2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Acura MDX

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, which originated from the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept first introduced in 2013. This update included new lighting elements, with the most noticeable being the light-up VW logos, similar to those added to the ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo illuminated in white, while the rear logo shone red. Additionally, a front light bar connected to the daytime running lights, which were part of the new LED headlights reminiscent of those on a Ford Expedition. These subtle changes gave the Atlas a new "face," emphasizing American swagger over European influences. At the rear, the taillights seamlessly blended into a full-width light bar housing the illuminated logo. All trim levels received new wheel designs, with the base SE model featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims boasted 20-inch or 21-inch wheels. The Atlas Peak Edition joined the lineup, offering a more rugged appearance with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique exterior colors. Inside, the Atlas received a revised interior with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist design that contrasted with its truck-like exterior. Volkswagen aimed to elevate the interior's upscale feel with improved materials and stitching, although some areas still appeared less refined.

The 2025 Acura MDX received minor styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights. These subtle changes enhanced the SUV's front-end appearance and added visual presence to the sporty and performance versions. Interior changes were more significant, with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system that replaced the previous touchpad interface, providing more storage space. The seats from the MDX Type S model were now available in the MDX Advance package and MDX A-Spec Advance, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass. The MDX maintained its reputation for quality, although the gloss black plastic trim on the dashboard was prone to collecting dust and smudges. The controls were logically placed and easy to use, with quick-access buttons for the head-up display and safety features. The updated MDX lineup introduced a new A-Spec Advance trim level, combining luxury with a sportier look. The test vehicle in this trim, with extra-cost paint and destination charges, had an MSRP of $69,950, while the base MDX started at $50,900.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas saw a reduction in powertrain options, leaving only a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, compared to the previous VR6 engine's 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The new turbo-four engine, part of VW's EA888 family, was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The additional torque made the 2024 Atlas quicker than the six-cylinder 2023 model, with FWD models achieving 0-60 mph in an estimated eight seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. Despite these improvements, the Atlas remained a family-oriented vehicle, prioritizing comfort and efficiency over performance. The ride quality was consistent with the pre-refresh model, and the Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode, although the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement. The Atlas had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, offering a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Type S model, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. However, most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was optional on lower trims and standard on higher trims. The MDX provided a comfortable and confident driving experience, with various driving modes and transmission settings. While not exceptionally fast, the MDX offered smooth acceleration and a comfortable highway ride. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, although real-world testing averaged 18.4 mpg. The MDX excelled in handling twisty roads, with smooth body motions and consistent behavior. It was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and performance tires. The MDX Type S Advance featured an air suspension for increased clearance but was not suitable for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. The SE with Technology added a power liftgate, while leather upholstery and heated second-row seats became standard on the SEL trim. The Atlas provided seating for seven with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The third-row bench was standard and offered competitive headroom and legroom across all rows. The Atlas excelled in cargo space, with 96.6 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place. It offered more cargo space than most rivals, except for the Chevy Traverse.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs in the MDX Advance and MDX A-Spec Advance trims. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a fold-down middle section for cupholders and storage. The outboard second-row seats provided ample legroom and thigh support, while the third-row seat was less comfortable for adults. The MDX offered adequate in-cabin storage, with a new center console tray and wireless smartphone charging pad. Cargo volume measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, with additional storage compartments. Folding the third row provided 39.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and dropping the second row increased capacity to 71.4 cubic feet.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available, including a dash cam port. A head-up display was standard on higher trims, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for controls was less intuitive than traditional buttons.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Alexa Built-in, and Google Built-in, offering access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. This system replaced the previous touchpad interface, providing a more intuitive experience. The MDX supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the latest AcuraLink connected services were standard. The premium sound system was upgraded, with Bang & Olufsen audio systems available on higher trims. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display. The MDX Advance and MDX A-Spec Advance featured a surround-view camera system for enhanced visibility.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received high scores in most crash tests. The Atlas included more standard driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The SEL Premium R-Line added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured emergency response systems for added safety.

The 2025 Acura MDX benefited from hardware upgrades to its AcuraWatch driver assistance features, offering improved accuracy and refinement. All MDX models included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The AcuraWatch 360 package, exclusive to the Type S Advance, added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. The MDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, although SH-AWD models lacked a rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not yet released crash test ratings for the 2025 model, but the 2024 model earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating.