Audi's three-row flagship is caught between two truths: the 2016-2020 models delivered some of the finest interiors the brand ever built, tactile, sophisticated, genuinely special, while newer examples cheapened out with creaky piano black and the platform itself now trails refreshed rivals by a generation. The safety systems will phantom-brake you through roundabouts with alarming confidence, and the base 2.0T four-cylinder has no business hauling 5,000 pounds of German SUV plus seven passengers. But the 3.0T V6 pulls strong, Quattro handles winter without drama, and long-term reliability has been solid across the second generation. Hunt for a pre-2020 model if you want the good bones, skip the four-cylinder entirely, and budget time to neuter the driver assistance, families prioritizing space and mechanical competence over cutting-edge screens will find a capable workhorse here.
Lincoln's flagship three-row tries to out-luxury the Escalade with a twin-turbo V6, quilted leather everywhere, and a 48-inch screen that actually makes sense. The Black Label trims look stunning, and owners who bought recent models rave about the presence and tech. But there's a gap between the showroom promise and the road reality: Consumer Reports tested the 2025 and found the ride quality and handling don't justify six-figure pricing, and some Black Label buyers report cracking lamination on white interior panels, unacceptable at that tier. The 3.5L EcoBoost (2018+) dodges the cam phaser nightmares that plagued older 5.4L V8 models, but you'll still visit gas stations constantly at 15-17 mpg. Buy it if you want maximum space and maximum screen in a Lincoln wrapper, but know the Escalade drives better and the Expedition costs $30k less.