2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in its class, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition and establishing a unique identity. Its design was marked by elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, with a body-colour grille, windows, and headlights, complemented by chrome accents. The Pristine White model, with its black wheels and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to finer details, such as the layered wood trim and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas maintained a big and boxy appeal, with minor updates from the previous year. The Execline trim, tested in Canada, featured R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its upscale look. The interior design was simple yet premium, though some materials felt low-cost, with hard plastics detracting from the overall quality. Despite this, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with genuine leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof in higher trims. The Atlas excelled in practicality, with numerous storage areas and exceptional cargo space, making it a family-friendly choice.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, delivered impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator's towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms, though its fuel efficiency was less commendable, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension lacked the sophistication of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking precision, the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for highway driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.6-litre V6. The V6, standard on the Execline trim, produced 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, its acceleration was leisurely, and the drivetrain felt unrefined. The Atlas's fuel consumption was 12.2 L/100 km combined, with driving modes to optimize performance. The 4Motion AWD system provided versatility, but the Atlas's ride quality was mixed, with a busy ride on certain surfaces. While the Atlas handled well, an adaptive-damping suspension option would have improved its ride dynamics.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seat. The boxy design maximized cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve trim featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with extensive adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven adults with ample head and legroom. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy. The Atlas offered generous cargo space, with 583 litres behind the third row and up to 2,741 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured numerous storage areas, though some were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Higher trims included genuine leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing comfort and luxury.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt dated compared to newer competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. While not cutting-edge, the technology was functional and user-friendly.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. Voice recognition was hit-and-miss, and the embedded navigation system was less reliable than smartphone integration.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional protection for second-row passengers. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted an impressive array of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology was occasionally problematic, misinterpreting road markings. The Atlas received four-star frontal-impact ratings from the NHTSA, falling short of class-leading safety ratings.