2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, available exclusively in the Reserve trim in Canada, showcased a sophisticated and streamlined exterior design, hinting at a new direction for Lincoln. Its grille, reminiscent of a bifurcated Mercedes-Benz design, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille, illuminating the Lincoln star logo in a stunning display. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was the true highlight, with a massive full-width screen as its crown jewel. The cabin boasted high-quality materials, including polished metal, open-pore wood, and fine leather, complemented by ambient lighting. Despite the traditional piano key shifter style, the interior exuded luxury. An optional Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and 22-inch wheels for an additional $3,750.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in four trim levels in Canada: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Atlas Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline was sportier with the most standard equipment. The Atlas Cross Sport, a five-passenger version, shared similarities with the three-row Atlas. The Execline model, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, boasted a chiseled, muscular, and upscale appearance. Its polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels contributed to its impressive look. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. However, the touch-sensing controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially in colder conditions.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered smooth power application and unobtrusive shifts. For an additional $3,500, buyers could opt for a hybrid setup, increasing output to 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a fuel efficiency of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The hybrid offered a range of over 950 kilometres, making it a practical choice for long journeys. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. While not a driver's car, it provided a satisfying performance for those seeking a bit of excitement.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6. With 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, it seemed underpowered for an eight-passenger SUV with a 2,268-kilogram tow rating. However, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks, especially when utilizing the Sport mode. During testing, the Atlas returned 15.2 litres per 100 kilometres in urban conditions and 12.3 L/100 km over a 110+ kilometre route. The ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the option for 24-way Perfect Position seats, providing exceptional comfort. The rear seats, while not as luxurious, offered 1,095 millimetres of legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods, enhancing relaxation. Cargo space was generous, with 997 litres behind the second row and 1,947 litres with the seats folded down. The Nautilus was available only with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over additional seating.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a spacious interior designed for comfort. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt slightly stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat comfortably accommodated three adults, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, providing adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,571 litres with the third row folded and 2,735 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 48-inch curved display, with a customizable digital dash for the driver and navigation information. A smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While HVAC controls were accessible via permanent icons, adjusting vents required navigating menus, which was distracting. Unlabelled steering wheel controls added to the distraction, though Google Maps and Alexa Built-in provided useful voice controls. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas utilized VW Group's MIB3 operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. While lacking traditional knobs and buttons, the system featured touch-sensing temperature buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The absence of a reliable native digital voice assistant was a drawback, with the system struggling to recognize commands. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more user-friendly experience, with the Atlas Execline's Harman Kardon audio system delivering excellent sound quality. The MIB3 system exhibited glitches, such as incorrect song titles and confusing navigation screens, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured the IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system were standard. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick," though updated ratings for 2025 were unavailable.