2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its often less aesthetically pleasing competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned with Volkswagen’s larger models, a restyled grille with the new VW logo, and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's interior was equally impressive, offering a rich cabin with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new technology. However, the use of hard plastic in the lower cabin areas hinted at its mass-market status. The Tiguan's design updates ensured it remained appealing and contemporary.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyle, though it drew mixed reviews due to its Audi-esque grille. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade, enhancing the Navigator's technological appeal. Despite the grille's divisive reception, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, maintaining its luxurious and sophisticated presence.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with VW’s 4Motion AWD system provided power distribution, with driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The Tiguan's handling was nimble in normal driving conditions, but its performance was limited by turbo lag and a lack of power. Fuel efficiency was moderate, with an average of 9.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada ensured smooth power delivery. The Navigator excelled in towing capacity, ranging from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, and featured an updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview. Despite its size, the Navigator handled well on various terrains, with a fuel consumption average of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs, with optional third-row seating. The Highline R-Line trim provided leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum capacity of 2,078 litres in the two-row configuration. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard was less user-friendly.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator boasted exceptionally comfortable front seats with 30-way power adjustment and available massaging functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were equally luxurious, featuring heating, ventilation, and massage options. The third row offered ample space, maintaining comfort for all passengers. Cargo capacity was substantial, with up to 2,925 litres available, and the long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, provided connected services and smartphone mirroring. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and voice recognition. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. New additions included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could safely stop the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's enhancements aimed to improve this score.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide allowed hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention remained crucial. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving, enhancing the Navigator's safety credentials.