2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The Luxury trim model featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence. Its styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX came in three series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD. The interior, though dark, felt luxurious with premium materials, meeting expectations for a Lexus badge.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered five trim levels, with the SEL Premium R-Line being the most equipped and sporty-looking. The Atlas impressed with its chiseled, muscular design, featuring polished aluminum detailing and 21-inch wheels. The Mountain Lake Blue color resisted dirt, maintaining its clean look. Inside, the Atlas provided a warm environment with diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents. The digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though some controls were touch-sensitive, which could be less satisfying to use.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds, or 7.8 seconds with AWD. The performance was adequate, with a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg for the FWD model, though it averaged 20.4 mpg during testing. The AWD option, costing $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350 provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering, though the brake pedal felt soft.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving. It returned 15.5 mpg in city conditions and 19.2 mpg overall during testing, with official ratings at 18 mpg city and 21 mpg combined. The ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over rough surfaces and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the handling was predictable, and the brakes performed well under stress.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs by offering a more spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 Luxury model included premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, providing better leg support and visibility. Cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97 cubic feet with seats folded. However, second-row legroom was limited when accommodating third-row passengers.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in comfort and space, particularly in the third row, which was among the best in its class. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent visibility and a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat offered ample room for three adults, with a panoramic sunroof overhead. Access to the third row was easy, and storage space was commendable across all rows. The Atlas provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, and surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and visibility issues with the head-up display were drawbacks. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supported by a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system offered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen. The lack of traditional controls and a reliable native voice assistant made the system less user-friendly. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, with the Harman Kardon audio system delivering excellent sound. The MIB3 system had glitches, such as incorrect song displays and confusing navigation screens, making smartphone integration a more satisfying option.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering support, though it was not always transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with optional parking sensors and traffic jam assist. The system was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas came with IQ.Drive, offering features like Front Assist, Lane Assist, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist provided semi-automated driving assistance, while Emergency Assist could safely stop the vehicle if the driver was unresponsive. The Atlas earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The IQ.Drive systems were accurate and trustworthy, with minimal need to disable any features.