2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

In Canada, the 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $23,581 to $28,081, including the destination charge. The Venue Preferred, priced at $25,581, was recommended for its enhanced exterior appearance and added convenience and safety features. The test vehicle, equivalent to the U.S. Ultimate trim, featured Ecotronic Grey paint, bringing the MSRP to $28,331. Despite limited options, the Venue's design was appealing, offering a sense of genuine style. Inside, the Venue's interior, though featuring hard plastics, did not appear cheap. Unexpected style elements included seat stripes and piping, and white trim around the dashboard air vents and transmission shifter. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, with controls exhibiting typical Hyundai quality.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in four trim levels: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Atlas Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline was sporty with the most standard equipment. The Atlas Cross Sport, a five-passenger version, shared similarities with the three-row Atlas. Base prices ranged from $50,995 to $60,995, excluding destination charges. The test drive featured an Atlas Execline in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, aligning with top-trim prices of competitors. The Atlas Execline boasted polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and sizable 21-inch wheels, giving it a chiseled, upscale appearance. Inside, diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood created a warm environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though touch-sensing controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing between 1,200 to 1,250 kilograms, the Venue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maximized available power, making it suitable for city and suburban driving. Its small size, nimble handling, and excellent visibility were advantageous in urban settings. However, the Venue's suspension struggled on rough pavement, resulting in a busy ride quality. On highways, the Venue maintained pace with traffic but sounded unpleasant under hard acceleration. The Venue lacked all-wheel-drive (AWD), with power directed to the front wheels, but offered 17 centimetres of ground clearance. Fuel economy was rated at 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, averaging 7.8 L/100 km during testing.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing previous engine options. With 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, the engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system. Despite initial concerns, the engine proved refined, offering a satisfying torque curve between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Sport mode enhanced the driving experience but impacted fuel economy. During testing, the Atlas returned 15.2 litres per 100 kilometres in urban conditions and 12.3 L/100 km overall. The ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the Atlas's handling was predictable, with responsive brakes and steering in Sport mode.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance facilitated easier entry and exit. Despite its small dimensions, comfort was decent, with a manual height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Front seats featured fabric inserts, artificial leather bolsters, and heated cushions. The back seat technically accommodated three people, but two were more comfortable. Taller passengers disliked the hard plastic front seatbacks, and rear storage space was limited. In front, stash space was decent, with a useful dashboard shelf. Cargo room was 528 litres, expanding to 902 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and cavernous cargo area. The Execline model's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, though the leather felt stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel. Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, with adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders. Cargo space was 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,571 litres with the third row folded and 2,735 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with modern graphics and logical menu structures. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. However, the Venue's stereo speakers could have been better, considering its target audience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen display. Car-Net connected service plans enhanced the technology. The Atlas lacked traditional stereo and climate controls, relying on touch-sensing buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The absence of a reliable native digital voice assistant was a drawback, with the system struggling with certain commands. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, offering navigation and music streaming. The Atlas Execline's Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, though the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with standard forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver monitoring system. The Venue Preferred added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist were unavailable. The Venue received Good ratings in three IIHS crash tests and an Acceptable rating for LED headlights. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Atlas also offered an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The IQ.Drive systems were accurate and trustworthy, with occasional false warnings. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."