2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2026 Lincoln Aviator

$61,800 · Crossover

$56,910 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between swift performance and spacious luxury often leads to this crossroads: the compact, sporty 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback versus the larger, powerhouse 2026 Lincoln Aviator. If your priority is efficiency, the Audi wins easily, netting a 21 MPG combined versus the Aviator's unspecified, but likely lower figure given its size and power gap, though it's important to note the Audi is significantly shorter at 184.6 inches compared to the Aviator's massive 199.7 inches. However, raw grunt belongs to the Lincoln, which boasts 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, easily outmuscling the SQ5 Sportback's 349 hp and 369 lb-ft. With a $4,890 lower starting MSRP at $56,910, the Aviator offers substantial straight-line power for less money, whereas the Audi commands a premium for its tight handling and smaller footprint, appealing to those who value agility over sheer physical presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback is smaller and likely offers superior city driving dynamics and potentially better fuel economy (based on its lower power/smaller footprint).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator is substantially longer at 199.7 inches and likely provides more overall cabin volume, despite having less listed cargo space (19.2 cu ft).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator generates significantly more power with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque compared to the Audi's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator offers $4,890 less in MSRP while delivering 51 more horsepower.

Choose the Audi SQ5 Sportback if...

You prioritize a more manageable size for urban environments, measuring only 184.6 inches in length.
You prefer the inherent handling balance of an all-wheel-drive system.
You value better expected fuel efficiency based on its slightly lower power output (349 hp).

Choose the Lincoln Aviator if...

You need maximum brute force, boasting 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
You require the larger footprint provided by its 199.7-inch length and 79.6-inch width.
You want a premium crossover with 51 more horsepower for nearly $5,000 less in starting MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5 Sportback	Lincoln Aviator
Length	184.6"	199.7"
Width	74.5"	79.6"
Height	65.4"	69.2"
Wheelbase	111.0"	119.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	349 hp	400 hp
Torque	369 lb-ft	415 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/24 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/444.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	20.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	13.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	10
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Rear Volume Controls	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	61.5 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	58.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	61.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	58.3 in.
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	255/45R20	255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2026 Lincoln Aviator.

How significant is the size difference between the two crossovers?

The size gap is notable; the 2026 Lincoln Aviator measures 199.7 inches long, while the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback is considerably shorter at 184.6 inches. This difference directly impacts maneuverability in tight parking lots.

Which vehicle has the better performance metrics on paper?

The Lincoln Aviator clearly leads in raw power, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Audi SQ5 Sportback counters with a respectable 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, suggesting the Aviator sacrifices fuel economy for muscle.

Does the Audi SQ5 Sportback offer better fuel economy?

While the exact MPG for the Aviator wasn't provided, the Audi SQ5 Sportback lists a 21 MPG combined rating and requires premium fuel. The Audi's smaller stature and lower power output suggest it will generally be the more efficient option for daily driving.

How much money do I save by opting for the Lincoln Aviator?

The Lincoln Aviator starts at an MSRP of $56,910, saving you $4,890 compared to the Audi SQ5 Sportback's $61,800 MSRP, making it the better value proposition based on price alone.

Which car is better equipped for bad weather driving?

The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is generally preferred for slippery conditions. The 2026 Lincoln Aviator is listed with rear-wheel drive, potentially requiring an upgrade for similar all-weather security.

Is the Audi or the Lincoln a better choice for maximum cargo hauling?

The Audi SQ5 Sportback provides slightly more dedicated cargo capacity at 24.7 cubic feet compared to the Aviator's 19.2 cubic feet, despite the Aviator being physically larger overall.