2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV that offered a balance between subcompact and compact crossover segments. Competing with models like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek, the Taos came in S, SE, or SEL trims, with prices ranging from $22,995 to $33,045. The vehicle featured a single engine option and a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The 4Motion upgrade included a dual-clutch automated manual transmission and an independent multilink rear suspension, which significantly altered the driving dynamics. The Taos's exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior was criticized for its hard, shiny plastics, although the SEL trim offered two-tone perforated leather and other upscale touches.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and a redesigned front end. The SUV's grille was likened to an Audi A4, which some felt reduced its elegance. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a unique touch, resembling a twilight sky. The Navigator also introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing its technological appeal. The SUV was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with prices starting at $78,405. The Black Label trim, tested in a Central Park theme, featured a luxurious green interior and second-row captain’s chairs, bringing the total price to $106,530.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. This engine provided adequate power, but the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos SEL 4Motion, equipped with 19-inch Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, delivered a sporty driving experience, especially in Sport mode. However, its 6.6 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The EPA rated the Taos SEL 4Motion at 28 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 27.1 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. The SUV's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During a drive from Scottsdale to Payson, the Navigator effortlessly handled snowy and muddy conditions, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. The EPA estimated the Navigator 4WD's fuel economy at 18 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a surprisingly roomy cabin for its class. The SEL trim featured deeply bolstered front seats with eight-way power adjustment and lumbar support, along with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with front-wheel-drive models offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The 4Motion models had slightly less cargo space, at 24.9 cubic feet and 60.2 cubic feet, respectively. A center pass-through made the Taos ideal for ski trips.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to excel in comfort and space. The front seats were 30-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging, ensuring maximum comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs, also heated, ventilated, and massaging, provided a luxurious experience. The third-row seats remained spacious and comfortable, thanks to the independent rear suspension. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L providing even more room. The standard Navigator had 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the seats folded and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The Navigator L offered 34.3 cubic feet, 73.3 cubic feet, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the S trim. The SE and SEL trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, voice control, and wireless smartphone charging. The SEL trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the voice-recognition technology and user experience of the MIB3 system were found lacking, with complex menu navigation and slow response times.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, 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 retained for ease of use. 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, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos democratized its IQ Drive safety technologies, making them standard or available across all trims. The IQ Drive package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were also part of the package, with the latter responding to inactive drivers by slowing the vehicle and activating hazard flashers. The Taos SEL added rain-sensing wipers, road sign recognition, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. However, the reverse automatic braking system could be overly sensitive, requiring manual deactivation in certain situations.

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 vehicle away from unpaved surfaces. Active Park Assist 2.0 took full control of parking maneuvers, and ActiveGlide offered semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. While ActiveGlide performed well under ideal conditions, it required constant driver attention and intervention in certain situations.