2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern lower bumper design. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but cluttered, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features like a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The interior boasted ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic moonroof, creating a luxurious atmosphere despite the busy control layout.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, offered in four trims, including the sporty Execline, showcased a muscular and upscale appearance with polished aluminum detailing and sizable 21-inch wheels. The Mountain Lake Blue exterior resisted dirt, maintaining its impressive look. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents, creating a warm environment. 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, especially in colder conditions.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type S Ultra variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its driving dynamics. The MDX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and handled corners well for its size.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite initial concerns, the engine proved refined and capable, especially when utilizing the generous torque curve. The Atlas returned fuel economy figures of 15.2 L/100 km in city conditions and 12.3 L/100 km overall. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing comfort and support, while the third row was more suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when both rear rows were folded. The Type S Ultra featured a second-row bench with a fold-down centre console, providing a semblance of individual seating. The centre console offered ample storage, though the control layout was cluttered, with a touchpad and drive-mode selector taking up valuable space.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt slightly stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof overhead. Access to the third row was easy, and storage space was commendable throughout the cabin. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,735 litres with all rear seats folded.

The 2024 Acura MDX’s infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot and multiple USB ports. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were thoughtful touches, but the overall system was unintuitive compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group’s MIB3 operating system, accessed through a 12-inch touchscreen. The lack of traditional controls and a reliable native digital voice assistant made the system challenging to use. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a workaround, the MIB3 system suffered from glitches, such as incorrect song titles on SiriusXM and a confusing navigation interface. The Harman Kardon audio system was a highlight, but the overall infotainment experience was less satisfying than it could have been.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, the infotainment system’s touchpad required drivers to look away from the road, posing a potential distraction.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard IQ.Drive driver assistance technologies, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also offered adaptive cruise control and a rear cross-traffic alert system. Volkswagen Canada provided an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, enhancing safety with features like automatic crash notification and a stolen vehicle locator. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.