2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Genesis GV70

The 2024 Genesis GV70 had a distinctive presence within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set. It featured signature Genesis styling elements like split headlights and a large grille, yet maintained a sleeker profile compared to the larger GV80. The GV70 avoided the quirky design of the smaller GV60, offering standout details such as a hatchback-like rear window, large exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and unique 21-inch wheel designs. It balanced SUV size with luxury-car style, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in finesse, while the Electrified GV70 retained the same styling with a hidden charge port in the grille.

The interior of the GV70 was notably distinctive, combining traditional luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof with unique design elements. The climate controls and infotainment system were housed in an elliptical pod, featuring a rotary controller with a futuristic design. The dashboard had a rounded cross-section, reminiscent of an airplane wing, showcasing Genesis' effort to innovate in interior design.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered five trim levels, with the Peak Edition designed for off-roading and the SEL Premium R-Line providing a sporty look with extensive standard equipment. The Atlas Cross Sport variant offered a more rakish design. Base prices ranged from $38,200 to $53,205, excluding a $1,425 destination charge. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, featured standard 4Motion AWD and a polished aluminum exterior with 21-inch wheels, giving it a muscular and upscale appearance.

Inside, the Atlas continued its premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood. It offered digital instrumentation and a large infotainment touchscreen with appealing graphics. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves, highlighting a preference for traditional knobs.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 retained its powertrain options, featuring a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Electrified GV70 offered standard AWD with front and rear electric motors, producing a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode providing 483 hp temporarily.

While the GV70 delivered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match its sporty rivals, feeling heavier and slower through corners. The suspension was reasonably comfortable but tended to crash over bumps. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar dynamics, with adjustable regenerative braking and a 236-mile range, offering no significant downsides compared to the gasoline model.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered FWD or 4Motion AWD. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving, with a generous torque curve between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm.

However, the Atlas' ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The handling was predictable, with the Bridgestone Alenza tires being the weakest link. Sport mode improved engine responsiveness, but fuel economy suffered, with observed figures of 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall, below the EPA ratings.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes. It provided 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet when folded. The Electrified GV70 had minimal impact on interior space, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The stylish interior design limited small-item storage, but features like automatic side bolsters in Sport mode added to its appeal.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, with excellent outward visibility. The second-row bench accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof. Access to the third row was easy, with adequate leg support and room for longer trips. The Atlas provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a rotary controller and a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles. Digital key functionality allowed phone-based access and operation.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen. It lacked traditional controls, relying on touch-sensitive buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The system's voice recognition was inconsistent, with better performance from standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3's user experience had glitches, making smartphone integration preferable.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, with four-star frontal and rollover ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system added lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered a safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive standard driver-assistance features, 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 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The IQ.Drive systems were accurate and trustworthy, with minimal false warnings.