2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a sporty exterior with black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, though its interior was basic. The Touring Hybrid, priced at $50,909, featured Canyon River Blue paint and no optional accessories. Its conservative styling, with a technical face and tusks framing the lower air intake, gave it a unique look, though it appeared visually heavy over the front wheels. The rear quarter view was its best angle, with Volvo-like taillights and a tidy design. Inside, the Touring model boasted leather seats with orange stitching and a sophisticated cabin, highlighted by a soft-touch dashboard and metal mesh air vents.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a more rugged and upscale appearance, especially in the Execline trim with Mountain Lake Blue paint and Shetland Beige leather interior. Its polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels contributed to its impressive look. The Atlas's design aged well, and the Mountain Lake Blue colour effectively concealed dirt. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, 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 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to all four wheels. Despite its complexity, the system operated transparently, with only minor acoustic warnings and engine droning at low speeds. It was rated at 6.4 L/100 km in combined driving by Natural Resources Canada, but our test returned 8.7 L/100 km on a mountainous loop. The CR-V Hybrid offered a quiet ride, predictable handling, and impressive grip, though the steering felt unusually heavy.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, with its new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns about its capability in a large SUV, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving. It returned 15.2 L/100 km in city conditions and 12.3 L/100 km overall during our test. The ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over rough surfaces and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering in Sport mode.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat provided excellent support, and heated seats and steering wheel enhanced comfort. The CR-V's back seat was spacious, with generous legroom and adjustable backrest angles. Cargo space was ample, with 1,028 litres behind the rear seats and 2,030 litres with them folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas shone in this area, with a comfortable third-row seat and cavernous cargo space. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera. The second-row bench accommodated three adults comfortably, and access to the third row was easy. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,735 litres with all seats folded.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Pairing devices was easy, though the voice recognition system was basic and struggled with conversational commands. The walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW’s MIB3 system with a 12-inch touchscreen. While it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the lack of traditional controls made it less user-friendly. The voice recognition system was unreliable, often failing to execute commands. However, the Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality.