2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban had a long-standing reputation as an automotive institution, with its name stretching back 90 years. Despite its massive size, the Suburban blended seamlessly into traffic, a common sight on highways. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, it was not for everyone, especially those navigating urban areas. However, for those needing ample cargo and passenger space, along with significant towing capacity, the Suburban was a solid choice. Available in six trims, from LS to High Country, it offered features like automatic windshield wipers and LED headlights. While the top-tier High Country trim boasted 22-inch alloy wheels, some features like power running-board steps and a panoramic power moonroof were optional extras. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, with leather upholstery standard on most trims. Despite its luxurious offerings, the interior felt somewhat pedestrian, with supportive but not overly comfortable seats for long journeys.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, available in four trims in Canada, offered a blend of off-road capability and sporty aesthetics. The Atlas Peak Edition had an adventurous look, while the Execline trim, tested in Mountain Lake Blue, was the most equipped. With polished aluminum detailing and 21-inch wheels, the Atlas Execline had a chiseled, upscale appearance. Inside, it 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. Despite these quirks, the Atlas provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with a focus on passenger comfort and cargo capacity.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, provided 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering smoother acceleration. The diesel engine, with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, excelled in fuel economy and towing, making it a preferred choice for long-distance driving. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and its electronic button-style shift mechanism freed up console space. With standard four-wheel drive on most trims, the Suburban handled well, though its size required cautious driving.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6. With 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, it offered better fuel economy and sufficient power for daily driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system were standard. Despite initial concerns about the engine's capability, it proved refined and satisfying for most tasks. The Atlas returned 15.2 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 12.3 L/100 km overall during testing. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering, but the ride was not as smooth as expected.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. This made it ideal for families needing ample storage for road trips. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long-distance travel without frequent refueling.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas prioritized passenger comfort, with a spacious interior and a comfortable third-row seat. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent visibility and a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof. Access to the third row was easy, and the bench seat provided adequate leg support. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,571 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,735 litres. While slightly less than some competitors, the Atlas provided a well-designed and practical interior.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, along with an optional rear-seat entertainment system. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group’s MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen. While it lacked traditional controls, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Atlas's native voice assistant was unreliable, but smartphone integration provided a better experience. The Execline's Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, making it less intuitive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist standard. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving feature.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, with standard driver assistance features like Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, and Travel Assist. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS “Top Safety Pick.” The Atlas's safety features were accurate and trustworthy, providing a refined driving experience.