2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, distinguished by its chrome accents and unique styling elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition counterpart. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a touch of sophistication, welcoming owners with a sequential illumination. The Navigator's design featured a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights, all contributing to its distinct appearance. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with its mid-century modern dashboard, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic glass roof that filled the cabin with natural light.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 embraced a more streamlined and distinctive look, designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. It departed from the traditional SUV styling of its gasoline counterparts, opting for a sleek profile with wheels pushed to the corners. The ID.4's interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. While the ID.4's design was innovative, it faced challenges in conveying an SUV-like appearance, similar to other EV crossovers. The interior offered a blend of comfort and technology, with a focus on efficiency and practicality.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed the Ford Expedition's most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. The Navigator's 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, with multiple drive modes to suit various conditions. Its towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Despite its size, the Navigator offered a hint of athleticism, though fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version added a second motor for a total of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and balanced handling. Its electric motor provided ample torque for quick acceleration, though it lacked the aggressive regenerative braking found in other EVs. Volkswagen's decision to focus on coasting efficiency and a familiar driving experience for gasoline car owners set the ID.4 apart.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with optional 30-way Perfect Position front seats that required some adjustment but provided exceptional comfort. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row offered class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was generous, with up to 3,407 litres available in the long-wheelbase Navigator L. The Navigator's interior was designed for luxury and practicality, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, though legroom was average. Its cargo space measured 858 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV competitors but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4's interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick pillars. The innovative gear selector and efficient heating features added to the ID.4's practicality, though the narrow centre console limited storage options.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was a weak point, with slow loading times. However, it offered a range of features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed for keyless entry and start. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided an immersive listening experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. The haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, though they proved challenging to use without tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system offered an alternative, responding to prompts like "Hello ID." The ID.Light system added a futuristic touch, though its novelty wore off quickly. Despite some gimmicks, the ID.4's infotainment system was well-designed, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with 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's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and its lane-keeping assistance was effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.