2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and design cues with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver paint, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." However, a switch to Solar Octane orange and black accents transformed its look to a playful "Tonka truck." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, with physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered various seating materials. All models included power-adjustable front seats and a moonroof, enhancing comfort and customization.

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. The Atlas Cross Sport variant featured a rakish design but shared similarities with the three-row Atlas. The SEL Premium R-Line, in Mountain Lake Blue with Shetland Beige leather, showcased polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels, creating an upscale appearance. The interior featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, offering a warm ambiance. The digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available as a hybrid, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The TRD Pro trim offered 4WD with off-road features like a skid plate and selectable drive modes. Other trims required an additional $3,000 for 4WD. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth operation, and the Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds. The TRD Off-Road package added adventure-ready features for those seeking off-road capability.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and suitable for daily driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission remained standard, with FWD or 4Motion AWD. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall during testing. However, ride quality was a concern, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections. Handling was predictable, and the brakes performed well, but excessive body motions affected ride comfort.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards, enhancing accessibility. Cargo space maxed out at 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded, while third-row legroom ranged from 28.1 to 33.7 inches. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, though they lacked bolstering. The Sequoia's interior dimensions placed it behind some rivals in terms of space.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and ample cargo space. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, though the leather felt stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera. The second-row bench accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof. Third-row access was easy, and the seat provided adequate leg support. Cargo capacity reached 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded, slightly less than some competitors but still generous.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim included standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessed via an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A 12.3-inch driver-information display and Panoramic View monitor were standard, while a 10-inch head-up display was available on higher trims. The JBL Premium Audio system was standard on select trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen. Traditional controls were replaced by touch-sensitive buttons, which were less intuitive. The lack of a reliable native voice assistant was a drawback, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality. However, the MIB3 system's user experience was inconsistent, with glitches affecting functionality.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, including pre-collision and lane-departure alerts. Adaptive cruise control and road-sign recognition were also included. The Tow Technology Package added features like a digital rearview mirror. While not yet rated by safety organizations, the similar Toyota Tundra received high marks.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas came with IQ.Drive, offering features like Front Assist, Lane Assist, and adaptive cruise control. Emergency Assist and Travel Assist provided additional safety measures. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.