2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried forward the significant updates from its 2021 model, with only minor modifications. Volkswagen streamlined the lineup, offering configurations such as SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. Most models came with more standard features than before. Pricing ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its Aurora Red paint and second-row captain’s chairs, cost $53,790. The SEL Premium featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale look. Despite its bold styling, the interior materials were somewhat disappointing, with hard plastics and unlined storage areas detracting from the overall quality.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice of powertrains, with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine standard on most trims, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or AWD. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid setup, combining the V6 with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering standard AWD. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Black Label Grand Touring model, with an optional paint job, reached $91,225. The Aviator's design was appealing, though the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring were considered too plain. The interior was luxurious, with a mix of high-end materials and some elements that seemed less refined, such as the chrome detailing and stitching. The Aviator's key fob was also criticized for its lightweight, plastic feel, though the Phone As A Key technology offered a modern alternative.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE, SE with Technology, and SEL trims, producing 235 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. This engine required premium fuel for optimal performance and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in FWD or AWD. The turbo-four's towing capacity was limited to 2,000 pounds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 to 23 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, delivered 276 hp at 6,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, its acceleration was leisurely, and the drivetrain felt unrefined. Fuel economy for the V6 was 19 to 20 mpg combined. The Atlas offered various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, though its ride quality was mixed, with a busy ride on certain surfaces.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, producing 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The EPA estimated a 21-mile electric range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Aviator offered multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV for electric driving, and Conserve, Normal, and Excite for hybrid efficiency. During testing, the Aviator achieved 22.3 miles on electric power alone, with a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg. The Aviator's performance was powerful, though the drivetrain could be unpredictable, and the brake pedal sometimes felt inconsistent. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package, with adaptive-damping suspension, provided a smooth ride, though it wasn't particularly engaging to drive. The Aviator excelled in comfort and isolation, making it ideal for relaxed driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, with the base S trim discontinued, featured V-Tex leatherette seating as standard, along with heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Higher trims added features like tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL Premium R-Line offered genuine leather, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The Atlas was praised for its spacious interior, accommodating seven adults comfortably, even in the third row. The low step-in height made entry and exit easy, and the cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort, featuring a four-zone climate control system, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated seats for the first two rows. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort, though they required adjustment to find the ideal setting. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space was limited to 18.3 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display, expanding to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment features, while other trims offered the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. The navigation system was unreliable without the Car-Net Hotspot plan and Speech Plus upgrade, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lincoln Connect services. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality, and the Phone As A Key system allowed for keyless operation. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were effective, though the Sync 3 system was not recommended for voice commands.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and the full IQ Drive suite with lane-keeping and emergency assist. However, the Lane Assist system was prone to errors, and the Atlas did not achieve top safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking. The system performed well on highways but struggled in dense traffic. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.