2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle refresh, adopting a bold new front-end design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The SUV featured LED accent lights positioned where the previous model's headlights were, with the actual headlights now recessed below. This redesign, characterized by an oversized kidney grille, was polarizing, with many finding it lacking in grace and cohesiveness. Despite the controversial front, the sides and rear remained largely unchanged, offering a sense of familiarity. The interior saw a modern update with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, alongside a more elemental dashboard design. The quality of materials was excellent, with options for leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. However, glossy wood and carbon fiber trims were less favored due to glare issues, with matte and open-pore wood alternatives preferred for their warmth and tactile appeal. Overall, the interior revisions provided a more modern and elegant appearance, despite mixed feelings about the exterior styling.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that introduced new lighting elements, including light-up VW logos and a front light bar connecting the daytime running lights. These changes gave the Atlas a more Americanized appearance, moving away from its European roots. The rear featured taillights blending into a full-width light bar with an illuminated logo. All trim levels received new wheel designs, with the Atlas SE base model sporting 18-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims featured larger wheels. The Atlas Peak Edition was introduced, offering an outdoorsy aesthetic with black wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique color options. Inside, the Atlas saw a revised center console with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a smaller toggle shifter, enhancing functionality. The interior aimed for a more upscale feel with improved fake wood trim and new weaved plastic trim options. Leatherette seats were standard, with leather upholstery available on higher trims. While some stitching appeared less premium, the overall interior quality was reasonable for its class.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a choice between two powerful engines. The base xDrive40i model featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the X7 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, also with a 48-volt hybrid system, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate performance from the six-cylinder. The ride was slightly firmer than some luxury SUVs, but it maintained a good balance of performance and comfort.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas simplified its powertrain options, offering only a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, providing a noticeable improvement over the previous turbo-four. The Atlas was available with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The new engine offered quicker acceleration, with FWD models reaching 0 to 60 mph in eight seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the Atlas focused on comfort and practicality. The ride quality remained consistent with the pre-refresh model, and the Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode. The Atlas had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats comfortably accommodated taller passengers, and the large sunroof and windows enhanced the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some time due to the power-operated middle row, but it offered a reasonably large opening. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Behind the third row, there was 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage space, including a large covered bin with a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. Seating for seven was standard, with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space varied from 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place to 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas offered more cargo space than most rivals, except the Chevy Traverse.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was less intuitive than previous versions. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, making simple tasks like adjusting seat settings more complicated. Voice commands were available but took time to process. While the system had merits for navigation and texting, more physical buttons and intuitive menus were desired.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas came with more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available. A head-up display was standard on higher trims, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, haptic touchpads for functions like audio volume were less convenient than physical buttons.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature was particularly appreciated for reducing driver fatigue.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS hadn't released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received high scores. The Atlas included more standard driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The SEL Premium R-Line added park assist and a surround-view camera system. Emergency features included automatic post-collision braking and a crash response system.