2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV, with its redesigned features capturing attention. Despite the oversized grille, the vehicle's aerodynamically honed flanks and overall proportions contributed to its athletic look. The long and tall hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline emphasized its sporty demeanor. The test model, adorned in Arctic Race Blue paint with chilly silver undertones, paired seamlessly with machined surface wheels and gloss black M Sport details. Inside, the cabin offered quality materials, though some plastic elements revealed the X3's price point. The Veganza artificial leather upholstery, perforated and quilted, mimicked the feel of genuine leather, enhancing the interior's appeal.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, exuded an expensive look, bordering on luxury crossover territory. Starting from the base SE trim, the Atlas showcased full-LED lighting, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and a sculpted silhouette. The Peak Edition added rugged elements and blackout trim pieces, while the SEL Premium R-Line featured power-folding side mirrors with puddle lights and 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Our test vehicle's Pure Gray paint maintained a clean appearance even after extensive winter driving. Inside, the Titan Black upholstery with a silver underlay provided a sophisticated look, while quilted diamond-pattern leather seats and metallic accents created a warm, inviting environment. Despite its upscale appearance, the Atlas faced some functional shortcomings, particularly in ride quality.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 4,176-pound weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive AWD system. The engine's broad power curve, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhanced off-the-line responsiveness and improved fuel economy. The M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower, achieving a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though ride quality suffered on imperfect roads.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Atlas offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on all trims. The engine's wide powerband provided flexibility, though initial acceleration felt adequate rather than eager. Volkswagen claimed a zero-to-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds for the AWD Atlas. The Drive Mode Select system offered various driving modes, enhancing throttle response in Sport mode. The Atlas achieved 22 mpg during testing, slightly better than the EPA's 21 mpg estimate. While the 4Motion AWD system performed well in rain and light snow, the ride quality suffered due to the large wheels and tires, transmitting vibration and harshness into the cabin.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior, with a power-adjustable driver's seat providing an excellent view of the hood and front fenders. The dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Front seats were comfortable, with power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. However, rear seats were less comfortable, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area provided 31.5 cubic feet of space, with a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage, with supportive seating for long drives. The second row featured captain's chairs, allowing easy access to the third row, which provided decent leg support. Cargo capacity was a strong point, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. Total cargo space reached 96.6 cubic feet, making the Atlas a competitive choice for hauling people and belongings.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging. The system occasionally froze, and the default Guest profile lacked access to certain features. Despite these issues, wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity worked flawlessly, providing a reliable alternative to the native infotainment system.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running the MIB3 operating system, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the MIB3 system was frustrating to use, with touch-sensitive slider controls becoming invisible at night. The Harman Kardon audio system and Digital Cockpit Pro offered excellent sound and configurability, but the native infotainment system's usability issues overshadowed these features.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package included hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and Lane Change Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings in frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features was standard across all trims, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The SEL Premium R-Line added Park Assist, though the Atlas's maneuverability made it unnecessary.