2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its luxurious design and high-quality materials, even as it awaited a future electric transformation. Despite lacking significant updates since its 2018 redesign and 2022 refresh, the Navigator maintained its appeal with features like the Monochromatic Package and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The triple-black Navigator Reserve model, with its black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, exuded a sophisticated yet understated elegance. Inside, the cabin was adorned with real wood trim and chrome accents, creating an upscale atmosphere, although some chrome plastic elements fell short of conveying true luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that enhanced its American swagger, moving away from its European roots. The addition of light-up VW logos and a front light bar connected to new LED headlights gave the Atlas a distinctive new "face." The rear taillights, blending into a full-width light bar, added to its modern appeal. The Atlas also introduced new wheel designs across its trim levels, with the Peak Edition offering a more rugged, outdoorsy look. Inside, the Atlas featured a revised center console with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist interior design, though the contrast with its truck-like exterior was somewhat jarring.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, it offered a range of driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. Despite its impressive power, the Navigator's ride quality was less than ideal, with the Reserve trim's 22-inch wheels contributing to a truck-like ride over smaller bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but negatively impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight also challenged the brakes during spirited driving.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, simplified its powertrain options to a single 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, part of VW's EA888 family, was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered standard FWD or optional AWD. The Atlas was quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, with FWD models achieving 0-60 mph in eight seconds. While the Atlas prioritized comfort and frugality over performance, its ride quality remained consistent with previous models, and the Peak Edition added all-terrain tires for a more adventurous look.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage features. However, the multitude of adjustments could be overwhelming. The Navigator's storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas also prioritized interior space, with seating for seven and a versatile second-row bench that could accommodate three child seats. The bench could be replaced with captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas offered competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with the third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space was ample, with 20.6 cubic feet available with all seats in place, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas provided more cargo space than most rivals, except for the Chevy Traverse.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The Navigator's digital assistant performed exceptionally well, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger tended to overheat devices, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was underutilized by passengers.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas introduced more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard. The Atlas offered up to eight USB-C ports, including a dash cam port on higher trims. A head-up display was standard on SEL and higher trims, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the reliance on haptic touchpads for controls like audio volume and headlights made them less intuitive to use.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions and required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but a full crashworthiness assessment was not available.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The Atlas came with more standard driver-assist features for 2024, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The SEL Premium R-Line added park assist and a surround-view camera system. In case of an emergency, the Atlas featured automatic post-collision braking and a crash response system to enhance safety.