2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch, while the grille and lighting effects enhanced its unique style. The interior was equally impressive, with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display that integrated seamlessly into the cabin. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little functionality.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas presented a more traditional SUV appearance with a chiseled and muscular design. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, in particular, stood out with its polished aluminum detailing and sizable 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Atlas offered a warm and inviting environment with diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, although the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. It featured a dual-motor powertrain with 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack offered a range of 314 miles with rear-wheel drive and 307 miles with all-wheel drive, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. The Lyriq's handling was hindered by its weight, and the steering was uninspiring, lacking the agility expected from Cadillac.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While initially seeming underpowered for its size, the engine proved refined and capable for daily driving tasks. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall during testing. However, the ride quality was less than ideal, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ struggled with build quality and functionality issues. Misaligned rear fenders, a faulty charging port, and a problematic glovebox were notable concerns. The floating console offered limited storage, and the rotary selector for the touchscreen was cumbersome. However, the Lyriq provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. Cargo space was limited, with 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering one of the most comfortable third-row seats in its class. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent outward visibility. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, and access to the third row was outstanding. The Atlas provided ample storage space, with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured the MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen display. While it lacked traditional controls, the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the native digital voice assistant was unreliable, and the user experience was marred by glitches. The Harman Kardon audio system was a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured the IQ.Drive suite of driver-assistance features, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. It also offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."