2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

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. This design language was consistent with Mazda's subtle yet seductive aesthetic seen in their vehicles over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged appeal with its blistered and boxed fender swells, prominent lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. 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, the CX-50's exterior elements created an attractive package. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the model year added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, enhancing its adventurous persona.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that updated its original design, which dated back to the 2013 CrossBlue concept. New lighting elements, including light-up VW logos and a front light bar connecting to the LED headlights, gave the Atlas a new "face" with American swagger. The rear featured taillights blending into a full-width light bar. All trim levels received new wheel designs, with sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches. The Atlas Peak Edition added an outdoorsy flavour with black wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique exterior colours. Inside, the Atlas saw a revised centre cabin with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist interior design that contrasted with its rugged exterior. The interior aimed for an upscale feel with improved materials and optional leather upholstery, though some areas still felt more suited to a base model.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base GT model featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It delivered fuel economy 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 GT Turbo trim provided 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 regular gas to 320 lb-ft on premium. The turbo engine offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase to 3,500 pounds. Despite a slightly firmer ride, the CX-50 maintained a car-like driving experience, with off-road capabilities enhanced by its ground clearance.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas simplified its powertrain options to a single 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine, part of VW's EA888 family, was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Atlas claimed quicker acceleration than its previous V6 model, reaching 100 km/h in about 8.5 seconds. While the driving experience focused on comfort and practicality, the Atlas's ride quality remained consistent with its pre-refresh model. The Peak Edition added off-road features, but the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement. The Atlas maintained a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, comparable to most rivals.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for Canadian winters with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control added comfort in warmer weather. The interior offered comfortable seating for long drives, though more side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, with nearly 90-degree opening rear doors for easy access. Cargo space was practical, with 889 litres available behind the rear seats and a maximum of 1,595 litres with seats folded. However, storage solutions within the cabin were limited.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. Seating for seven was standard, with a second-row bench that could accommodate three child seats. Optional captain's chairs reduced seating to six. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with the third row offering the best legroom in its class. Cargo space was generous, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,735 litres with all seats folded, surpassing most rivals.

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 model allowed touch input for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's interface was sometimes frustrating, but the available 12-speaker Bose sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display offered useful information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas came with a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with wireless phone charging and smartphone integration. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital cluster. The Atlas featured a Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system on higher trims, replacing the previous Fender system. However, haptic touchpads for controls like audio volume and headlights were less intuitive than traditional buttons.

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 headlight and pedestrian collision avoidance performance. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong performance in side crash tests. Standard driver assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured emergency response systems to enhance safety in the event of a crash.