2023 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 offered a range of trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive, and prices varied from $33,395 to $43,395. The Highline R-Line trim, in particular, boasted a sportier look with 20-inch wheels and a choice of five paint colours, including the striking Atlantic Blue Metallic. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line featured a sophisticated cabin with leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting, though the lower half's hard plastic betrayed its mass-market status. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof available.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, while not significantly updated from its 2022 refresh, remained a top-tier full-size SUV in Lincoln’s lineup. The Navigator Reserve model, available in Canada, came with standard four-wheel drive and a Monochromatic Package that added black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The test vehicle, priced at $131,614, included a Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though it went unused by the teenage passengers. The Navigator’s interior was predominantly black, accented with real wood and chrome, and featured ambient lighting for added character. Despite its upscale appearance, some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the luxury feel. The Navigator’s cabin was spacious and comfortable, with Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though their numerous adjustments proved challenging to perfect.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. Drivers could select from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings available. Despite its 19 centimetres of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The suspension system included MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent rear suspension, with variable assist steering. However, the engine’s torque delivery resulted in some turbo lag, and the Tiguan’s performance was more about fuel efficiency than outright power, with a combined fuel economy rating of 9.8 L/100 km.

The 2023 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 a 4WD drivetrain, with a combined fuel economy rating of 13.2 L/100 km. The Navigator offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, with an adaptive damping suspension that used Road Preview technology. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, with the Navigator feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator’s steering was slow and lifeless, and its 2,700-kilogram curb weight challenged the brakes, particularly on mountain roads. In urban settings, the Navigator’s size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though cargo space was compromised with it in use. The Highline R-Line trim featured comfortable leather front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard was a notable change, though they proved harder to use than traditional buttons. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats across all three rows and an available extended body style for additional cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, and the 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a pass-through to the third row, which was spacious enough for taller adults. Storage was ample throughout the cabin, with various trays and compartments. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with up to 3,403 litres available behind the front seats.

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, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the natural voice recognition was disappointing, and smartphone integration was recommended. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system, standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Navigator also featured Phone As A Key technology, allowing owners to unlock and start the SUV using a digital key.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist systems, with available upgrades like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, though the touch-sensing controls could be challenging to use. Emergency Assist could bring the Tiguan to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model’s improvements could enhance this score.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator included the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Unique features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions and required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.