2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, each offering a unique powertrain. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, delivered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive. Volvo offered the XC90 in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trims, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 Ultimate trim test vehicle featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package, active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145. The XC90's exterior boasted a subdued, earthy color palette, contrasting chrome and polished metal accents, and wheel designs up to 21 inches. Inside, the design was dated but luxurious, with options for wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas came in five trims: SE, SE with Technology, Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. The Peak Edition had an off-road look, while the SEL Premium R-Line was sporty with the most standard equipment. A five-passenger Atlas Cross Sport was also available. Base prices ranged from $38,200 to $53,205, excluding a $1,425 destination charge. The test vehicle, an Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, featured Mountain Lake Blue paint and Shetland Beige leather interior, with a standard 4Motion AWD system and an MSRP of $54,630. The Atlas had a chiseled, muscular appearance with polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels. Inside, diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood created a warm environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. During testing, the XC90 delivered 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg in combined driving. The SUV excelled in electric performance for short trips but showed reduced EV performance after 25 miles. The gas engine provided lively acceleration, but the XC90's handling was more luxury-oriented than sporty, with firm ride quality and some cabin noise.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive or 4Motion AWD. The engine was refined, with a generous torque curve between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. In Sport mode, the engine note was pleasing, though fuel economy suffered. During testing, the Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in city driving and 19.2 mpg overall, below the EPA ratings of 18 mpg city and 21 mpg combined. The ride quality was brittle over rough surfaces, with excessive body motions at highway speeds. Handling was predictable, with the Bridgestone Alenza tires being the weakest link. The brakes performed well, but the Atlas's body motions were undesirable.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. A panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims included features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats were comfortable, though the lower leg support bolsters could catch on clothing. The XC90 seated seven or six with captain's chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and adequate third-row space. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo capacity reached 85.7 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a spacious interior and comfortable third-row seating. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof. Third-row access was outstanding, with adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable, with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen. It lacked traditional controls, relying on touch-sensitive buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The system's voice recognition was unreliable, making smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Harman Kardon audio system was excellent, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, such as incorrect song titles and confusing navigation screens.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. It included standard safety features and Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. However, Pilot Assist had limitations, such as struggling with curves and issuing inaccurate lane-departure warnings.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, with Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. It included adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. The Atlas earned a five-star NHTSA rating and was a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. The IQ.Drive systems were accurate and refined, with occasional false warnings but generally trustworthy performance.