2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen designed the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport by eliminating the third row from the standard seven-passenger Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches for a sportier look, 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 reduced length and angled rear window decreased cargo space to 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, gave the Atlas Cross Sport a bold and upscale appearance, although other wheel options were less appealing.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, entered 2023 without significant updates. The test vehicle was a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featuring a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior was all black, accented with real wood trim and chrome. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character at night. The Navigator Reserve’s cabin looked upscale and used quality materials, although some chrome plastic on the switchgear failed to convey luxury.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium gas, had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the turbo-four’s 2,000 pounds. Both engines used 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 version, although it averaged just 19.2 mpg on the testing loop. The suspension was too firm at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds, making the ride quality inconsistent.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving but averaged 15.6 mpg on the testing loop. Drivers could choose between five Lincoln Drive Modes, with an adaptive damping suspension standard. The Navigator’s ride quality was inconsistent, with the SUV riding like a truck over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. Excite mode improved the ride quality but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on winding roads but proved challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase, track width, and interior with the larger seven-passenger model, making it exceptionally roomy inside. The test vehicle had 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 made the interior feel even bigger. The cargo area offered plenty of load-floor real estate, although the shorter length and lower roofline reduced cargo space compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. The test vehicle had Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, where even taller adults could sit comfortably. Storage space was generous throughout the Navigator, with covers to hide the cupholders and wireless charging pad. The extended-length Navigator L model offered substantially more cargo space behind the third-row seat, second row, and front seats.

The base 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. The upgraded infotainment system provided access to three Car-Net connected service subscription plans. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system in the SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle was sensationally good for its price point.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant easily understood commands and responded accurately. The test vehicle had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, providing lush sound. Lincoln Play installed two touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, although teenagers preferred using their smartphones.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included 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. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle included 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed hands-free driving on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but required regular driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.