2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Audi Q5

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, most notably the light-up VW logos similar to those on the ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo illuminated in white, while the rear logo shone red. 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 elements. Inside, the Atlas received a revised interior with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a compact shifter, creating more functional space. Volkswagen aimed to elevate the interior's upscale feel with improved materials, although some areas still felt less premium.

The 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a robust SUV aesthetic with a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving the front end an imposing presence. The body featured well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. While the exterior design was entirely new, it appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. The Q5 offered three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with LED Headlights Plus available on all but the base model. The Q5 came in standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter sacrificing cargo space and rear-seat headroom for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance variant featured matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips, along with sportier suspension tuning. Inside, the Q5's design was characterized by a mix of lines and materials, creating a distinctive yet somewhat discordant look. The materials were top-notch, with leather seating surfaces standard. The SQ5 offered a sportier interior with Alcantara trim, but some design choices, like the piano-black plastic, detracted from the overall experience.

For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas streamlined its powertrain options, eliminating the VR6 engine and leaving only a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, offering more torque than the previous VR6 and turbo-four engines. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The additional torque made the 2024 Atlas quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, with front-wheel-drive models achieving 0 to 60 mph in an estimated eight seconds, while all-wheel-drive models took 8.3 seconds. Despite the improved performance, the Atlas remained focused on comfort and practicality rather than sporty driving. The ride quality was consistent with previous models, 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 maintained a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive across all models. The base Q5 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Q5's power output was competitive within its segment, with the SQ5 achieving a manufacturer-estimated 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. However, both models experienced turbo lag and occasional rough shifts from the dual-clutch transmission. The Q5's suspension offered a balance between damping and body control, with air suspension available on higher trims. While the Q5 handled well, it didn't encourage aggressive driving. The Q5 also featured Off-Road and Off-Road Plus driving modes, but it was more suited for dirt roads than challenging trails.

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 Atlas excelled in headroom and legroom across all three rows, with competitive cargo space. With the second and third rows folded, the Atlas offered 96.6 cubic feet of cargo space, shrinking to 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place. The Atlas had more cargo space than most rivals, except for the Chevy Traverse.

The 2025 Audi Q5 retained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the previous model. It featured a sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 offered 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row, providing more cargo space than some competitors. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with higher trims adding features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof. The Q5's towing capacity reached 4,400 pounds, surpassing some rivals.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard. The Atlas offered up to eight USB-C ports, including a dash cam port on higher trims. A head-up display was standard on SEL and 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.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models added USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was easy to use, with a built-in voice assistant for some functions. The digital instrument cluster had less functionality than previous versions. The Q5 also included a head-up display and Dynamic Interaction Light for additional driver cues.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The 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 Audi Q5 came with standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star rating.