2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 maintained its distinctive retro-inspired design, reminiscent of the 1986-1991 Lancia Delta, particularly in its high-performance N variant. The mid-cycle refresh introduced subtle changes to the lower front fascia while retaining the iconic "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and a high rear spoiler. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a "digital camouflage" pattern, adding a touch of ruggedness. Exclusive colors like Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl were introduced for the XRT, alongside new wheel designs, including rally-style 18-inch wheels for the XRT. Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin remained minimalistic and modern, with minor revisions to the center console for enhanced functionality. The XRT trim featured a darker interior with all-weather floor mats and debossed XRT logos on the seats.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas exuded an expensive appearance, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, which bordered on luxury crossover territory. The base SE trim showcased full-LED lighting, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and roof rails, while the SE with Technology added an illuminated logo, light bar, and 20-inch alloys. The Peak Edition introduced unique bumpers, rugged side sills, and blackout trim pieces, along with 18-inch rims for all-terrain tires. The SEL Premium R-Line featured power-folding side mirrors with puddle lights and 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels. The Atlas's Pure Gray paint resisted dirt, and the Titan Black upholstery with silver underlay provided a clean look. Despite its upscale appearance, the Atlas was competitively priced, with the base SE starting at $40,785, making it more affordable than some competitors. Inside, the SEL Premium R-Line boasted quilted diamond-pattern leather seats, metallic accents, and a 12-inch touchscreen, though the infotainment system's functionality left room for improvement.

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT was designed for light off-road adventures, featuring a Terrain Mode button with Snow, Mud, and Sand options that adjusted throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT's all-terrain tires provided a confident off-road experience, while the regenerative braking system eliminated the need for hill-descent control. The Ioniq 5 offered various powertrain options, with RWD models producing 168 to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. The Ioniq 5's range varied by trim, with the base SE Standard Range offering 245 miles, while the AWD XRT achieved 259 miles. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 5's instant torque made for an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard on lower trims, while AWD was available across the lineup. The Atlas's engine, known for its refinement and efficiency, offered a wide powerband, with peak torque arriving at 1,600 rpm. However, initial acceleration felt adequate but not eager, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds for AWD models. The Atlas excelled in highway merging and maintained a smooth ride, aided by its Drive Mode Select system. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with a recorded 22 mpg during testing. The 4Motion AWD system performed well in rain and light snow, though it wasn't intended for serious off-roading. The Atlas's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, slightly behind some competitors. Ride quality was a concern, particularly with the SEL Premium R-Line's 21-inch wheels, which transmitted vibrations on rough surfaces.

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper and revising the center console for improved functionality. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and front seat ventilation available on higher trims. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous headroom and legroom. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with rear seats up and 58.5 cubic feet with them folded, plus a small frunk. The Ioniq 5's transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing charging convenience.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while all trims featured heated and ventilated front seats. The driver's seat had 10-way power adjustment, and visibility was excellent. The second row's captain's chairs folded flat and tipped forward for easy third-row access. The third row provided decent leg support, and cargo capacity was a strong point, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Atlas offered competitive space across all rows, making it ideal for hauling people and belongings comfortably.

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for its infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Bose Premium Audio system was available on higher trims. The Ioniq 5 offered standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB-C ports. A head-up display was exclusive to the Limited trim, and a wireless charging pad was available from the SEL trim.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas came with a 12-inch touchscreen running VW's MIB3 operating system, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. The SEL Premium R-Line added a Harman Kardon audio system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. However, the MIB3 system was frustrating to use, with complex menus and touch-sensitive controls that were invisible at night. The voice control system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto the preferred options. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and the Digital Cockpit Pro offered configurable views.

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. The 2025 model introduced new safety features, including an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with the latter offering lane-changing capability and machine learning for improved performance.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS for 2025. The Atlas featured Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features, 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 was easy to maneuver without it.