2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, which originated from the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept first introduced in 2013. This update included new lighting elements, most notably the 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 Comfortline model featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, the Highline getting 20-inch wheels, and the Execline boasting 21-inch wheels with sportier styling elements. The Atlas Peak Edition, introduced for 2024, added an outdoorsy flavour with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique exterior trim. Inside, the cabin received a revised look, with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a redesigned centre console for added functionality. Volkswagen aimed to elevate the interior's upscale feel with improved materials, although some areas still fell short of expectations.

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 alluring silhouette, although the tweaked 2025 styling appeared 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 on screens to impress. However, the remote keyless entry fob felt lightweight and cheap, contrasting with the Aviator's otherwise luxurious feel. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trim levels, with prices ranging from $79,595 to $81,695, including destination charges. Our test vehicle, in Reserve trim, featured extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and a centre console between the second-row captain’s chairs. The Reserve 201A package added desirable features like upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable Perfect Position front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. Despite its impressive features, the Aviator's styling and some interior elements left room for improvement.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas saw a reduction in powertrain options, leaving only a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine, an iteration of VW's EA888, produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. It replaced the previous VR6 engine, which delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The new turbo-four engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, offered improved performance, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds. While the Atlas prioritized comfort and frugality over performance, the engine provided smooth acceleration, albeit with more noise than thrust. The ride quality remained consistent with the pre-refresh model, and the Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode. However, the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement, lacking low range and underbody protection for off-road adventures. The Atlas maintained a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, comparable to most rivals.

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. 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 focus was on comfort rather than excitement. The V6 engine provided ample power for acceleration and passing, although fuel economy was disappointing at 13.3 L/100 km during testing. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving. However, the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. On highways, the adaptive air suspension couldn't entirely mitigate road noise. Despite the Dynamic Handling Package, the Aviator's driving character lacked athleticism, focusing instead on providing a composed and calming cruising experience.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a power liftgate. Seating for seven was standard, with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. The bench could accommodate three child seats side by side and tilt and slide forward with them in place. Optional second-row captain's chairs reduced seating capacity to six. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space varied from 583 litres with all seats in place to 2,735 litres with the second and third rows folded, offering more cargo space than most rivals.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and low, flat cushions. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin in the centre console. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the third row folded and 2,149 litres with all seats down. While not the largest in its class, the Aviator's cargo space was practical.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available. The Execline trim featured a head-up display and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, haptic touchpads for functions like audio volume and headlights lacked feedback, making them less intuitive to use.

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. The Aviator's head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS hadn't released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received high scores in most crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured automatic post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist were standard, along with BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.