2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV, bridging the gap between subcompact and compact crossovers. It competed with models like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Taos was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a single engine option. The base model offered a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. Its design was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring roof rails, dark grey plastic cladding, and skid plates. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though it offered soft surfaces where necessary. The Highline trim boasted two-tone perforated leather and an upscale dashboard.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. The SUV's interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The Navigator featured Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme, creating a visually appealing experience. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, offering improved functionality and user experience. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level in Canada. The U.S.-spec Navigator Black Label showcased a unique Central Park theme, adding to its luxurious appeal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine's torque delivery was delayed due to turbo lag, resulting in sudden power surges. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but was criticized for erratic shifting. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos Highline 4Motion in Sport mode improved driveability, but the powertrain's characteristics could be frustrating in urban settings. Despite these issues, the Taos offered a light and compliant driving experience with responsive steering and effective brakes. However, its ground clearance was limited, making it less suitable for off-road adventures. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 8.7 L/100 km.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The engine provided a pleasing note under acceleration and impressive towing capacity, ranging from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology enhanced ride comfort by preparing for road imperfections. The SUV's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its 4WD system and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious cabin, with deeply bolstered front seats providing ample adjustment options. The Highline 4Motion trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat was equally roomy, with generous legroom and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the FWD model offering 790 litres behind the back seat and 1,866 litres with the seat folded down. The 4Motion model had slightly reduced cargo space due to the independent rear suspension. The Taos featured a centre pass-through, making it ideal for ski trips.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its comfortable and adjustable front seats, offering heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat remained spacious 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 room. Cargo capacity ranged from 546 litres behind the third-row seat to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats collapsed.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Comfortline and Highline trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. The Highline trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity, and the voice-recognition technology was unreliable.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a significant upgrade with the new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, and offered a user-friendly interface. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The Navigator also featured the upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required additional spending to access popular safety features. Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert were available on the Comfortline grade and up. The Highline grade included automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and rear parking sensors. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist were available on the Highline with an extra-cost package. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, while Emergency Assist responded to inactive drivers. The Taos had reverse automatic braking, which could be turned off if needed. As a new model, it had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake in unsafe situations, while Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking tasks. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well within its limits but required driver attention. ActiveGlide was approved for use on over 200,000 kilometres of North American roads.