2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV. Trim levels ranged from Select to Premium Plus, with pricing between $39,575 and $59,480, including the destination charge. The test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo with Premium Plus trim and Soul Red paint, had an MSRP of $51,450. Its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels gave it a luxury SUV appearance. The sculptural sheet metal and cabin placement over the rear axle contributed to its athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, creating an upscale cabin. However, some materials reflected its competitive price. Ergonomic issues included a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in five trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. The Atlas Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the SEL Premium R-Line was sporty with the most standard equipment. A five-passenger version, the Atlas Cross Sport, was also available. Base prices ranged from $38,200 to $53,205, excluding the $1,425 destination charge. The test vehicle, an Atlas SEL Premium R-Line in Mountain Lake Blue with Shetland Beige leather, had an MSRP of $54,630. Its polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels gave it a chiseled, upscale look. 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. However, touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying, especially in winter. Despite this, the Atlas maintained a refined and muscular appearance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo's drivetrain lacked refinement, which was disappointing given the typically smooth operation of inline-six engines. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models, while the Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, though observed mileage was 21.3 mpg. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range. Despite impressive ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Vibrations in the second-row seats and a fussy electronic shifter detracted from the upscale impression. However, the CX-90's taut suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, especially in Normal mode.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with FWD or 4Motion AWD. The engine's maximum torque curve between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm was beneficial, and Sport mode enhanced the driving experience. However, fuel economy was modest, with observed mileage of 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall, compared to the EPA ratings of 18 mpg city and 21 mpg combined. Ride quality was a concern, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite this, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with the brakes resisting rumble and fade. The Sport mode kept the engine and transmission alert, though the tires were the weakest link. Overall, the Atlas offered a refined engine but lacked in ride comfort.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior struggled with climate control, taking a long time to cool down despite the unseasonably cool weather. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front-seat ventilation was nearly as ineffective as the air conditioning. Once cooled, the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable for long trips. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the center armrest, and stingy door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. 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 accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a proper backrest angle. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel. Access to the third row was outstanding, with generous clearance and adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable, with practical compartments in all three rows. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 96.6 cubic feet with the second row down. While some competitors offered slightly more cargo space, the Atlas excelled in passenger comfort.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, presented in a traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, lacking a conversational digital assistant. A new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the VW Group's MIB3 operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. Traditional stereo and climate controls were replaced with touch-sensing buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The lack of a reliable native digital voice assistant was a drawback, with the system struggling with some commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, with the Harman Kardon audio system delivering excellent sound quality. The MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, such as incorrect song titles and confusing navigation screens. Overall, the Atlas's infotainment system was not user-friendly, but smartphone integration improved the experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The PHEV variant earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, while gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trim levels added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, though it had some issues with speed reduction and lane markings. Despite some irritations, the CX-90's driver aids were effective, with the blind-spot monitoring system adding an extra layer of safety.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard IQ.Drive driver-assistance features, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system were also standard. Front Assist included forward collision warning, pedestrian warning, and automatic emergency braking. Lane Assist encompassed lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist. Active Side Assist was a blind-spot monitoring system that could prevent unsafe lane changes. Travel Assist provided semi-automated driving assistance on highways. Emergency Assist could detect an unresponsive driver and bring the Atlas to a safe stop. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick, though updated ratings for 2025 were unavailable. The IQ.Drive systems were accurate and trustworthy, with minimal false warnings.