2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport showcased a refreshed design that mirrored the updates seen in its three-row sibling, the Atlas. It featured new lighting elements at both the front and rear, with the Volkswagen logos on the grille and tailgate now illuminated in white and red, respectively. This lighting innovation, first seen on the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4, added a modern touch to the vehicle's appearance. The front end boasted a light bar connecting the daytime running lights, complemented by standard LED headlights, giving the Cross Sport a contemporary look. The rear design was particularly distinctive, with reshaped taillights blending into a rear light bar that housed the second illuminated VW logo. The Cross Sport's silhouette, with its lower roofline, resembled the "crossover coupes" of German luxury brands, setting it apart from other two-row midsize crossovers. It was also 13 centimetres shorter and sat lower than the standard Atlas, enhancing its sporty appeal.

The interior of the Cross Sport received similar updates to the standard Atlas, featuring a central touchscreen that stood upright and a raised centre console with a small storage nook below. The new electronic shifter, devoid of mechanical connections, allowed for this design change. Interior trim options carried over from the three-row Atlas, offering standard leatherette upholstery, leather seats on the Highline, and quilted leather upholstery with a diamond pattern on the top Execline trim level. While the simulated wood and carbon-fibre-facsimile trim remained plastic, the overall cabin design aimed to provide a premium feel. The Cross Sport also introduced new wheel designs for 2024, with options ranging from 18-inch alloy wheels on the base Comfortline to 21-inch wheels on the Execline, although it did not receive the rugged Peak Edition package available for the three-row Atlas.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions. Its blunt nose, short front overhang, and appealing dash-to-axle ratio contributed to its sports wagon-like appearance. The tapered roofline and greenhouse, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette. However, the 2025 styling updates were perceived as less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with a plush interior that didn't rely heavily on screens. The traditional approach was appreciated, although the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction. The Aviator's Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system offered convenient alternatives.

In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trim levels, with prices ranging from $79,595 to $81,695, including the destination charge. The test vehicle, in Reserve trim, featured standard all-wheel drive, extra-cost Whisper Blue paint, and a centre console between the second-row captain’s chairs. It was equipped with Reserve 201A, Jet Appearance, and Dynamic Handling option packages, bringing the MSRP to $96,295. The Reserve 201A package added desirable features such as upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable Perfect Position front seats with massage, heated and ventilated second-row seats, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima high-end audio system, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive in Canada. This marked the end of the 3.6-litre VR6 engine era for VW, as the new turbo-four delivered 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. While it offered slightly less horsepower than the VR6, it provided more torque, with peak torque arriving earlier at 1,550 rpm compared to 3,600 rpm for the VR6. Although specific performance numbers were not available, VW expected the 2024 Cross Sport to be quicker from zero to 100 km/h than the 2023 model with the VR6. The new engine was an upgrade for many buyers, as the previous standard engine was a less-powerful 2.0-litre turbo-four with 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. However, the engine note was not particularly pleasing, and the noise-to-power ratio was a concern. The Cross Sport's ride quality was also criticized, partly due to the test car's 21-inch wheels. The maximum towing capacity remained at 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), which was standard for a midsize crossover.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. Drivers could choose from various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The optional adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, but the Aviator's mission was more about comfort than excitement. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, with the transmission downshifting swiftly. The official fuel economy rating was 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but the test vehicle achieved 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous testing loop. The Aviator offered clear sightlines, thanks to thin windshield pillars and large sideview mirrors. In urban settings, the ride quality was pleasant, but larger bumps and road imperfections were felt due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. On highways, the adaptive air suspension couldn't entirely filter out road noise, but the Aviator remained remarkably quiet inside. The Dynamic Handling Package didn't encourage spirited driving, as the Aviator prioritized a composed and calming cruising experience.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received additional standard equipment for 2024, including heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, a tow hitch, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were now ventilated as well as heated, and heated second-row seats and leather upholstery were standard on the Highline. While front headroom was competitive, the Cross Sport's roofline reduced rear-seat headroom, creating a more cramped feeling in the back seats. Legroom was more competitive, offering a decent amount of first-row legroom. The Cross Sport provided 1,141 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, which was more than a Chevy Blazer but slightly less than a Honda Passport. Folding the rear seats opened up 2,197 litres of storage space, comparable to the Passport. The cabin was functional, with a new centre console offering ample storage space and generously sized cupholders.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its available Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30 ways of adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a centre console featuring a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin under the armrest. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, with a large compartment under the load floor. Folding the third row created 1,131 litres of cargo space, and the maximum capacity was 2,149 litres.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment setup was user-friendly, but the haptic touchpads for controls were less intuitive than traditional buttons. Six USB-C ports were standard, and the Execline trim included a head-up display and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

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 technology. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in the test vehicle. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered comprehensive data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. Standard driver assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Travel Assist. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist were standard, and BlueCruise offered hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.