2025 Volkswagen Atlas 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 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 seen 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 Volkswagen Atlas offered a more rugged and muscular appearance, especially in the Peak Edition trim, which suggested off-road capability. The Execline trim, tested in Mountain Lake Blue, presented a sporty look with polished aluminum detailing and sizable 21-inch wheels. The interior continued the premium feel with diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents, creating a warm environment. The Atlas resisted the trend of touch-sensing controls, though the touch-sensitive temperature and stereo volume controls were less satisfying to use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Atlas maintained an upscale appearance that aged well, with the Mountain Lake Blue paint effectively concealing dirt and debris.

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. It offered multiple driving modes, including Excite and Conserve, with an optional adaptive air suspension that firmed up in Excite mode. Despite its power, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on providing a composed and calming cruising experience. The fuel economy was rated at 11.9 L/100 km in combined driving, though the test observed 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view, though the ride quality suffered on rougher roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system, the engine was refined and offered a satisfying driving experience once the torque curve was mastered. The Atlas returned 15.2 L/100 km in city driving and 12.3 L/100 km overall during testing. However, the ride quality was criticized for its lack of impact isolation, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections. Despite this, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with the brakes resisting rumble and fade under duress.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator excelled in comfort, with its Perfect Position front seats offering 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were also comfortable, though the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. Storage space was excellent, with a well-organized centre console and deep door panel storage pockets. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 2,149 litres.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas shone in terms of interior space, offering perhaps the most comfortable third-row seat in its class. The front seats were supportive, with excellent outward visibility, while the second-row bench seat comfortably accommodated three adults. Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, with ample legroom for longer trips. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with the Atlas providing 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,571 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,735 litres.

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. While the system supported Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, the test vehicle’s Google Assistant was unresponsive, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator also offered a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system and an impressive head-up display.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group’s MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. The lack of traditional controls made the system less user-friendly, with a non-intuitive user experience and a sketchy voice recognition system. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more satisfying experience, with the Atlas Execline’s Harman Kardon audio system delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was also standard, providing proactive driver control notifications. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, with standard driver assistance features like Front Assist, Side Assist, and Travel Assist. It also included an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS “Top Safety Pick.”