2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen designed the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport by removing the third row from the standard seven-passenger Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches, and shortening the SUV’s length by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five people. However, the Cross Sport’s reduced cargo space offered 40.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 77.8 cubic feet. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, provided a bold, sporty, and upscale appearance, although other wheel choices were less appealing. The interior featured various color combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastic and unlined storage areas detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the 2022 Navigator, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the Navigator’s elegance. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with 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 and the updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview were notable upgrades. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles with various trim levels, starting at an MSRP of $78,405.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying performance and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the turbo-four’s 2,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and VW’s 4Motion AWD system available. The V6 engine felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport, but the suspension tuning was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The V6 4Motion powertrain returned an average of 19.2 mpg during testing.

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 and available in RWD or 4WD. The Navigator’s towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator performed well on highways and in snowy and muddy conditions, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator 4WD achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase, track width, and interior with the larger seven-passenger model, offering exceptional roominess for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and there was ample storage space, although some areas lacked lining, leading to potential rattling and scraping noises. The cargo area provided plenty of load-floor real estate, despite the reduced cargo space compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat remained roomy and supportive, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L providing even more capacity. The standard Navigator carried 19.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third-row seat, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed.

The base 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless smartphone charging, and more USB ports. The upgraded infotainment system offered access to three Car-Net connected service subscription plans, providing features like remote start, emergency assistance, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the user experience was sometimes frustrating, and the standard voice recognition technology was less effective without the Car-Net WiFi hotspot plan. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which was highly praised.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured two data panels for simultaneous viewing of navigation and music details. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were easy to use. Sync 4’s voice recognition system was improved but not perfect, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was upgraded with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a new 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a low-speed automatic braking system. The SEL trim featured automatic high-beam LED headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle also had a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant system and an Area View 360-degree surround-view camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.

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 became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park itself, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. During testing, ActiveGlide performed well but required the driver to remain attentive. The Navigator’s safety features contributed to a stress-free driving experience, although complete trust in the technology was not yet achieved.