2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims. Its design featured a new grille reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, with LED lighting extending through the grille to illuminate the Lincoln star logo. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a standout, boasting a full-width screen as its crown jewel, complemented by high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint and black exterior trim.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a chiseled, muscular appearance with polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and sizable 21-inch wheels. The Mountain Lake Blue color resisted dirt, maintaining a clean look. Inside, the Atlas continued its premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood. 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.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For an additional $1,500, a hybrid setup offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid also provided a range of over 600 miles. All Nautilus models featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the hybrid using a CVT that avoided typical droning issues.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered front-wheel drive or 4Motion AWD. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. However, the Atlas's ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The handling was predictable, but the tires were the weakest link.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the Black Label model featuring 24-way Perfect Position seats with massage functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, and the Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. Cargo space was 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded down, though seating was limited to five.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, while the second-row bench accommodated three adults comfortably. The third-row seat provided adequate leg support and easy access. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded down.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a massive 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash and customizable sections. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, the touchscreen HVAC controls and unlabelled steering wheel controls were distracting. Google maps, Alexa Built-in, and OTA updates were included, along with wireless charging and USB ports.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen display, with Car-Net connected service plans. The lack of traditional controls and a reliable native digital voice assistant made the system less user-friendly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, and the Harman Kardon audio system was impressive. However, the MIB3 system had glitches, such as incorrect song titles and confusing navigation screens.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, with Blue Cruise 1.2 technology available for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. The 2023 model received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured the IQ.Drive suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Car-Net Safe & Secure services provided additional safety features. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."