2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, the cabin was high-tech but cluttered, with a busy center console that initially overwhelmed users. The MDX offered various trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, each adding unique features like ambient lighting, upgraded audio systems, and heated seats. The Type-S Advance package stood out with its 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious driving experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered five trim levels, with the SEL Premium R-Line being the most equipped. The Atlas boasted a chiseled, upscale appearance with polished aluminum detailing and sizable 21-inch wheels. Its Mountain Lake Blue color resisted dirt, maintaining a clean 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, though the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and adaptive air suspension enhancing its handling. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with AWD.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engines with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and capable for daily driving. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban settings and 19.2 mpg overall during testing. However, its ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, but its tires were a weak point.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller, suitable for children. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The MDX featured a power liftgate and ample storage throughout the cabin, though the center console controls were cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a spacious interior and comfortable third-row seating. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. The second-row bench accommodated three adults comfortably, and access to the third row was easy. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage was commendable across all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The clever placement of charging ports and a digital instrument panel were positives, but the system's unintuitive nature detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen. While it lacked traditional controls, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential. The Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3's user experience was marred by glitches and a lack of intuitive navigation.

The 2024 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology and Advance Packages added parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. The MDX earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though its infotainment system posed a distraction risk.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, offering forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also included a five-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The Atlas earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The IQ.Drive systems were accurate and trustworthy, despite occasional false warnings.