2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport showcased a refreshed design with new lighting elements that mirrored the updates seen in the three-row Atlas. The illuminated Volkswagen logos on the grille and tailgate, along with a light bar connecting the daytime running lights, contributed to a more Americanized aesthetic. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Cross Sport was designed specifically for the U.S. market, featuring a lower roofline that gave it a silhouette akin to German luxury crossover coupes. The vehicle's exterior was complemented by new wheel designs across all trim levels, with options ranging from 18-inch to 21-inch wheels, depending on the model.

Inside, the Cross Sport received the same interior revisions as the standard Atlas, including a raised center console and a new electronic shifter. The interior trim carried over from the three-row Atlas, offering standard leatherette upholstery and leather seats on higher trims. The top SEL Premium R-Line trim featured quilted leather upholstery with a diamond pattern, although the simulated wood and carbon-fiber-facsimile trim remained plastic. Despite these updates, the interior maintained a functional design with ample storage space.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants, presented a luxurious appearance with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal and cabin placement over the rear axle contributed to its athletic look. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, although some materials reflected its competitive pricing. The cabin was upscale, but design-related complaints included a confusing electronic shifter and a non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system.

Despite these ergonomic issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs. The vehicle's ride and handling were impressive, although drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially shortly after engine start-up. The CX-90's suspension was firm and communicative, providing a dynamic driving experience, but the vehicle suffered from a lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness. The CX-90's interior was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats, but the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 3.6-liter VR6, offering slightly less horsepower but more torque. The new engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. Despite the engine's power, the Cross Sport was not particularly engaging to drive, with a lackluster ride quality that was partly attributed to the test car's 21-inch wheels. The vehicle's maximum towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated at 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with the potential for 340 horsepower on premium gas. The engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved driving dynamics. The CX-90 offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior until warmed up. The vehicle's ride and handling were impressive, but the drivetrain's lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered more standard equipment for 2024, including heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. The interior provided decent front-row legroom, but the fashion-statement roofline reduced rear-seat headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cabin was functional, with ample storage space in the center console and door pockets.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The front seats were comfortable, and the panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light. The second-row captain's chairs offered elevated seating positions, but the long rear doors could make loading children challenging. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. The CX-90's cargo space was practical, with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 74.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the haptic touchpads for controls were less user-friendly than traditional buttons. The Cross Sport offered up to six USB-C ports and a USB-C dash cam port on higher trims. The SEL trim included a head-up display, and the SEL Premium R-Line featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was not up to modern standards, but the vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display. The CX-90's technology was functional, but the lack of a conversational digital voice assistant and the reliance on traditional controls detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IQ.Drive package of driver aids was standard on all models, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Travel Assist. Higher trims added predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. The gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, but the audible warning systems could be intrusive.