2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, which dates back to the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept from 2013. This update included new lighting elements, such as 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 new LED headlights reminiscent of those on a Ford Expedition. These subtle changes gave the Atlas a fresh "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 changes focused around the center of the cabin. The infotainment touchscreen was now freestanding, and the shifter was reduced to a tiny toggle, creating more space and functionality. The interior aimed for a more upscale feel, with improved fake wood trim and a new weaved plastic trim simulating carbon fiber. Leatherette seats were standard, with leather upholstery available on SEL models. The SEL Premium R-Line featured diamond stitching, but some areas, like the center console, had stitching that appeared less premium. Overall, the interior quality seemed more fitting for a base model than a top-tier trim.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, continuing Chevrolet's trend of attractive SUV designs. The interior design followed suit, featuring digital instrumentation, Google-based infotainment systems, and appealing layouts. However, the quality of materials left something to be desired, with hard, glossy, deep-grained plastic being a notable drawback. The Evotex artificial leather in the Traverse test vehicle also fell short of emulating genuine leather, which was disappointing for a vehicle in this price range.

For 2025, the Traverse offered trims including LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495, including a destination charge. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and additional packages. The MSRP for the Z71 spec was $55,900, including the destination charge. Despite its shortcomings in material quality, the Traverse's design and features made it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish and capable SUV.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas saw a reduction in powertrain options, leaving only a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine, an iteration of VW's EA888, produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. It replaced the previous VR6 engine, which delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The new turbo-four engine offered improved performance, with FWD models achieving 0 to 60 mph in an estimated eight seconds, while AWD models took 8.3 seconds. Despite the improvements, the Atlas remained a family-oriented vehicle, prioritizing comfort and efficiency over performance. The ride quality remained 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 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This engine provided ample power, allowing the Traverse to accelerate rapidly and smoothly, especially with AWD engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse excelled in off-road conditions, handling trails and rough terrain with ease. The Z71's suspension and tires also contributed to a smoother ride during daily commutes. The Traverse's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, although the vehicle's size and off-road tires made it feel less sporty on winding roads. The Traverse Z71 achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding the official estimate.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features for 2024, 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 boasted competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space ranged from 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place to 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior, particularly in terms of width. Front seat occupants enjoyed ample space, and the eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat made it easy to find a comfortable position. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during cold weather. The Traverse accommodated up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, while captain's chairs were available for added comfort. The third-row seats provided adequate comfort, although the rear windows limited the view. The Traverse offered 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received more standard tech features for 2024, including a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging, 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 made them less intuitive to use.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice recognition, and access to the Google Play Store. The system also included Alexa compatibility, OnStar connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging were standard, along with SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The large touchscreen provided a simple user interface, and Google Assistant was highly effective. The Traverse also featured an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views. Optional features included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

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 offered more standard driver-assist features for 2024, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, 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 to enhance safety in the event of a crash.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added a high-definition surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on compatible roads, with clear communication of its status. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.