2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was based on VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. While it had SUV-like styling, it didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior design blended Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end with an Audi-esque grille. The changes aimed to enhance the SUV’s elegance and presence, although the new grille design was less successful in achieving this. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, offering a user-friendly interface and ample display space. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with trim levels including Standard, Reserve, and Black Label.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 offered a balanced handling experience, with RWD providing a more engaging drive compared to front-wheel-drive rivals. However, it was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. The ID.4’s regenerative braking system was less aggressive than other EVs, relying more on friction brakes to provide a familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available in RWD or 4WD, the Navigator offered impressive towing capacity, ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology enhanced ride comfort by preparing for road imperfections in advance. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator performed well in various conditions, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was rated at 18 mpg combined, with real-world testing achieving 18.6 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than several EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but subpar rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The unconventional twist-grip gear selector freed up some storage space, but the narrow center console limited storage for larger items. Standard heated steering wheel and front seats helped maintain cabin heat efficiently.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, making long trips comfortable. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. Storage and cargo space were generous, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L offering even more capacity. The standard Navigator had 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The Navigator L increased these figures to 34.3 and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most physical controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system allowed for easier operation, though it was slow to respond. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, communicating information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and user-friendly, with smart-looking graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a more modern and user-friendly interface compared to the previous model. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were retained, with clear markings and a matte finish for easy use. Sync 4 supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that performed well, though not perfectly. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality, enhancing the overall in-car experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The new Travel Assist system added automated lane centering, while Emergency Assist could bring the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding effectively to acceleration and deceleration.

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 became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection helped steer the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 took complete control for parking, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. During testing, ActiveGlide performed well on straight, dry, sunny stretches of freeway but required driver attention for potential threats. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving but emphasized the importance of driver vigilance.