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, though 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. However, the remote keyless entry fob 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, though the styling changes seemed more evolutionary than revolutionary. Available in standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Q5 Sportback body styles, the Q5 offered a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance grade added power and sport suspension, with distinctive matte chrome trim and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Q5's design was detailed, with top-notch materials, though the dashboard and door panel lines seemed discordant. The SQ5 offered a sportier interior with Alcantara trim, but the piano-black plastic around the cupholders and shifter was prone to dirt.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by 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. It offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The optional adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was more about comfort than excitement. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but fuel economy was disappointing at 13.3 L/100 km during testing. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking, though the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at maintaining composure, but the Aviator's driving character was not particularly athletic.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, with a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for the base model, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft for the SQ5. The Q5's power output was competitive, though the dual-clutch transmission exhibited turbo lag and rough shifts. The air suspension, standard on the SQ5, provided capable handling but lacked sportiness. Audi's suspension tuning balanced damping and body control, ensuring a comfortable ride without excessive undulations. The Q5 offered Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes, but it was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, adjustable in 30 ways with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, though the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin under the armrest. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to the 2024 model, with adequate headroom and legroom. It featured a sliding and reclining second-row bench seat, with cargo space of 757 litres behind the second row and 1,710 litres with the seats folded. The Q5 offered more cargo space than some rivals but less than others. Standard features included a power tailgate, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats. The Q5 also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kilograms.

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, with Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator included an app called Elevated Journey with mindfulness coaching, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The Progressiv trim added USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for vehicle functions. The head-up display showed speed, navigation, and driver assistance warnings, while the Dynamic Interaction Light provided additional cues.

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

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered standard driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. An exit alert feature used ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. IIHS ratings were not favourable, with Marginal or Acceptable ratings in crash testing, preventing a Top Safety Pick designation.