2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, dating 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 colors like Avocado Green and Pure Gray. Inside, the cabin received a revised look, with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a compact shifter, creating more functional space. Volkswagen aimed to elevate the interior's upscale feel with improved fake wood trim and weaved plastic trim simulating carbon fiber. Leatherette seats were standard, with leather upholstery available on SEL models. However, some stitching and material quality fell short of expectations for the top-tier model.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxurious aura with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it the appearance of a high-end SUV. Its sculptural sheet metal created an engaging interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to a sleek, athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90 continued the premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and well-marked switchgear. Despite some materials reflecting its competitive price, the cabin felt convincingly upscale. However, ergonomic issues arose, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Mazda's reluctance to offer touchscreen operation for its infotainment system added to the frustration. Nevertheless, the CX-90 stood out among midsize three-row crossovers for its sophistication and overall appeal.

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 turbo-four engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The additional torque over the VR6, peaking at 1,550 rpm, made the 2024 Atlas quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor. FWD models achieved 0 to 60 mph in an estimated eight seconds, while AWD models took 8.3 seconds. Despite these 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. However, the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement, lacking low range and underbody protection for off-road adventures. The Atlas maintained a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE, which was rated for 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 delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with the potential for 340 hp on premium gas. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, which favored rear-wheel power distribution for improved driving dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. While not a true off-roader, it provided 8.1 inches of ground clearance and standard hill descent control. The i-Stop function aimed to enhance fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined for both the 3.3 Turbo and 3.3 Turbo S. However, real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range and the same 25 mpg combined rating. Despite impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. Unwanted engine surge and acceleration added to the discomfort. The vehicle's lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness further detracted from its upscale impression. Nevertheless, the CX-90 excelled in handling, offering a firm and communicative ride, though the 21-inch wheels contributed to a less compliant suspension.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas gained 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 offered seating for seven with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. It accommodated three child seats side by side and could tilt and slide forward with the seats in place. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The third-row bench was standard across all trims. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom in all three rows, surpassing rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. However, second-row passengers had slightly less room to stretch compared to other crossovers. Cargo space varied from 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded to 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place. Folding only the third row offered 55.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making the Atlas one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite California's cool summer, struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature, suggesting the three-zone climate control system was inadequate. In the 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, the CX-90 featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front-seat ventilation was as ineffective as the air conditioning. Once cooled, the eight-way power-adjustable front seats provided comfort on long journeys. A panoramic sunroof allowed ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions with height-adjustable armrests and side window shades. However, limited seat-track travel posed challenges for rear-facing child safety seats. The long rear doors facilitated third-row access, accommodating two adults comfortably with the second-row seat slid forward. The third row offered acceptable support but was best suited for children on longer trips. The CX-90's electronic shifter did not enhance storage space, with limited options on and under the center console. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with small trays under the load floor. Folding the third row provided 40 cubic feet of cargo room, while maximum cargo volume with the second-row seats flattened measured 74.2 cubic feet, which was small for the segment.

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 and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard, eliminating the need to upgrade from the base model. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available, including a dash cam port on higher trims. A head-up display was standard on SEL and higher trims. VW switched from Fender to Harman Kardon for its premium audio systems, offering a 12-speaker system on higher trims. The upgraded infotainment system was user-friendly, with a map view in the digital instrument cluster, ideal for road trips. Graphics were sharp yet simple to read. However, VW's reliance on haptic touchpads for functions like audio volume and headlights made controls more challenging to use than traditional buttons, despite the high-tech vibe.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, maintaining a traditional gauge cluster and display layout. While panoramic curved displays were becoming common, Mazda's approach was refreshingly old-school. Unfortunately, the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The native Mazda Connect platform required using the center console's knob and buttons, which took time to become intuitive. Mazda's voice recognition system fell short of modern expectations, with inconsistent results even when following prompts. However, Mazda planned to introduce a new Google Built-in infotainment system in the 2026 Mazda CX-5, expected to arrive in a future CX-90 refresh. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system, delivering a rewarding listening experience. Mazda's Active Driving Display, a head-up display, provided helpful data, and the blind-spot monitoring system added an extra layer of 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 Atlas, but the structurally similar 2023 model received the highest "Good" score in all crash tests except the updated moderate overlap front test, where it was rated "Marginal." The Atlas gained more standard driver-assist features for 2024, with the IQ.Drive package now standard on all trims. This package included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist for highway driving. Predictive adaptive cruise control was standard on SEL and higher trims, while the SEL Premium R-Line added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured automatic post-collision braking, a crash response system, and an emergency assist feature.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Gas-only CX-90 models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Mazda equipped the CX-90 with a comprehensive list of standard driver aids, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and a vehicle exit warning system were also standard. Higher trims added steering assist to the blind-spot monitoring system, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Cruising and Traffic Support, available on higher trims, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist for highway use. However, it struggled with speed adjustments and lane markings in certain conditions. Despite some irritations, the CX-90's driver aids met expectations, with effective lane-keeping technologies and a communicative blind-spot monitoring system.