2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with a focus on comfort and elegance. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring model added a hybrid system, enhancing its appeal with a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Despite its high price, which excluded it from federal EV rebates, the Aviator was admired for its modern Lincoln face and grille. However, the wheel designs were considered plain, and the electronic door latches required careful handling. Inside, the Aviator boasted high-end materials and a lavish design, though some chrome details felt cheap.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, incorporating new lighting elements and a more American-inspired design. The front and rear logos illuminated, and a front light bar connected to new LED headlights. The Atlas offered various wheel designs across its trim levels, with the Peak Edition adding an outdoorsy touch. Inside, the Atlas featured a revised centre console with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist design. The interior aimed for an upscale feel with improved materials, though some stitching appeared less premium. Overall, the Atlas balanced functionality with a modern aesthetic.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. Various driving modes allowed for efficient use of the battery, and the SUV demonstrated quick acceleration. However, the drivetrain's unpredictability and inconsistent brake pedal behaviour were noted. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive suspension providing a smooth ride, though it lacked excitement in driving dynamics.

For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas simplified its powertrain options to a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, offered a quicker acceleration than the previous V6 model. The Atlas focused on comfort and efficiency, with a smooth but noisy engine. Its ride quality remained consistent, and the 4Motion AWD system was designed primarily for pavement. The Atlas maintained a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, comparable to most rivals.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system and massaging, 30-way adjustable front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited with all seats in use, offering 519 litres, but expanded to 2,200 litres with the third row folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including heated and ventilated seats and a power liftgate. It provided seating for seven, with a flexible second-row bench and optional captain's chairs. The Atlas excelled in headroom and legroom across all rows, with competitive cargo space. It offered 583 litres with all seats up and 2,735 litres with seats folded, surpassing most rivals.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, the outdated Sync 3 software struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and innovative smartphone integration with Phone As A Key technology. The head-up display and parking sensors enhanced convenience.

In 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas introduced a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. It supported wireless phone charging and smartphone integration. The Atlas upgraded to a Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though haptic touchpads for controls were less intuitive.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. However, the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It included standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Atlas also offered emergency response features, enhancing safety in critical situations.