2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 the SUV's 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 Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level in Canada starting at $107,500, excluding destination charges.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan remained mostly unchanged from its previous model year, offering Trendline, Comfortline, Comfortline R-Line Black, and Highline R-Line trims in Canada. Prices ranged from $36,675 to $47,175, plus a destination charge. The Tiguan's exterior offered six colours, four interior colours, and four alloy wheel designs, though choices were limited by trim level. The test vehicle featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Grey leather seats, with standard equipment including keyless entry, remote start, and an 8-way power driver's seat. The Highline R-Line trim stood out for its sporty appearance and 20-inch wheels, while the interior boasted quality materials, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite some materials reflecting its mid-$30,000s base price, the Tiguan's cabin felt upscale and well-constructed.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, it came with standard four-wheel drive. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain, and featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview improved ride quality, while a new electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. The Navigator handled snow and mud effortlessly, 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 the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Tiguan came with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive, offering Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes. The AWD system could send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels. Fuel economy was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test vehicle achieving 10.4 L/100 km. The Tiguan's powertrain provided adequate power, though passing and acceleration required planning. The ride was compliant, with excellent tire grip and stable handling, though road noise and an odd resonance were noted during testing. Visibility was excellent, aided by thin windshield pillars and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptionally comfortable front seats with 30-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and optional massaging functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, with an upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, with the Navigator's independent rear suspension design contributing to comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres with the third row folded, and 2,925 litres with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan provided a roomy interior with comfortable front seats featuring eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls were criticized for poor ergonomics, but the Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space. The rear seat offered generous legroom, headroom, and foot room, with air conditioning vents, cupholders, and a USB charging port. The cargo area was spacious, with 1,064 litres behind the second row and 2,078 litres with the seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a cavernous cargo area with adjustable load floor height and convenient storage features.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering easy access to navigation and music details. Physical controls for volume and climate functions were user-friendly, while the voice recognition system showed improvement. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came with digital instrumentation, with R-Line trims featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the user interface was criticized for its complexity and distracting touch-sensing controls. The voice recognition system underperformed, likely due to inactive Car-Net Hotspot subscription.

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 standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The system represented a step towards fully autonomous driving but highlighted the need for driver vigilance.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Tiguan's safety technology was effective and unobtrusive, though crash-test ratings were incomplete. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, but this did not apply for 2023.