2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued to embody the brand's commitment to luxury and functionality, even as the automotive world anticipated its eventual transition to an electric model. Despite the pressure from competitors like Cadillac, the Navigator remained largely unchanged from its 2022 refresh. This full-size SUV, positioned at the top of Lincoln's lineup, was available in Canada as the Navigator Reserve with standard four-wheel drive. The test model, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. While the Infinite Black colour proved challenging to maintain, the package was also available in Pristine White or Ceramic Pearl. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, exuded an upscale feel, though some chrome plastic elements fell short of luxury expectations. The cabin offered ambient lighting and quality materials, but the chrome switchgear detracted from the overall premium experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. The new wheel designs and colours, along with a light-up rear VW logo, added to its refreshed appearance. While the ID.4 was unmistakably an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its underpinnings with a range of models, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van. Inside, the ID.4 retained the minimalist design and quality feel of recent VW interiors. The base model offered leatherette upholstery with recycled fibre inserts, and the higher-level ID.4 Pro AWD provided a similar experience. Despite the manual driver's seat in the base model, the interior didn't feel like a significant downgrade from the Pro AWD version.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving by Natural Resources Canada, but during testing, it averaged 15.0 L/100 km. Drivers could choose from five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available as an option. The adaptive damping suspension, featuring Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was often harsh over smaller bumps and floated over larger dips. Excite mode improved the ride by stiffening the suspension and quickening the powertrain's response, though it negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, with its large wheels providing grip but the steering feeling slow and lifeless.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model, available with RWD or AWD. The single electric motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 109 kilograms, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivalled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but allowed too much body roll for spirited driving on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present, but VW's approach didn't support one-pedal driving, offering a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across all three rows and a generous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy, and the third-row seat accommodated taller adults comfortably. However, the front seats' numerous adjustments proved challenging to perfect. Storage space was abundant, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third row, 2,075 litres behind the second row, and 3,403 litres behind the front seats.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 boasted more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front and rear legroom and headroom. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was a practical choice among affordable EVs. The ID.4 also provided towing capability, with RWD models rated for 1,000 kilograms and AWD models for 1,225 kilograms. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant excelled in understanding commands, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues, and the rear-seat Lincoln Play infotainment system went unused by teenagers.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster provided sharp graphics and a choice of display views. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, however, lacked physical feedback, making them distracting to use. The ID.Light system, part ambient lighting and part AI assistant, changed colours based on drive mode and provided navigation cues. Despite its cleverness, it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique ADAS features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system for designated Hands-Free Blue Zones. BlueCruise required regular driver intervention, especially in curves, mixed pavement, and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but full crash test assessments were unavailable.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests and a four-star rollover rating. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS's highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The ID.4 came with standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.