2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, sharing its platform with the Ford Expedition, distinguished itself with unique front and rear styling elements and the Lincoln Embrace lighting system. The Navigator featured a lattice-type grille insert, illuminated star logo, and black roof pillars for a wraparound glass appearance. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package added body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels, available in White, Ceramic Pearl, and Infinite Black. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, included the Luxury and Reserve Monochromatic packages, priced at $92,385. Inside, the Dark Slate leather interior boasted 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a mid-century modern dashboard, and a panoramic glass roof, creating a luxurious flagship SUV experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, offered in S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims with optional Technology and R-Line packages, featured a shorter and lower SUV coupe design. The test vehicle, an SEL Premium with the R-Line package, showcased 21-inch machined-finish wheels and Pure Gray paint for a custom look. Inside, the Burgundy and Titan Black two-tone interior included large heated and ventilated leather seats, rear air-conditioning vents, and heated rear seats. Despite some hard plastics, the design and materials were well-executed, and the available ambient lighting added a nice touch.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with an optional four-wheel drive. Lincoln Drive Modes tailored the powertrain for various conditions, and the Navigator could tow up to 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD. Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplified trailer maneuvering. The Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. Despite some impact harshness with 22-inch wheels, the Navigator's body motion control was excellent, making it best suited for open roads.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used an 8-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and 4Motion all-wheel drive optional. The V6 provided a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Active Control traction settings included On-road, Snow, Off-road, and Custom Off-road. The Atlas Cross Sport averaged 18.7 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg combined. While the V6 was adequate, the SUV's suspension allowed too much body motion, and sharper impacts affected ride quality.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and heated steering wheel ensured a perfect driving position. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with a large center console and heated rear seats. The third row provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were also class-leading, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet maximum. The longer Navigator L offered even more space.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, though smaller than the Atlas, felt spacious inside. The test vehicle featured large heated and ventilated leather seats with numerous adjustments, a heated steering wheel, and rear air-conditioning vents. The second row comfortably accommodated three kids or two adults with ample legroom and headroom. The dual-zone automatic climate control struggled in direct sunlight, but storage space was plentiful. The Atlas Cross Sport offered 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 77.8 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load but included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim test vehicle featuring an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen, USB-C ports, and robust Car-Net connected services. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality. However, the Cross Sport lacked a natural voice recognition system, requiring specific command pathways for success. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were necessary for more intuitive voice commands.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator included the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard on Reserve trim. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of ADAS, with the SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle featuring road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. The Lane Assist system prevented lane changes when another vehicle was in the blind spot, and the rear cross-traffic alert system included automatic emergency braking. Crash-test results for the Atlas Cross Sport were not available, but the larger Atlas performed well in safety tests.