2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end, with large headlights, gave it a commanding presence on the road. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, added exclusivity with its unique paint options, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design was more about rugged capability, with short overhangs and a wheelbase of 2,789 millimetres, making it appear compact from the side. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its premium status, though features like heated and cooled seats and leather upholstery added a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that gave it a more American look, with new lighting elements and a light-up VW logo. The front light bar connected to LED headlights, while the rear featured a full-width light bar. The Atlas offered new wheel designs across its trim levels, with the Peak Edition adding an outdoorsy flair. Inside, the Atlas received a revised look with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist interior design. The use of fake wood and weaved plastic trim aimed to elevate the interior's upscale feel, though some materials fell short of expectations. The Atlas's interior was functional, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but its weight and handling dynamics were more suited for off-road adventures than spirited driving. The Torsen limited-slip differential and 4WD system made it capable in challenging conditions.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, offered a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada, provided a smooth and efficient driving experience. The Atlas was quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, with a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 8.5 seconds. While not a performance powerhouse, the Atlas prioritized comfort and practicality, with a focus on family-friendly features. Its 4Motion AWD system was designed for pavement, lacking the off-road capabilities of the GX.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The GX's interior featured hard buttons, which some might prefer over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,832 litres with all seats folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas provided more standard features, including heated front seats and a power liftgate. It offered seating for seven, with a flexible second-row bench that could accommodate three child seats. The Atlas excelled in passenger space, with competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows. Cargo space was generous, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,735 litres with all seats folded. The Atlas prioritized practicality and versatility, making it a strong contender for families.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While an improvement over the previous system, it felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and off-road-focused technology like a real 4WD system and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). However, its infotainment technology lagged behind competitors.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. It offered wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Atlas's infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for controls was less intuitive. The Atlas's tech features were more advanced and user-friendly than the GX's.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ and other safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX offered a range of advanced driver assistance systems.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with strong performance in side crash tests. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Atlas also included emergency features like automatic post-collision braking and a crash response system.