2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 22-inch design in Canada. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch, while the upgraded Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen kept the Navigator competitive in the screen size race.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lights up. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it was based on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering a minimalist interior design with quality materials. The ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, making it a practical choice for those seeking an electric SUV.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration, and it included Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview improved ride quality, while the new electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, thanks to its 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with an observed average of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a 62-kWh battery pack for the base model and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model, with RWD or AWD options. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 109 kilograms, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive "B" setting available. While it offered competitive acceleration, the ID.4's handling was less engaging on twisty roads, though it provided a comfortable and refined driving experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable heated, ventilated, and available massaging front seats with 30-way power adjustment. The second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort, with the added benefit of the upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator boasted generous storage and cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front and rear legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in terms of interior space, it was a practical choice among affordable EVs. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface similar to a modern smartphone. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect, and the system could be updated over-the-air. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and a choice of user interfaces, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, enhancing the driving experience. Despite some drawbacks, the voice recognition system was effective in most situations.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake in unsafe situations, while Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking tasks. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The system performed well within its limits, but complete trust in the technology was not yet warranted.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model earned the IIHS's "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with high scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.