2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image to emerge as a more stylish and modern vehicle. The design team embraced a "longer, lower, wider" philosophy, resulting in a vehicle that was 28 centimetres longer, 10 centimetres lower, and 5 centimetres wider than its predecessor. This redesign incorporated elements from the midsize Chevy Blazer, such as a prominent grille and distinctive rear styling, giving the Trax a commanding presence despite its compact size. The base Trax LS featured 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum options. The interior, though primarily plastic, included thoughtful design touches like a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, enhancing its appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a more traditional SUV aesthetic with a muscular and upscale appearance. The Atlas Execline trim, in particular, stood out with its polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Atlas exuded luxury with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, although the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Atlas maintained its reputation for comfort and style.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a new 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. While these figures were slightly lower than the previous model's 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Trax managed to improve its acceleration, reaching 100 km/h about a second faster. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong response, making highway overtakes worry-free. The Trax retained its six-speed automatic transmission and was available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive Trailblazer. The Trax's handling was tuned to be more car-like, offering a planted feel and nimble handling, although it still exhibited some body roll.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous V6 option, offering better fuel economy and a refined driving experience. The Atlas's engine was praised for its quality and performance, especially when paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system. While the Atlas's ride quality was criticized for being brittle over rough surfaces, its handling remained predictable and composed on mountain roads. The Atlas's performance was further enhanced by its Sport mode, which added a pleasing engine note and improved responsiveness.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom, with a slight increase in front-seat legroom. However, headroom in the second row decreased by 1.7 cm, and shoulder room was reduced, resulting in a snugger interior. Despite these changes, the Trax provided comfortable seating and a car-like driving position with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space increased by 12%, offering 725 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,532 litres with the seats folded, making it competitive with its rivals.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, providing a spacious and comfortable interior. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, while the second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably. The third-row seat was particularly noteworthy, offering ample leg support and easy access. The Atlas's cargo area was cavernous, with 583 litres of space behind the third row and up to 2,735 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas's storage solutions were practical and well-designed, making it an excellent choice for families.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant upgrades in infotainment technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were introduced for the first time. The Trax's infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. However, the screen's tilt towards the driver made it less accessible for passengers.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured VW Group's MIB3 operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. While the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it lacked traditional knobs and buttons, relying on touch-sensing controls. The Atlas's native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making it challenging to use the infotainment system effectively. However, the Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality, and smartphone integration platforms offered a more satisfying user experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behaviour and provided a "report card" to parents.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."