2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling was characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin positioned towards the rear wheels, embodying the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates, which were common among crossovers mimicking SUVs. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, these elements created an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the model year brought exclusive features like unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and a roof-mounted load platform.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received styling updates similar to its three-row sibling, primarily through new lighting elements. The front and rear lighting enhancements included illuminated Volkswagen logos and a light bar connecting the daytime running lights, contributing to a modern appearance. The rear of the Cross Sport, with its lower roofline, offered a silhouette reminiscent of German luxury crossover coupes, setting it apart from other two-row midsize crossovers. The Cross Sport was shorter and sat lower than the standard Atlas, and all trim levels featured new wheel designs. Despite these updates, the Cross Sport did not receive the rugged Peak Edition package available for the three-row Atlas.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base engine, a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivered 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. It boasted fuel consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel to 320 lb-ft on 93-octane. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving modes and G-Vectoring Control technology ensured consistent vehicle behaviour across different conditions, although the differences between modes were subtle. The CX-50's ride quality was slightly firmer than the CX-5, and it demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion AWD in Canada. This engine produced 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, offering more torque but slightly less horsepower than the previous VR6 engine. The new engine was expected to provide quicker acceleration from zero to 100 km/h compared to the 2023 model with the VR6. Despite the power, the engine's noise-to-power ratio was a concern, and the Cross Sport's driving experience was less engaging. The ride quality was not particularly smooth, possibly due to the test car's 21-inch wheels. The Cross Sport maintained a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, which was standard for a midsize crossover.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for winter with features like power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added comfort in warmer weather. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though they could benefit from more side bolstering. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, and the nearly 90-degree opening rear doors facilitated easy entry and exit. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed. The CX-50 provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded, slightly less than the CX-5 due to its lower roofline.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with more standard equipment, including heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats were standard on higher trims. While front headroom was competitive, the Cross Sport's roofline reduced rear-seat headroom. Legroom was more generous, and the cargo space was substantial, with 1,141 litres available with the rear seats up and 2,197 litres with them folded. The cabin was functional, with ample storage space in the new centre console and door pockets.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, the 2023 CX-50 allowed touchscreen use for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's interface was often frustrating, with distracting centre console controls and a less-than-ideal voice recognition system. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display, or head-up display, offered useful information, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The user experience was similar to the three-row Atlas, with intuitive screen layouts but challenging haptic touchpads. Six USB-C ports were standard, and the Execline trim featured a head-up display and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance results. The NHTSA had not rated the CX-50 at the time of writing. Mazda provided a comprehensive standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features like Traffic Jam Assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system available on higher trims. The driving assistance systems generally performed well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS had not released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model earned top scores in most crash tests. Standard driver assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system, and all models featured post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature.