2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Buick Enclave

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern design, reminiscent of the compact Envista. Its sharp features included slim DRLs, a large angular grille, and a high beltline, giving it a more refined look than its predecessor. The side profile was slightly generic, but the overall appearance was enhanced by fewer creases, a flatter roof, and subtly sharpened wheel arches. Standard 20-inch wheels on the base and Sport Touring trims, with unique touches on the latter, added to its appeal, while the Avenir trim boasted 22-inch wheels with a special finish. Inside, the Enclave offered a premium feel with a floating center console and a large curved display, creating an airy, futuristic ambiance. The Sport Touring trim featured perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, elevating the interior's sophistication. However, the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, especially for the base trim.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a range of trims, with the Peak Edition designed for off-roading and the SEL Premium R-Line providing a sporty look. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, tested in Mountain Lake Blue, featured polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a muscular and upscale appearance. The interior continued this premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying. Despite these minor issues, the Atlas maintained a refined and impressive look.

The 2025 Buick Enclave was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the latter costing an additional $2,000. The Enclave's fuel economy was slightly affected by AWD, dropping from 23 to 21 mpg combined. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Active Noise Cancellation was standard for road noise, but engine noise cancellation was only available on higher trims. The Enclave drove like a full-size vehicle, with noticeable bulk and loose steering at slower speeds, which was typical for its class.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered front-wheel or 4Motion all-wheel drive. Despite initial concerns, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving, especially in Sport mode. However, fuel economy was modest, with 15.5 mpg in urban settings and 19.2 mpg overall. The ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Handling was predictable, but the tires were a weak point, and the brakes performed well under stress.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger. It accommodated seven passengers with second-row captain's chairs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with additional features like heated second-row seats and ventilation available on higher trims. Tri-zone climate control allowed middle-row passengers to manage their temperature. The Enclave offered a power-folding third row and a hands-free liftgate, providing 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 97.5 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in comfort and space, with a notably comfortable third-row seat. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt slightly stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat offered ample space for three adults, with climate control and air vents. Access to the third row was easy, and it provided adequate leg support. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 96.6 cubic feet, slightly less than the Enclave but with a more comfortable third-row seating area.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased its premium positioning with a standard 30-inch curved display integrating the infotainment and digital gauge cluster. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker system available on the Avenir trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Enclave offered wired charging with USB ports in each row.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the VW Group's MIB3 operating system on 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 inconsistent, making smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto essential. The Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3's user experience had glitches, such as incorrect song displays and confusing navigation screens.

The 2025 Buick Enclave included advanced safety features like blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. HD Surround Vision and adaptive cruise control were standard, with Super Cruise available for hands-free driving. The 2024 model received a four-star NHTSA rating and performed well in most IIHS tests.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive with Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Atlas earned a five-star NHTSA rating and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."