2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX received subtle styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened lights, enhancing its sporty appearance. Most versions featured new wheel designs, adding to the SUV's visual appeal. Inside, the MDX saw significant changes with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the touchpad interface, offering more storage. The seats from the previous Type S model were included in the MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims, while the Type S received a new seat design. Enhanced sound insulation and acoustic glass improved cabin quietness, though the gloss black plastic trim was prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered five trim levels, with the Peak Edition designed for off-roading and the SEL Premium R-Line providing a sporty look. The Atlas Cross Sport variant featured a rakish design. Prices ranged from $38,200 to $53,205, excluding destination charges. The SEL Premium R-Line model, tested in Mountain Lake Blue, showcased polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a muscular and upscale appearance. Inside, diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents created a warm environment, though touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2025 Acura MDX emphasized performance with its A-Spec design and Type S engineering, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The MDX offered a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Weighing over 4,500 pounds, the MDX provided smooth driving dynamics with Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual modes. The A-Spec Advance trim achieved 21 mpg combined, though our test averaged 18.4 mpg. The MDX excelled in typical driving situations, offering a firm and communicative ride.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engines with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Atlas offered front-wheel drive or 4Motion AWD. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in city conditions and 19.2 mpg overall, slightly below EPA ratings. 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 responsive brakes and steering.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions in the Advance trims. The second row offered flexibility with a bench seat or individual bucket seats, while the third row was less comfortable for adults. The MDX provided adequate in-cabin storage and a cargo volume of 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. 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 accommodated three adults comfortably, and access to the third row was outstanding. The Atlas provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, eliminating the previous touchpad interface. The system offered a natural and intuitive interface, though SiriusXM required streaming via smartphone apps. AcuraLink connected services and a premium sound system enhanced the experience. The MDX also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. The lack of traditional controls made the system less user-friendly, and the native voice assistant was unreliable. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, and the Harman Kardon audio system was impressive. The MIB3 system had glitches, such as incorrect song displays and confusing navigation screens.

The 2025 Acura MDX included AcuraWatch driver assistance features, with an expanded AcuraWatch 360 available on the Type S Advance. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 model.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive driver-assistance systems, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also offered 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.