2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the common trend of emulating competitors. It carried forward the sharp styling of the Navigator, characterized by crisp lines and tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that elegantly dominated the dashboard. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's air of sophistication, while various trims provided a range of features from synthetic leather upholstery to massaging front seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas maintained a big and boxy appearance, with minor updates from the previous year. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale look. Inside, the Atlas boasted a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating seven passengers with ease. However, the use of hard, shiny plastics detracted from its premium feel. Despite this, the Atlas offered practical features like a low step-in height and numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trims added a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with an electric range of up to 21 miles. The Aviator's drive mode selector included unique options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing its highway and suburban driving capabilities, though it struggled with city maneuverability due to its size.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas provided two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6, while offering a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, lacked refinement and efficiency. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an Active Control system for its 4Motion AWD, but its performance was hindered by a gritty drivetrain and modest ground clearance. The Atlas excelled in interior space but fell short in driving satisfaction.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 77.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring trim, offered captain's chairs and a digital control panel for added comfort. However, the use of power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality in case of battery failure.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 96.8 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Atlas accommodated seven passengers comfortably, with features like tri-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its spaciousness, the Atlas's unlined storage areas led to noise issues, and its interior materials lacked a premium feel.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches in higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system offered wireless connectivity and Car-Net connected services, though the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. The Atlas's navigation system struggled with voice commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a more reliable option.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was well-equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and self-parking functionality. The Aviator received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. The SEL trim added IQ Drive features like Lane Assist and Travel Assist. However, the Lane Assist system struggled with old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, receiving four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.