2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, moving away from the rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it was a sensible choice for the U.S. market, its SUV-like styling was less pronounced compared to other crossovers. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-focused design, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. Sharing its basic structure with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator stood out with unique design elements and luxurious touches. Its exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, with body-color options and chrome accents adding a touch of class. The interior impressed with seven color palettes and a focus on finer details, such as layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Navigator's materials were of high quality, with tight panel gaps and luxurious Black Label trims offering even more textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats provided exceptional comfort with 30 different adjustments, making the Navigator a standout in terms of interior refinement.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 initially launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. market. An all-wheel-drive version, introduced later in 2021, increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While not a performance car, the ID.4 offered a balanced driving experience with its RWD setup, providing a smooth ride over bumps and potholes. However, it lacked the sporty handling of some competitors, with noticeable body roll in corners. Volkswagen opted for a more traditional braking system, focusing on coasting efficiency rather than aggressive regenerative braking.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. While fuel economy was not its strong suit, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power delivery. Its adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as sophisticated as some competitors. The Navigator's steering and brakes were less precise than the Cadillac Escalade, but its overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for those prioritizing comfort and performance.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a spacious interior, with more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. Visibility was generally good, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The interior featured a unique twist-grip gear selector, freeing up space on the center console, though storage options were limited.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a cavernous interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. It featured power-folding third-row seats and optional second-row captain's chairs, with a total seating capacity of up to eight. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage capacity. The Navigator's interior was luxurious, with heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable, offering exceptional comfort and visibility. However, parking the large SUV could be challenging, despite the aid of 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came equipped with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch screen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system included a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster and haptic touchpads for controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-designed, with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen was smaller than those found in rivals, and the infotainment system lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, with a unique Lincoln interface. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, along with a 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. While not as advanced as some competitors, the Navigator's technology was functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. It came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing its safety features. Travel Assist provided smooth lane-centering and responsive acceleration and deceleration, making it a reliable choice for highway driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in most categories. However, it lacked knee airbags and received lower ratings for rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though it did not offer the same level of self-steering capability as some competitors. The Navigator's safety features were robust, though not as advanced as those found in some rivals.