2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

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, giving the Atlas a new "face" with American swagger. At the rear, the taillights 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 an outdoorsy flavor with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique styling elements. Inside, the interior saw a revised look with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist design that contrasted with the 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 Pathfinder, tested in challenging snowy conditions near Mount Rainier National Park, showcased its capabilities with the Rock Creek trim. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires, standard all-wheel drive, and seven selectable driving modes, including a dedicated snow mode, the Pathfinder handled the terrain with ease. The Rock Creek trim featured an adventurous look with 18-inch beadlock-style wheels and a V-Motion grille with mesh patterns and contrasting trim elements. A metal roof rack and exposed trailer hitch emphasized its practicality. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder remained a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and protective skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek trim offered leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange "Rock Creek" logos, while higher trims featured more luxurious materials. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with a focus on practicality, although it lacked some advanced technology compared to competitors.

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, available in front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Atlas demonstrated improved acceleration, with FWD models reaching 0 to 60 mph in an estimated eight seconds, while AWD models took 8.3 seconds. Despite the improvements, the Atlas remained focused on comfort and practicality rather than performance. 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 had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated at 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque in most trims, with the Rock Creek trim offering 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and unobtrusive operation. The Pathfinder's maximum towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the Platinum and Rock Creek trims, thanks to a standard transmission oil cooler. The Pathfinder's ride was soft, suitable for light off-roading, but less composed on twisty roads compared to some competitors. The Rock Creek trim's all-terrain tires affected fuel efficiency, with an average of 20.8 mpg over a 200-mile evaluation. The Pathfinder offered seven drive modes, including a snow mode, which effectively provided traction in challenging conditions.

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 Nissan Pathfinder, although smaller on paper, offered ample interior space. During a three-day ski trip with four adults, the Pathfinder comfortably accommodated passengers and their gear. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with the third row folded and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seating, with the Rock Creek trim offering captain's chairs and a removable center console. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats, enhancing practicality for families.

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, along with six USB-C ports and 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, haptic touchpads for certain functions were less intuitive than traditional buttons.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder lagged behind some competitors in terms of technology. It featured an older infotainment interface compared to other Nissan models, with an 8-inch screen on lower trims and a 9-inch screen on higher trims. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on the SL and standard on the Platinum trim. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but wireless projection was limited to Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. The Pathfinder included standard voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation was available only on higher trims, and a head-up display was exclusive to the Platinum trim.

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 for 2024, 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 to enhance safety in case of a crash.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and rear automatic braking. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard on all but the base S trim. Traffic sign recognition was available on the SL and Platinum trims.