I have been curious for a while if there is any notable difference in reliability between the two rifles. I Would prefer to have the nato for a few reasons (not just the mag compatibility), but just am curious if it is less reliable as its not the original design (maybe im worrying too much). Ive tried reaching out to Steyr USA and they never respond at all.

From what I've read, the standard version is more reliable and has a better trigger. I have the standard version.

Also, oem AUG magazines are cool. But I would get the magpul AUG magazines.

I have the AUG A3CQC. And I haven't encountered any issues with the 2020 trigger and Standard  and Magpul Mags.

There is a TFB Stery Aug video that they did last year with one of the Stery factory gurus about the AUG. It is a good video to watch.

I bought an NATO model AUG. Mainly because I could not locate a standard AUG when I bought mine.
I also like the idea of running NATO mags, because I have a few, we can say.
In my opinion, the mag capability is about the only positive for the NATO model.

The standard AUG has a bolt release and it has two trigger bars that make the trigger just a little bit better.
The magazines are pretty much bulletproof, however, they do have a issue with popping cartridges if the mag
is slapped briskly after being inserted. That of course is a follow over from the A.R./M-16 platform

About a year after I bought my AUG I was able to locate a standard configuration assembly in your pack.
From time to time I switch between the two, however, I usually run the standard AUG configuration