2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the updates were generally well-received, with the Navigator maintaining its luxurious interior, now enhanced with Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display added to the vehicle's appeal, keeping it competitive in the market.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received minor styling updates, such as gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it was based on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering a minimalist interior with quality materials, and leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibers was standard.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect roads. The SUV's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator averaged 18.6 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, with RWD only, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models retained the 82-kWh pack, available with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models produced 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive "B" setting available, though it did not support one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator 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, while the third-row seat provided roomy accommodations. The Navigator boasted generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front and rear legroom and headroom. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with a capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and three-zone climate control.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and user-friendliness. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition capabilities. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring software updates for improved responsiveness. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a digital instrument cluster. The ID.4's user interface included haptic touchpads, which some found distracting, though voice recognition helped mitigate this issue. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced 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. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was expected to maintain the IIHS’ “Top Safety Pick+” rating. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.