2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille shared with the two-row Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 2.4 inches to the length of the Atlas, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the conservatively-styled 2020 model. The R-Line trim package added sportier-looking front and rear bumpers, as well as side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before, which is used by most current VW models.

The interior of the 2021 Atlas took a minimalist approach, largely free of decorative trim pieces with sensibly laid-out controls. The standard seating configuration included seven seats across three rows, with options for second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, material quality on the mid-level SE with Technology trim was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood and metal trim that were unconvincing. The overall design was functional, but the quality of materials left much to be desired.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured subtle styling changes, including new headlights and taillights, different wheel designs, and an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The front end was restyled with an Audi-esque grille, which some felt reduced the Navigator’s elegance and presence. Despite this, the rest of the updates were successful, maintaining the Navigator’s luxurious appeal.

Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, offering a user-friendly interface and improved voice recognition. The Navigator continued to offer exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging, heated, and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat remained roomy and supportive, making the Navigator a top choice for passenger comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The 4Motion system could send power to the rear wheels when needed, but the driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality.

The Atlas had an Active Control feature with different drive modes, but these did not improve on-road handling. Despite having an Offroad mode and eight inches of ground clearance, the Atlas was best suited for pavement due to its lack of a four-wheel drive system with low range and tires better suited for road use. The VR6 models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 22 mpg combined with FWD and the VR6 at 19 mpg combined with FWD.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Towing capacity ranged between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator’s adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect pavement.

The Navigator’s new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, addressing previous complaints about soft brakes. The SUV handled well in various conditions, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD system, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. Fuel economy for the Navigator 4WD was rated at 18 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 18.6 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered average passenger and cargo space for its segment, with 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The third-row legroom was better than most competitors, but this came at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the worst among its competitive set. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. However, folding and raising the second- and third-row seats was straightforward, and third-row access was easy thanks to a sliding second-row bench.

The Atlas had a driver-focused interior with controls placed within easy reach. It offered up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad. The Atlas also featured up to 17 cupholders, though forward visibility was less than optimal. Standard ultrasonic parking sensors and available low-speed automatic braking and active park assist helped with parking and avoiding obstacles.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s interior continued to impress with its exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience for rear passengers. The third-row seat remained roomy and supportive, making the Navigator a top choice for passenger comfort.

Storage and cargo space were generous in the Navigator. The standard configuration offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 120.2 cubic feet with the second row collapsed.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility. The base S trim level had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models featured an 8-inch screen. Higher trim levels offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, which included multi-phone pairing capability, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system.

The SE with Technology trim had an 8-inch screen without Digital Cockpit. While the menus were easy to navigate, the displays were plain and text-heavy, making them hard to read at a glance. The base six-speaker audio system sounded decent, with an option to center the sound in a specific row. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on higher trims. The Atlas also featured a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot that could support up to four devices, with service provided by Verizon.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a significant technology upgrade with the new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The new screen was easy to reach and reference, offering two data panels to view navigation and music details simultaneously. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were also provided, with clear markings and a matte finish for easy use.

Sync 4 supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and its voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a new 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, which delivered sensational sound quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top “good” ratings in all IIHS crash tests, but with a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The standard headlights were rated “marginal,” while the headlights on higher trims were rated “good.” The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 Atlas, but the similar 2020 model received a five-star overall rating.

Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-jam assist. Later in the model year, the Atlas was set to receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on higher trims, enabling automated lane centering and emergency stopping.

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 was also newly standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection could steer the SUV away from the road’s edge.

Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to take complete control for parking, and ActiveGlide was Lincoln’s new semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology. ActiveGlide was approved for use on 130,000 miles of North American roads, performing well within its operational limits. However, drivers still needed to pay attention and be ready to take control if necessary.