2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its unique styling, avoiding the temptation to mimic its rivals. It carried over the sharp design language of the Navigator, characterized by crisp lines and chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a cabin defined by comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the air of class and luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a bold, sporty, and upscale appearance, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The interior was exceptionally roomy for five people, with generous rear legroom and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. However, the use of hard, glossy plastic and unlined storage areas detracted from the overall impression of quality.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator offered robust acceleration and a smooth power delivery, though it exhibited noticeable body roll in corners and was somewhat awkward to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and 4Motion AWD available. The V6 engine provided more satisfying performance and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, with the suspension feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The V6 engine also lacked refinement and delivered an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second-row captain's chairs and digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls added to the comfort and functionality. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about potential issues if the battery died.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided ample interior space, accommodating five adults comfortably with generous rear legroom. The cargo area offered plenty of load-floor real estate, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model. The numerous storage areas, while spacious, lacked rubber or fabric linings, leading to potential rattles and scraping noises.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto presented on the full screen. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information. The system's layout and redundant controls made it user-friendly.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch display paired with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base SE trim. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and wireless smartphone charging. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition technology. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system in the SEL Premium R-Line trim was a highlight.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came well-equipped with standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system as standard. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive with Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and a 360-degree camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the NHTSA or IIHS.