2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, dating back to the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept from 2013. This update introduced new lighting elements, including light-up VW logos similar to those on the ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo illuminated in white, while the rear logo shone red. A front light bar connected to the daytime running lights, which were part of the new LED headlights reminiscent of those on a Ford Expedition. These subtle changes gave the Atlas a fresh "face," emphasizing American swagger over European influences. At the rear, the taillights seamlessly blended into a full-width light bar housing the illuminated logo. All trim levels received new wheel designs, with the base SE model featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims boasted 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. The Atlas Peak Edition joined the lineup, offering a more rugged appearance with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique exterior colors.

Inside, the Atlas received a revised interior with changes centered around the cabin's center. The infotainment touchscreen was now freestanding, and the shifter was reduced to a tiny toggle, creating more space and allowing for an upward-arching console with storage underneath. While this made the interior more functional, the contrast between the minimalist interior and the truck-like exterior was somewhat jarring. Volkswagen aimed to elevate the interior's upscale feel with more textured fake wood trim and a new weaved plastic trim simulating carbon fiber. Leatherette seats were standard, with leather upholstery and contrast stitching available on SEL models. The SEL Premium R-Line featured diamond stitching, combining silver stitching with black upholstery for a stylish look. However, some stitching areas, like the center console, appeared less refined, and the overall material quality seemed more fitting for a base model than a top-tier one.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and an appealing dash-to-axle ratio, with a tapered roofline and greenhouse that, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette. The Aviator's design leaned more towards a sports wagon than an SUV, though the 2025 styling appeared less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator exuded a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. The interior was plush, with electronic door releases that could pinch skin. However, the remote keyless entry fob felt lightweight and cheap, contrasting with the Aviator's luxury image. The Aviator offered Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with prices ranging from $60,990 to $89,090, including destination charges. Our test vehicle, in Reserve trim with optional AWD, Whisper Blue paint, and additional packages, had an MSRP of $83,550. The Reserve II Package added desirable features like upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, heated and ventilated second-row seats, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas saw a reduction in powertrain options, leaving only a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine, an iteration of VW's EA888, produced 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, surpassing the previous VR6's 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The additional torque, peaking at 1,550 rpm, made the 2024 Atlas quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor. FWD models achieved 0-60 mph in an estimated eight seconds, while AWD models took 8.3 seconds. Despite these improvements, the Atlas remained a family-oriented vehicle, prioritizing comfort over performance. The engine delivered smooth acceleration but generated more noise than thrust. Ride quality remained consistent with the pre-refresh model, and the Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode, though the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement. The Atlas maintained a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions driving modes. The adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator prioritized comfort over excitement. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, with the transmission downshifting swiftly. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but our test observed 17.7 mpg. The Aviator offered clear sightlines, aided by thin windshield pillars and large sideview mirrors. In urban settings, the ride was pleasant until encountering larger road imperfections, which the 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled to absorb. On highways, the adaptive air suspension couldn't entirely filter road noise, though the Aviator remained quiet inside. The Dynamic Handling Package didn't enhance the Aviator's driving character, which lacked athleticism. Instead, the Air Glide suspension excelled at maintaining composure, ensuring a secure and calming ride.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas gained more standard features for 2024. The base SE trim now included a heated steering wheel, and the front seats were both ventilated and heated. The SE with Technology added a power liftgate, while leather upholstery and heated second-row seats became standard on the SEL trim. The Atlas offered seating for seven with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. It accommodated three child seats side by side and could tilt and slide forward with the seats in place. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The third-row bench was standard, providing competitive headroom and legroom across all rows. While second-row passengers had slightly less room compared to rivals, the Atlas excelled in cargo space. It offered 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, surpassing most competitors.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30 ways of adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, ensuring exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs, though less adjustable, were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The quad-zone automatic climate control allowed individual temperature settings. However, the third-row seats were low, flat, and unsupportive, with limited legroom even when the second-row passengers moved forward. While suitable for children, adults found the third row uncomfortable. The Aviator excelled in storage space, with a smartphone charging pad, tray, and cupholders in the center console. Door panel storage pockets accommodated smaller umbrellas, and an optional console between the second-row seats provided additional space. The Aviator offered 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with a large compartment under the load floor. Folding the third row expanded cargo space to 42.7 cubic feet, while maximum capacity reached 78.6 cubic feet, practical for most needs.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received more standard tech features for 2024. A 12-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster were now standard, along with wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available, including a dash cam port on higher trims. A head-up display was standard on SEL and higher trims. The Atlas switched from Fender to Harman Kardon for its premium audio systems, with a 12-speaker system on higher trims. The upgraded infotainment system was user-friendly, with a map view in the digital instrument cluster. Graphics were sharp, though VW's reliance on haptic touchpads for controls like audio volume and headlights made them less intuitive.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Lincoln Digital Experience powered the tech, offering Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in our test vehicle, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The system included an app called Elevated Journey, offering mindfulness coaching for the road. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality, with metal speaker grilles featuring a spiral pattern. The Aviator's head-up display provided a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts, making it one of the best technologies of its kind.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn't released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received the highest "Good" score in most crash tests. The Atlas gained more standard driver-assist features for 2024, including VW's IQ.Drive package with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist for highway driving. The SEL Premium R-Line added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured automatic post-collision braking, a crash response system, and an emergency assist feature.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 collection of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. However, the reverse braking assist system struggled with angled driveways, bringing the SUV to a halt. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked well, guiding the Aviator through challenging situations. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, offering a four-year subscription. It operated on approved highways, notifying the driver when an automated lane change was available. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance. It received Good ratings in all completed IIHS evaluations, indicating strong safety performance.