2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and an appealing dash-to-axle ratio, complemented by a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette. The design leaned more towards a sports wagon than a traditional SUV. However, the 2025 styling updates were perceived as less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. The interior was technologically advanced, yet maintained a traditional feel. The remote keyless entry fob, however, was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, though this might encourage the use of the Aviator’s Phone as a Key technology.

In contrast, the 2025 Audi Q5 embraced SUV toughness with a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving it an imposing front-end look. The body featured well-defined lines, adding musculature, but the styling changes felt more evolutionary than revolutionary. The Q5 was available in standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance grade added power and sport suspension, along with distinctive design elements like matte chrome trim and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Q5 took a “more is better” approach, with a dashboard and door panels featuring opposing curves and chunky armrests. While the design was somewhat discordant, the materials were top-notch, with sturdy plastics and contrasting trim pieces. The SQ5 offered a sportier interior with Alcantara trim, though it retained some less desirable elements like piano-black plastic around the cupholders.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provided ample acceleration, though fuel economy was a concern, with an observed 17.7 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 20 mpg. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, and Normal, with adaptive air suspension enhancing ride quality. However, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort and composure. The SUV provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, though the ride quality suffered on rough surfaces due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The Aviator’s adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a secure and calming driving experience.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model’s 2.0-liter turbo-four produced 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the SQ5’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 offered 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite these figures, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from the expected sporty feel. The Q5’s steel-spring suspension with passive damping provided competent handling, while the SQ5’s air suspension offered sportier tuning. However, neither model encouraged aggressive driving, with precise but lifeless steering. The Q5 included Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes, but was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered exceptional comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were also comfortable, though less adjustable. The third-row seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and low, flat cushions. Storage space was excellent, with a well-organized center console and deep door pockets. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The second-row bench seat was sliding and reclining, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 provided 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row, surpassing some rivals but falling short of others. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The Q5 also offered up to 4,400 pounds of towing capacity, exceeding some competitors.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant was unresponsive in the test vehicle, though Apple CarPlay worked well. The Aviator also offered an app called Elevated Journey, providing mindfulness coaching for the road. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality, and the head-up display provided useful information.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with an additional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for some functions. The Q5 also featured a head-up display and Dynamic Interaction Light, though the latter added little to the experience. Additional tech included digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, providing proactive control handover to the driver when necessary. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, and lane departure warning. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation’s five-star NHTSA rating.