2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Nissan Armada

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, 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 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 make the interior feel more upscale, with improved materials and stitching, although some areas still felt less premium.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a strikingly high beltline, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The grille and front fascia appeared taller, aided by the SUV's higher ground clearance and limited lower grille portion. The PRO-4X trim stood out with a skid plate and a unique front lighting signature featuring C-shaped LED lines. The Armada's imposing grille made a strong impression, setting it apart from its predecessor. From the side, the third-generation Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar design. The PRO-4X trim added rugged character with black plastic cladding and Lava Red accents. The rear featured C-shaped LED taillights and a fashionable red lightbar on higher trims. Wheel options ranged from 18-inch on the SV to 22-inch on the Platinum Reserve, with unique designs for the PRO-4X. Inside, the Armada offered a premium feel, even in the PRO-4X trim, with leather seats and padded center consoles. Higher trims added luxurious touches like quilting and unique color combinations, enhancing the cabin's upscale ambiance.

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, offering more torque than the previous VR6 engine. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The additional torque made the 2024 Atlas quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, with FWD models achieving 0 to 60 mph in eight seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. While not a performance powerhouse, the Atlas focused on comfort and practicality, with a smooth but noisy engine. Ride quality remained consistent, 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. 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 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the high-performance GT-R. This engine delivered 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Armada offered rear-wheel drive or Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive, with the PRO-4X trim being 4WD-only. The PRO-4X featured dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and metal skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided improved off-road capabilities, including a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada's 4WD models included hill-descent control and an off-road information display. With a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds, the Armada offered trailer sway control and other towing features. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering provided a sense of engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X excelled in challenging conditions, thanks to its advanced suspension and drive modes.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas gained 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 offered 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 across all trims. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom, with the best third-row legroom in its class. Cargo space varied from 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place to 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, offering more cargo space than most rivals.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad on all but the base SV trim. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" seats provided comfort, with power adjustments increasing with each trim level. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, while higher trims offered front-row seat cooling and second-row seat heating. The Armada's three-row configuration included a standard second-row bench, with captain's chairs available on Platinum trims. The third-row seats offered power one-touch folding on all but the base trim. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Armada's headroom and legroom varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with improvements in third-row legroom.

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 became 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. The premium audio system switched from Fender to Harman Kardon, with a 12-speaker system on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, haptic touchpads for controls lacked feedback, making them less intuitive.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3-inch displays on the SV and SL trims, and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. The screens were housed together, providing clear visibility from the driver's seat. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be displayed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional starting at the SL trim level. The base Armada SV featured a six-speaker sound system, while a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System became standard on higher trims. The Klipsch system impressed with its audio quality, appealing to audiophiles.

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 gained more standard driver-assist features, 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 assist and automatic post-collision braking.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies. The SV and PRO-4X trims featured adaptive cruise control with active lane-centering steering assistance. ProPILOT Assist 1.1, standard on higher trims, added proactive speed management based on navigation data. ProPILOT Assist 2.1, available on higher trims, offered hands-free highway-driving assist technology. The Armada also included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims featured a surround-view camera and Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor, enhancing visibility and safety.