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 reminiscent of a sports wagon. However, the 2025 styling updates made it appear 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 overuse of screens while still being technologically advanced. The remote keyless entry fob, though, was a letdown due to its cheap plastic construction, encouraging the use of the Aviator’s Phone as a Key technology.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, available in five trim levels, presented a chiseled, muscular, and upscale appearance with polished aluminum detailing and sizable 21-inch wheels. The Mountain Lake Blue color resisted looking dirty, adding to its appeal. Inside, the Atlas continued its premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, although the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially with gloves.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Excite and Conserve, and featured adaptive air suspension. Despite its power, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on providing a composed and calming cruising experience. The EPA fuel economy rating was 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed a disappointing 17.7 mpg. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a pleasant ride quality, although larger bumps and road noise from the oversized tires were noticeable.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, with its new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite initial concerns about its capability in a large SUV, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban settings and 19.2 mpg overall during testing, slightly below its EPA ratings. The ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with the Sport mode enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, while the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. Storage space was excellent, with various compartments and a sizable cargo area. With the third row in use, the Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 78.6 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering one of the most comfortable third-row seats in its class. The front seats were supportive, and the second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably. The third-row access was outstanding, and the seat provided adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable, with ample room for passengers and cargo. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with all seats folded.

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. It included Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant was unresponsive in the test vehicle, making wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri more reliable. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered valuable information.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the VW Group’s MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. It lacked traditional controls, relying on touch-sensing buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto essential for a better user experience. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches that detracted from its overall functionality.

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 standard, providing a proactive approach to driver control. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. It also offered adaptive cruise control and a rear cross-traffic alert system. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS “Top Safety Pick.” The IQ.Drive systems were accurate and trustworthy, enhancing the Atlas’s safety credentials.