2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E retained its distinctive and sharp styling, with an aggressive front fascia and a sloping profile that maintained the Mustang's iconic tri-bar tail lights. The lamps were refreshed to match the signature lighting of the seventh-generation Ford Mustang, while other updates focused on individual trims. The new Rally trim emerged as the top-of-the-line, featuring unique styling cues such as LED fog lamps, a black roof, and Oxford White 19-inch wheels that referenced rally racing. The GT trim offered 20-inch wheels with various finishes, including a new Bronze Appearance Package. Inside, the Mach-E's minimalist dash with a large touchscreen remained, and Ford Performance front seats became standard on the GT and Rally trims, adding a futuristic touch with Oxford White plastic trim.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in five trim levels, with the SEL Premium R-Line standing out for its sporty appearance and standard equipment. The Atlas Peak Edition offered an off-road-ready look. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, tested in Mountain Lake Blue, featured polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a chiseled and upscale appearance. Inside, the Atlas boasted diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. However, the touch-sensing controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves, and the lack of traditional knobs was a drawback.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E's ride was firmer than desired, even with the revised GT's MagneRide damping system. The Mach-E maintained a sports-car-first approach, with sporty steering feel and a tight wheel. The GT Performance Upgrade package increased torque to 700 lb-ft, maintaining 480 horsepower, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds. The Mach-E GT and Rally trims offered all-wheel drive, with ranges of 280 and 265 miles, respectively. The Mach-E's DC fast-charging experience improved, reducing charging time by about 20%.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite initial concerns, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall, slightly below EPA ratings. The ride quality was disappointing, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with 29.7 behind the rear seats and a drainable frunk. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo space to 59.7 cubic feet. The Mach-E provided ample headroom and legroom, with power-adjustable seats and ActiveX seating surfaces standard. Heated front seats were available on the base trim and standard on others.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a comfortable third-row seat and cavernous cargo area. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, though the leather felt stiff. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a climate-control panel. The third-row seat offered adequate leg support and easy access. The Atlas provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 96.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the latest SYNC 4A infotainment software on a 15.5-inch touchscreen. The system included Ford's Intelligent Range for accurate range estimation. However, the interface could be improved for better user experience, especially when navigation was active.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen, with Car-Net connected service plans. The lack of traditional controls and a reliable native digital voice assistant was a drawback. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, with the Harman Kardon audio system delivering excellent sound quality. The MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, making smartphone integration a more satisfying option.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered BlueCruise 1.3, a hands-free highway-driving assist software, with a 90-day trial and subscription option. The Mach-E included a 360-degree camera and Ford CoPilot 360 suite, with features like blind-spot information, pre-collision assist, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a Top Safety Pick Award from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive driver-assistance technologies, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. It also offered adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. The Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.