2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a design that was both unique and upscale. While previous Hyundai models hinted at a futuristic aesthetic, the Santa Fe embraced a boxy design, prioritizing storage capacity without sacrificing elegance. This approach was evident in its aerodynamically efficient structure, which turned heads with its sophisticated exterior colours and anodized-finish badging. Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling with a focus on comfort, featuring a mix of soft and hard materials that created a luxurious atmosphere. The XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, in particular, stood out with their attention to detail and high-quality finishes.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas maintained a chiseled, muscular appearance that had aged well over time. The Atlas Execline trim, with its polished aluminum detailing and sizable 21-inch wheels, exuded an upscale vibe. The Mountain Lake Blue exterior colour was particularly striking, resisting dirt and debris effectively. Inside, the Atlas continued its premium theme with diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents, creating a warm and inviting environment. However, the touch-sensing controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves, which could be a concern during colder months.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a unique approach to its powertrain lineup in Canada, with the hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option. The Preferred models featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine, delivering an estimated 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This setup was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, deviating from the typical CVT found in most hybrids. Other Santa Fe models came with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup, enhancing its versatility. The Santa Fe's driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Snow, catered to various driving conditions, while the XRT trim added off-road capabilities. Fuel economy for the hybrid was impressive, with ratings of 6.8 L/100 km city and 6.9 L/100 km highway, while the gas powertrain consumed more fuel. The Santa Fe's towing capacity reached up to 1,587 kilograms, with the XRT trim offering an additional 453 kilograms.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6 option. 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 such a large SUV, it proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The Atlas's fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 15.2 L/100 km in city conditions and 12.3 L/100 km overall during testing. The ride quality was a mixed bag, with the suspension feeling brittle over rough surfaces and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the Atlas's handling was predictable, and the brakes performed well under duress.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's design prioritized cargo space, with a longer wheelbase and body compared to its predecessor. This extra space was dedicated to the cargo area, making it ideal for car camping and tailgating. The third row was snug, but the first and second rows offered ample space and comfort. Depending on the trim, the Santa Fe featured a choice of bench or captain's chairs, with various upholstery options ranging from stain-resistant cloth to plush quilted Nappa leather. The cargo area provided 413 litres of space, expanding to 1,148 and 2,267 litres with the third and second rows folded, respectively. Additional features included a UV sanitization compartment and optional roof rails.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering one of the most comfortable third-row seats in its class. The Execline model's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing excellent support and visibility. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof overhead. Access to the third row was outstanding, with generous clearance and adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders. The cargo area offered 583 litres of space, expanding to 1,571 litres with the third row folded and 2,735 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a curved panoramic display that elegantly integrated digital real estate without feeling overwhelming. The touchscreen display was intuitive, with easy access to controls and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-speaker Bose stereo and six USB ports. The BlueLink system provided vehicle access and information, with upgraded features on higher trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used 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 native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential for a better user experience. The Harman Kardon audio system was a highlight, but the MIB3 system's glitches and lack of intuitive controls were drawbacks.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features. The base Preferred trim included adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and more. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot view monitor, and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe was the first Hyundai vehicle with driver monitoring, enhancing safety further.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured the IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system were standard. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."