2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. Its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch absent in earlier models. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a hint of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Grey paint, with its subtle brown undertones, provided a richness that was appreciated, despite Volvo's traditionally conservative colour palette. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design, featuring wood deco inlays, offered a clean and beautiful look, though it came with limited physical controls.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared styling updates with its three-row sibling, the Atlas, featuring new lighting elements and illuminated Volkswagen logos. The front light bar connected the daytime running lights, contributing to a modern appearance, while the rear light bar housed the second illuminated logo. The Cross Sport's lower roofline gave it a silhouette reminiscent of German luxury crossover coupes, setting it apart from other midsize crossovers. New wheel designs were introduced across trim levels, with options ranging from 18 to 21 inches. The interior revisions included a raised centre console and a new electronic shifter, enhancing storage space. Standard leatherette upholstery and quilted leather on higher trims added a touch of luxury, though the simulated wood and carbon-fibre-facsimile trim remained plastic.

For 2023, the Volvo XC90 transitioned to a new B6 engine, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. This mild-hybrid setup, featuring a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly down from the previous 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable yet reserved, with its eight-speed automatic transmission providing seamless shifts. The vehicle's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, and the brakes offered a solid pedal feel. While lacking extensive off-road features, the XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics appealed to those seeking straightforward operation.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopted a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the outgoing 3.6-litre VR6, offering slightly less horsepower but more torque. The new engine's peak torque arrived earlier, enhancing acceleration. Despite the power, the engine's noise-to-power ratio was a concern, and the Cross Sport's driving experience was unremarkable. The ride quality was compromised, possibly due to the test car's 21-inch wheels. The Cross Sport maintained a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, standard for its class, but those needing more towing capability might consider alternatives like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The lack of a dedicated phone space and small centre console bin were notable drawbacks. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was challenging. The standard seven-passenger seating could be altered to six-passenger with captain's chairs. Accessing the third row was difficult, and space was limited. Cargo capacity was competitive, with 356 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle than typical three-row SUVs.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gained more standard equipment, including heated side mirrors, two-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The front seats were ventilated and heated, with heated second-row seats and leather upholstery standard on higher trims. The Cross Sport's roofline reduced rear-seat headroom, though legroom was competitive. Cargo space was generous, with 1,141 litres behind the rear seats and 2,197 litres with them folded. The cabin's functionality improved with a new centre console offering ample storage, and door pockets accommodating multiple drink bottles.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Android Auto and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition enhanced user experience, and commands could be issued via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions was a drawback, with a preference for more physical controls. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The user experience was intuitive, though haptic touchpads replaced conventional buttons, complicating tasks like volume control. Six USB-C ports were standard, with a head-up display and Harman Kardon audio system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided advanced driver assistance, maintaining distance and speed on highways.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received a five-star NHTSA rating, with top scores in side-impact tests. IIHS ratings for 2024 were pending, but the 2023 model performed well in most tests. Standard safety 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.