2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, which originated from the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept 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 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 colors. Inside, the Atlas received a revised look, with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist interior 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 felt more suited to a base model.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, encountered during a rental experience in Hawaii, presented a different aesthetic. The black-on-black color scheme, combined with dark gray wheels, was less than ideal for a tropical climate. However, once behind the wheel with the windows down and roof panels removed, the color became less significant. The Wrangler offered a range of trims, from Sport to the powerful Rubicon 392, equipped with a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine. The Sport S model featured a few options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Wrangler's interior remained functional, with a focus on durability and utility. The Wrangler's design drew inspiration from its military heritage, emphasizing American freedom and off-road capability. While lacking sophistication compared to modern vehicles, the Wrangler's iconic seven-slot grille and Made in the U.S.A. label contributed to its enduring popularity.

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, offering improved performance over the previous VR6 engine. The Atlas featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The additional torque allowed the 2024 Atlas to accelerate more quickly than its six-cylinder predecessor, with FWD models achieving 0 to 60 mph in an estimated eight seconds. While not a performance powerhouse, the Atlas prioritized comfort and practicality, with a smooth yet noisy engine. The Peak Edition added off-road features, but the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement. The Atlas maintained a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was limited to 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine delivered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, providing a lively performance, especially at higher elevations. The Wrangler's fuel efficiency varied, with the turbocharged engine achieving an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During a week-long evaluation in Hawaii, the Wrangler averaged 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were well-suited to the island's terrain, with standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and excellent approach and departure angles. However, the Wrangler's ride was rough, and its steering and handling were less refined. Despite these drawbacks, the Wrangler's off-road prowess and iconic design made it a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts.

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 versatile second-row bench that could accommodate three child seats. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas excelled in passenger space, with competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows. Cargo space was generous, with up to 96.6 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler presented challenges in terms of entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. While step rails were available, they could complicate access. The Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and heated options available. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the opening of the tailgate and rear window. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received significant tech upgrades for 2024, including a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard features. Wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were also standard, with up to eight USB-C ports available. A head-up display was included on higher trims, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon setup. 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 posed usability challenges.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport S trim came with an eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system available as an option. Higher trims offered navigation and Jeep Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and off-road navigation capabilities. The touchscreen remained bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group package added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and remote engine start. Rear parking sensors were part of the optional Active Safety Group package.

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 yet rated the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received high scores in most crash tests. The Atlas included more standard driver-assist features for 2024, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included automatic post-collision braking and an emergency assist system.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard equipment for front and rear seats. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was standard on the Sahara trim. The Wrangler's crash test results were incomplete, with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler's side-impact protection as Good, but the small overlap frontal-impact test received a Marginal rating.