2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch option. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt diminished its elegance. Despite this, the rest of the updates were well-received, maintaining the Navigator's luxurious appeal. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, enhanced by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, following numerous updates in 2022, remained mostly unchanged. The most significant update was the addition of a complementary five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan. The Tiguan was available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, with prices ranging from $26,950 to $37,680, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The SEL R-Line trim, our test vehicle, featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Gray leather interior. Despite the variety of exterior and interior options, choices were restricted based on trim levels, limiting customization.

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 rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), the Navigator offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. During testing, the Navigator handled various terrains effortlessly, averaging 18.6 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The SEL R-Line trim included AWD as standard, with various driving modes for different conditions. The Tiguan averaged 22.6 mpg in combined driving during testing. While the powertrain had some quirks, the Tiguan's dynamic qualities, including light and lively steering and excellent tire grip, made it enjoyable to drive.

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. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations. 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 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan provided a roomy interior, with FWD models offering a standard third-row seat. The SEL R-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, the dashboard's touch-sensing controls were less user-friendly. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with large rear door openings and a spacious back seat. The AWD model offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparable to some midsize SUVs.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and voice recognition. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the touch-sensitive controls and complex user interfaces were less intuitive.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. A surround-view camera system was also newly standard. ActiveGlide performed well under specific conditions but required driver attention.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered comprehensive safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and semi-autonomous driving assist. The Tiguan's safety technology worked effectively, though its crash-test ratings were incomplete at the time of review.