2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 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. The Taos's 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 surfaces, though it offered soft-touch materials where necessary. The Highline trim added two-tone perforated leather and upscale dashboard materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator was a full-size luxury SUV, maintaining its design since a 2018 redesign and a 2022 refresh. It was available in the Navigator Reserve trim with standard four-wheel drive. The test vehicle featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The Navigator's interior was luxurious, with black leather and real wood trim, though some chrome plastic elements fell short of luxury expectations. The ambient lighting added character, and the cabin was spacious and comfortable, though the ride quality was inconsistent, especially with the 22-inch wheels.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine's torque delivery was delayed, leading to sudden throttle responses. The 4Motion AWD system paired with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission offered spirited performance but suffered from erratic shifting. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos's handling was commendable, 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, with a tested average of 8.7 L/100 km.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km, with a tested average of 15.0 L/100 km. The SUV offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite. The adaptive damping suspension struggled with ride quality, especially with the 22-inch wheels. Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size was a challenge in urban environments, and its brakes were tested on mountain roads.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample room for both front and rear passengers. The Highline trim offered power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, as well as a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 1,866 litres available in the front-wheel-drive model. The 4Motion version offered slightly less cargo space due to its independent rear suspension.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seating across all three rows. The test vehicle featured 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, which accommodated taller passengers comfortably. Storage space was abundant, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with up to 3,403 litres available behind the front seats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity, and the voice recognition technology was unreliable.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system for rear passengers. The Sync 4 system included wireless smartphone integration, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety features, but many were only available on higher trims or as part of optional packages. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highline trim offered additional features like lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos's reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive, but it could be disabled through the infotainment system.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique 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.