2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as side glass and overall footprint, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a distinct turn signal stalk. Its elegance and understated design were impressive, especially for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's exterior was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, with body-color elements in the Monochromatic Package, and tasteful chrome accents. The Pristine White model, with its white-painted grille and black wheels, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Slate Gray interior of the test vehicle showcased a taste for finer details, with layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Black Label trims elevated the luxury further with more textures and softer leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was designed by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, resulting in a more rakish appearance with a lower roofline and shorter length. This transformation gave the Cross Sport a bold, sporty, and upscale look, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. However, the base SE trim's 18-inch wheels appeared too small for the vehicle's design. The Atlas Cross Sport offered six paint colors, with the test vehicle in Pure Gray, complemented by a Dark Burgundy over Titan Black interior. Despite its stylish appearance, the interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the overall quality. The Atlas Cross Sport's MSRP was $52,495, slightly less than a similarly equipped standard Atlas, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking style.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying sound. The Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, but its suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking precision, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, standard in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, provided a more satisfying driving experience, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the 4Motion AWD system was available. The V6 engine delivered an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg combined, slightly less efficient than the turbo-four. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension, however, was a mixed bag, with a harsh ride at lower speeds and a soft, compliant feel at higher speeds. Despite good grip from the tires, the suspension tuning felt mismatched, and road noise was more intrusive than expected.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, with ample room for six adults. It was technically a seven-passenger SUV, but the third row's middle seat was best suited for children. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and a total of 103 cubic feet. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage capacity. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some features offered by German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs, making long drives a pleasure.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, resulting in a roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear outboard seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, while rear side-window sunshades provided added comfort. The Atlas Cross Sport offered ample storage space, though some areas lacked lining, leading to potential rattles. The cargo area was spacious, with deep wells for additional storage, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer models like the Cadillac Escalade. While the Navigator's technology was intuitive, it lacked some advanced features, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The software shared its interface with Ford vehicles, with a unique Lincoln skin. Voice recognition was fast and accurate, but there were no onboard apps or wireless software updates. The Navigator offered 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, with remote app functions included for five years. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity sensing. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, and wireless smartphone charging. The upgraded system provided access to Car-Net connected services, with options for remote start, emergency assistance, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the user experience could be frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though it lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, with more advanced options available on higher trims. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a low-speed automatic braking system. The SEL trim featured automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The IQ Drive system included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, providing advanced driver assistance. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.