2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to its predecessor. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior maintained a minimalist design, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime illumination sequence. The front end received a restyle, adopting an Audi-esque grille that some felt diminished its elegance. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The SUV also introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing its technological appeal. The Navigator continued to offer a luxurious and comfortable interior, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, and ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with combined ratings of 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres for the four-cylinder and 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres for the VR6.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator boasted a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms with the maximum tow package, and its adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology provided a smooth ride even on imperfect pavement. The SUV's fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering average passenger and cargo space for its segment. It provided 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. While it offered more third-row legroom than most competitors, it sacrificed second-row legroom, which was the worst among its peers. The interior featured a driver-focused layout with easy-to-reach controls, up to five USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. The Atlas also had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its exceptionally comfortable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and available with massaging and 30-way power adjustments. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience for rear passengers. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 546 litres of cargo capacity behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more space, making it ideal for large families and their gear.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims received an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering improved voice recognition and a redesigned navigation system. However, the test car's 8-inch screen was plain and text-heavy, making it difficult to read at a glance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, and allowed users to save personalized settings to a user profile. The Navigator also featured an upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience, enhancing the SUV's luxury appeal.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the similar 2020 model 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 model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also newly standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well within its operational limits, drivers were still required to remain attentive. These advancements represented steps towards fully autonomous driving, but the technology still required human oversight.