2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, maintained its classic boxy shape with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured elements that paid homage to earlier models, such as the heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out, round headlights on the base and top trims, and rectangular ones on the mid-grade trim. All lighting was upgraded to LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. The two higher trims offered color-selectable fog lights, adding a contemporary twist. The lowered beltline improved visibility, and the First Edition trim came with additional off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while the mid-grade offered SofTex, and the First Edition boasted real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard across all trims, with the Premium Package adding a moonroof and ventilated seats. The cabin emphasized comfort with cushy seats and attractive contrast stitching, allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in five trim levels, with the Peak Edition designed for off-roading and the SEL Premium R-Line offering a sporty look with the most standard equipment. The Atlas Cross Sport variant provided a more rakish design. Prices ranged from $38,200 to $53,205, excluding the destination charge. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, featured VW’s 4Motion AWD system. Its polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels gave it a chiseled, upscale appearance. Inside, diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood created a warm environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying to use, especially with gloves.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was tested primarily on an off-road course, showcasing its hybrid powertrain. It featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, allowed for high and low range. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on mid-tier and First Edition models, operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo. Standard features included an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials. The push-button disconnect for the front sway bar, new for 2024, enhanced off-road articulation. The updated CRAWL control function, with five speed settings, managed braking and acceleration over challenging terrain silently, improving the driving experience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite initial concerns about its capability in a large SUV, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The eight-speed automatic transmission, available with FWD or 4Motion AWD, complemented the engine. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg over a 70+ mile route, slightly below its EPA ratings. The ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the handling was predictable, with the Sport mode enhancing engine and transmission responsiveness. The brakes performed well under duress, though the tires were the weakest link in dynamic performance.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, offered two rows of seating with no third-row option in the U.S. Headroom measured 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back, with legroom at 33.0 inches front and 26.7 inches rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road controls, and the infotainment screen was conveniently placed. The cargo area, with a raised load floor and rubber mat, offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, equipped with a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a spacious interior designed for comfort. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt slightly stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by large mirrors and a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a climate-control panel. Access to the third-row seat was easy, and it provided adequate leg support. The cargo area offered 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. Storage space was commendable throughout, with practical compartments and cupholders.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor system on higher trims, enhancing the 12.3-inch touchscreen display's usefulness on off-road courses. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base trim had an 8-inch display and six-speaker sound system, while the middle trim offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL system with the Premium Package, which also added a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen display, with three Car-Net connected service plans. The lack of traditional controls made the system less user-friendly, and the native digital voice assistant was unreliable. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, with the Harman Kardon audio system delivering excellent sound quality. The MIB3 system had glitches, such as incorrect song titles on SiriusXM radio and a confusing navigation interface, making smartphone integration a more satisfying option.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award provided some confidence. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-tracing assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, with standard driver-assistance features like Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and rear cross-traffic alert were also included. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick, though 2025 ratings were not available.