2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the GX 460, with a bold new design that embraced geometric styling. The signature spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights that sat at the squared-off upper edge of the front fascia. The front end stood more vertically, giving the SUV a more aggressive look, while the flat hood featured humps above each front wheel for better off-road positional awareness. The side profile was minimalistic, with a low window beltline for enhanced visibility, and the rear design continued the horizontal theme. The GX was available in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages: Premium, Overtrail, Luxury, Overtrail+, and Executive, each catering to different preferences, from luxury to off-roading.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a more traditional SUV appearance with its chiseled, muscular design. The Atlas Execline trim, in particular, featured polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it an upscale look. The Mountain Lake Blue colour resisted dirt, maintaining its clean appearance. Inside, the Atlas boasted 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. The Atlas was available in four trim levels: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline, with the Peak Edition offering off-road styling and the Execline providing the most standard equipment.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, making off-road driving easier. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability both on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time 4WD system included a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road capability. Despite its size, the GX demonstrated controlled and relaxed behaviour on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While initially met with skepticism, the engine proved refined and capable for daily driving tasks. The eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD system were standard. The Atlas's engine offered a generous torque curve, and Sport mode added a pleasing engine note. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, with a minimalist and sophisticated design. It retained essential physical controls, including rotary knobs for climate control and buttons for off-roading features. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in certain packages, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a spacious interior designed for comfort. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, although the leather felt slightly stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by large mirrors and a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof overhead. Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, providing adequate leg support. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,571 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,735 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a voice assistant and subscription services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen. While it lacked traditional controls, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential for a better experience. The Atlas Execline featured a Harman Kardon audio system, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, such as inaccurate radio displays and confusing navigation screens.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in its safety.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas came with IQ.Drive, offering features like Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. It also included adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick." The IQ.Drive systems were accurate and trustworthy, with only occasional false warnings.