2025 Audi SQ5 vs 2026 Lincoln Aviator

$58,400 · Crossover

$56,910 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Audi SQ5 and the 2026 Lincoln Aviator lies in fuel economy, with the Audi achieving 21 combined MPG compared to the Aviator's unstated figure (assuming standard Aviator performance might place it lower given its power). Power figures significantly favor the Lincoln, as the Aviator boasts 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, dramatically outperforming the Audi’s 349 hp and 369 lb-ft. Conversely, the Audi SQ5 is substantially more compact, measuring 184.3 inches long versus the Aviator's 199.7 inches, which impacts maneuverability and parking. Pricewise, the Aviator is slightly more accessible at $56,910 MSRP against the SQ5's $58,400. Cargo space heavily favors the smaller Audi, offering 25.9 cu ft versus the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft, highlighting a trade-off between space and raw performance metrics between these two premium crossovers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 is likely the better commuter due to its smaller dimensions (184.3 inches length) and superior stated fuel efficiency (21 combined MPG).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 offers significantly more primary storage capacity at 25.9 cu ft compared to the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator offers a clear performance advantage with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator provides 51 more horsepower for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $56,910.

Choose the Audi SQ5 if...

Maximum cargo capacity is critical, as the SQ5 provides 25.9 cu ft versus 19.2 cu ft.
Daily driving necessitates easier maneuverability due to its shorter 184.3-inch length.
Priority is placed on the specified 21 combined MPG fuel economy rating.

Choose the Lincoln Aviator if...

Absolute performance matters most, evidenced by 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
A lower initial investment is desired, with an MSRP of $56,910.
The driver prefers the inherent stability of a longer vehicle (199.7 inches) and RWD bias.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5	Lincoln Aviator
Length	184.3"	199.7"
Width	74.5"	79.6"
Height	65.5"	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
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Front Head Room	39.6 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	39.3 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	255/45R	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 and 2026 Lincoln Aviator.

How much more powerful is the Lincoln Aviator than the Audi SQ5?

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator holds a substantial performance advantage, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This is 51 more horsepower than the 349 hp produced by the 2025 Audi SQ5.

Which vehicle offers superior cargo utility?

The 2025 Audi SQ5 is the better choice for utility, offering 25.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The larger 2026 Lincoln Aviator trails significantly with only 19.2 cubic feet available.

What is the base price difference between the SQ5 and the Aviator?

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator carries a slightly lower MSRP at $56,910 compared to the 2025 Audi SQ5, which starts at $58,400, representing a $1,490 difference at base level.

Are both vehicles similarly sized crossovers?

No, the vehicles occupy different size classes; the Audi SQ5 measures 184.3 inches long, while the Lincoln Aviator is substantially longer at 199.7 inches, making the Aviator closer to a mid-to-full-size offering.

Do both models require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi SQ5 and the 2026 Lincoln Aviator specify premium unleaded fuel as the recommended fuel type for optimal engine performance.

How do the transmissions compare between these two models?

The Audi SQ5 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Lincoln Aviator employs a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting potentially different shift logic and smoothness profiles.