2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport retained much of the same design as the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and an aggressively-raked rear hatch. This gave it a unique blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, though the styling was somewhat unconventional. The fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper of the SEL Premium model were particularly unappealing. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, sharing the same wheelbase and platform. It came with standard LED exterior lighting and various wheel sizes depending on the trim level. The interior had a minimalist design but was let down by subpar materials, with hard and shiny plastics that felt cheap. The color scheme was also poorly executed, making the interior feel less welcoming.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end was restyled with an Audi-esque grille, which was less elegant than before. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication. The Navigator also featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing its tech appeal. The SUV was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with various trim levels, starting at $78,405. The Black Label trim, with its luxurious Central Park theme, offered a premium experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided a livelier acceleration experience but lacked midrange power. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin was noisy. The Cross Sport had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine and 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder engine. AWD models featured multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, but the SUV's off-road capabilities were limited.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled well in various conditions, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The SUV achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were among the best in the class, but rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and a 14-degree backrest recline. The SUV included various storage options, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a large center console.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort and space. The 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage features, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seats provided ample space and comfort. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured two infotainment systems. The base S trim had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims also featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a 10-inch reconfigurable display, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a user-friendly interface. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were easy to use. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking assist. The Cross Sport also had unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake in unsafe conditions, while Road Edge Detection helped steer the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 took control of parking maneuvers, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well but required the driver to remain attentive.