2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was offered in a variety of trims, including S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, with optional Technology and R-Line packages. Its design was a major selling point, featuring a shorter and lower profile than the larger Atlas, giving it a sleek SUV coupe appearance. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package was particularly striking, with large 21-inch wheels and a custom look enhanced by Pure Gray paint. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport presented a visually appealing interior with a Burgundy and Titan Black two-tone color scheme, though closer inspection revealed hard plastics typical of its price range. Despite this, the design and materials in high-contact areas were well-executed, and ambient lighting added a touch of sophistication.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. It shared some design elements with the Ford Expedition but stood out with its unique features, such as a body-color grille and illuminated Lincoln logo. The Pristine White model tested was particularly eye-catching, and the vehicle's light show upon locking or unlocking added to its charm. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and attention to detail, such as the layered wood trim and floating center console. The materials were of high quality, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious options. The Perfect Position seats were a highlight, with 30 adjustable settings, providing exceptional comfort and customization.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. However, the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, was more popular due to its better performance in daily driving. The Atlas Cross Sport featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and was primarily front-wheel drive, with an optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, and had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Despite its performance capabilities, the Atlas Cross Sport was noted for its thirstiness, averaging 18.7 mpg in testing.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and responsiveness. The Navigator offered both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. While its fuel economy was not exceptional, averaging in the teens, the Navigator's adaptive dampers and overall refinement made it a pleasure to drive on highways. The vehicle's paddle shifters added a sporty touch, and its quiet cabin enhanced the driving experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, though smaller than the Atlas, offered a spacious interior. The front seats were large, heated, and ventilated, with numerous power adjustments, providing comfort for long drives. The second row was equally accommodating, with ample legroom and headroom for adults. The vehicle's dual-zone automatic climate control system struggled in direct sunlight, but storage space was plentiful, with 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a vast interior, capable of seating six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, but the vehicle's boxy shape maximized cargo space, offering 19 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103 cubic feet in total. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and luxurious, providing excellent visibility. However, parking the large vehicle was challenging, despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim model featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display. The system supported two Bluetooth device pairings and included Car-Net connected services, such as WiFi and remote engine starting. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality, but the lack of a natural voice recognition system was a drawback.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer models, but its software was intuitive and easy to use. The vehicle included 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, with remote app functions available for five years. The rear entertainment system offered various connectivity options, and the drive mode animations added a touch of elegance. However, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a notable omission.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The SEL Premium R-Line model included additional features like road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. While crash-test results were not available, the larger Atlas performed well in safety tests.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with optional inflatable rear seat belts for added safety. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control did not match the self-steering capabilities of some competitors.