2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Genesis GV70

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set with its sleek design and luxury-car style. It featured signature Genesis styling elements like split headlights and a large shield-like grille, but with a sleeker profile than the larger GV80 and without the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. Notable details included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV presence and luxury aesthetics, outperforming competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC in terms of finesse and brand prestige. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same styling as its gasoline counterpart, with a unique grille housing the charge port, making it convenient for charging. Inside, the GV70 boasted a distinctive interior with luxury touches like quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof, complemented by unique design elements such as an elliptical pod for controls and a rotary infotainment controller.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, available in four trim levels in Canada, offered a range of options for different preferences. The Atlas Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline trim was sporty and well-equipped. The Atlas Cross Sport, a five-passenger version, featured a more rakish design. The Atlas Execline, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, showcased polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a chiseled and upscale appearance. Inside, the Atlas continued its premium feel 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 volume were less satisfying to use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Atlas impressed with its overall design and comfort.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors delivering a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 delivered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiness of rivals like the Acura RDX or BMW X3. The ride quality was comfortable but not exceptional, with the suspension tending to crash over bumps. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar dynamics to the gasoline version, with the added benefit of adjustable regenerative braking for one-pedal driving.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas transitioned to a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system. Despite initial concerns about the engine's capability in a large SUV, it proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The Atlas's engine offered a generous torque curve between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm, making it suitable for most driving situations. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The Atlas's handling was predictable, with the brakes performing well under duress, but the overall driving experience was not as engaging as some competitors.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 provided competitive interior space compared to its rivals. It offered slightly less headroom than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but compensated with more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes. The GV70's cargo space of 818 litres with rear seats in place was better than the Mercedes and BMW but less than the Audi. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo capacity to 1,611 litres. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar interior dimensions, with minor reductions in legroom and headroom due to the battery pack. The GV70's stylish interior design came at the expense of small-item storage, but it included features like automatic side bolsters for the front seats in Sport mode.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent outward visibility and a surround-view camera system for easy parking. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. The third-row seat was notably comfortable, with easy access and adequate leg support. The Atlas provided generous storage space in all three rows, with a cargo area offering 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,735 litres with the second and third rows folded. While competitors like the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse offered slightly more cargo space, the Atlas's third-row seating was more appealing.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The system was intuitive, with a rotary controller on the centre console for easy navigation. Genesis included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles, although digital key functionality was not available for the GV70 in Canada.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. While it lacked traditional knobs and buttons, the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making the touchscreen challenging to use for tasks like tuning the radio. The Atlas's Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the MIB3 system's user experience was marred by glitches and a lack of intuitive controls. Pairing a smartphone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto improved the overall experience.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's highest Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. The NHTSA awarded four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings for gasoline models, with a five-star overall safety rating for the 2023 GV70. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The more advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered high-tech safety features like safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard IQ.Drive driver assistance features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also came with adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. Volkswagen Canada provided an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, offering features like automatic crash notification and stolen vehicle locator. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick, although updated ratings for 2025 were not available.