2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a sophisticated exterior, often perceived as more premium than its non-European counterparts. Its design elements, such as standard LED headlights and taillights, along with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line, contributed to its upscale appearance. The model name was prominently displayed in all-caps at the rear, complemented by the classic Volkswagen badge. However, the color options were limited, especially for the base trim, which only offered grayscale colors. The interior featured heated front seats and cloth upholstery in the base model, with upgrades to leatherette and dual-zone climate control in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a more robust and muscular design, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim. Its polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels added to its impressive look. The Mountain Lake Blue color resisted dirt, maintaining a clean appearance. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, although the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2024 Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500 on lower trims and standard on the top trim. The AWD version had a slightly larger fuel tank, but fuel economy decreased to 25 mpg combined for the base model and 24 mpg for AWD R-Line trims. The Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, with noticeable turbo and transmission lag. Steering was light but somewhat rubbery, while visibility and handling were commendable.

The 2025 Atlas featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous V6, offering better fuel economy and refinement. The Atlas managed 15.5 mpg in city conditions and 19.2 mpg overall during testing, with official EPA ratings at 18 mpg city and 21 mpg combined. The ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with effective brakes and responsive steering in Sport mode.

The 2024 Tiguan offered a two-row configuration in the AWD-only SEL R-Line, providing 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row version, available in FWD models, had reduced cargo space but maintained decent passenger space. The Tiguan's third row was tight, but still more spacious than some competitors.

The 2025 Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, particularly in its third-row seating. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent visibility and a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench comfortably seated three adults, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof. Access to the third row was easy, and the cargo area offered 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. Storage space was well-designed and practical throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The infotainment system, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen, included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with a fully configurable 10.25-inch screen available on the SEL R-Line. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight.

The 2025 Atlas used the VW Group’s MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen. While it lacked traditional knobs and buttons, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential for a better experience. The Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches that detracted from its overall functionality.

The 2024 Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. For 2024, the IQ.DRIVE suite became standard, including adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning.

The 2025 Atlas featured the IQ.Drive suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and emergency assist. It also included a five-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.