head-up display.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and smartphone compatibility, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The Digital Cockpit was available, replacing analog gauges with a digital display. The MIBIII infotainment system, arriving later in the year, promised improved features. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender system available on the Execline trim.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas earned top ratings in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model, but the 2020 version received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the year.