2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had a distinct presence, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and tasteful chrome accents, making it an elegant yet imposing vehicle. The Pristine White model with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes, high-quality materials, and a modern, minimalist design. The Slate Gray interior of the test model showcased fine details like layered wood trim and a floating center console, making it one of the most refined large SUVs available.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos aimed to offer a more practical and straightforward design. Positioned as a compact SUV, it competed with models like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. The Taos came in S, SE, and SEL trims, with prices ranging from $22,995 to $33,045. The SEL 4Motion test vehicle featured 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint, adding a vibrant touch. The interior, however, was a mix of hard plastics and soft surfaces, with the SEL trim offering two-tone perforated leather and an upscale dashboard. Despite some criticisms of the interior materials, the Taos provided a spacious cabin with ample legroom and comfort for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options. It boasted a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with the RWD model. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens and fitting the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but it lacked the refined suspension of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking, the Navigator's powerful engine and plush cabin made it a compelling choice for highway driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided adequate power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was only available with front-wheel drive. The Taos SEL 4Motion test vehicle, equipped with 19-inch tires and Sport mode, delivered a more engaging driving experience. However, its 6.6-inch ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The Taos achieved an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 27.1 mpg.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, but the power-folding and raising feature added convenience. The Navigator provided ample cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The front seats were highly adjustable and luxurious, with features like separate thigh extensions and massage programs. However, the lack of electrically reclining second-row seats and side window shades were minor drawbacks.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, despite being a compact SUV, offered a surprisingly roomy cabin. The SEL trim featured deeply bolstered front seats with power adjustments and heating and ventilation. The rear seats provided generous legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents for added convenience. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the FWD model offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The 4Motion model had slightly less cargo space due to the independent rear suspension. The Taos also included a center pass-through for ski trips, adding to its practicality.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated compared to newer models. Its 10-inch touchscreen, while functional, lacked the advanced features of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's infotainment system was intuitive but slow, and it did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, it offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. Despite its simplicity, the Navigator's technology was user-friendly and effective.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with VW's Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The SE and SEL trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with more advanced MIB3 software. All Taos models included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The SEL trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the voice-recognition technology and user experience could be improved. The infotainment system's complexity and slow response were notable drawbacks, but the overall technology package was comprehensive.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars overall and in most tests. However, it lacked knee airbags and had optional inflatable rear seat belts. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional but did not offer advanced self-steering capabilities.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through its IQ Drive package. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos SEL trim included these features as standard, along with Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The latter provided advanced safety measures in case of driver inactivity. The Taos also had rain-sensing wipers, road sign recognition, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. However, the reverse automatic braking system could be overly sensitive in certain situations.