2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, retained its classic boxy shape with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. It was available in two trims and two packages in Canada, each featuring elements that paid homage to earlier models. The heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out across the front was a nod to the 40 series, while the round headlights on the First Edition echoed the 20 series. Other versions had rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62. All lighting was LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. Higher trims boasted colour-selectable fog lights from RIGID Industries, adding a contemporary twist. The beltline was lowered for improved visibility, and all models came with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch wheels available in the Premium Package. The First Edition included additional off-road gear like a roof rack, front skid plate, and mudflaps. Inside, the base 1958 trim featured cloth seats, while others had SofTex or real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and a moonroof available in higher trims. The cabin was comfortable, with cushy seats, a padded centre console, and attractive contrast stitching, emphasizing comfort alongside capability.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in four trim levels in Canada: 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. A five-passenger version, the Atlas Cross Sport, was also available, featuring a more rakish design but similar to the three-row Atlas. Base prices ranged from $50,995 to $60,995, excluding destination charges and fees. The Atlas Execline, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, was at the top of this price range. It featured polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels with a machined finish, giving it a chiseled, muscular, upscale appearance. The Mountain Lake Blue colour resisted looking dirty, concealing dust and debris. Inside, the premium look continued with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. Digital instrumentation and a large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though the touch-sensing controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was tested primarily on an off-road course during a Toyota-hosted launch program. It featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case for high and low range. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on all but the base models, operated in either 4Hi or 4Lo. An automatic limited-slip differential was standard, along with rear- and centre-locking differentials. The ability to disconnect the front sway bar was a new feature, allowing for more articulation off-road without excess body roll on-road. The latest version of Toyota's CRAWL control function, with five speed settings, managed braking and acceleration over challenging terrain, operating silently. The transmission was unobtrusive, allowing the driver to focus on the terrain.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, refreshed for the 2024 model year, featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6. It produced 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system. Initially, the engine seemed overmatched for the Atlas's size and tow rating, but it proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The engine's maximum torque curve between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm was generous, and Sport mode added a pleasing engine note. However, it negatively impacted fuel economy. On a mountainous evaluation loop, the Atlas returned 15.2 L/100 km in urban conditions and 12.3 L/100 km over 110+ kilometres. The ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road surface anomalies and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite this, the Atlas's handling was predictable on mountain roads, with the engine and transmission remaining alert in Sport mode. The brakes resisted rumble, vibration, and fade under duress.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured two rows of seating, with headroom measuring 917 mm in the front and 897 mm in the back, and legroom at 838 mm front and 678 mm rear. The centre console provided easy access to off-road features, with buttons for the stabilizer-bar disconnect and lockers easily accessible. Hard controls for climate and media were placed below the infotainment screen, within easy reach. The wireless charging pad was located ahead of the cupholders, and the Premium Package included a centre console cool box. The rear liftgate opened onto a cargo area with a raised load floor, equipped with a rubber mat for easy cleaning. The cargo volume measured 1,063 litres, with a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, designed for carrying people in comfort. It featured a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The Execline model's heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats were supportive, though the leather felt slightly stiff. Outward visibility was excellent, aided by large side mirrors and 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 generous clearance and adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable in all three rows, with practical compartments and cupholders. The cargo area offered 583 litres of space 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 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system, standard above the base trim, displayed on a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen. MTM activated automatically at low speeds, useful for off-road navigation. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base infotainment system had an 8-inch display and six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. Additional features included a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror in the Premium Package and First Edition.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's third-generation Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB3) operating system, accessed through a 12-inch touchscreen. The system lacked traditional stereo and climate controls, relying on touch-sensing buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making tasks like tuning the radio difficult. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more satisfying experience, with a conversational digital voice assistant and music streaming. The Atlas Execline's Harman Kardon audio system was impressive. The MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, such as incorrect song titles on SiriusXM radio and confusing navigation screens, making smartphone integration a preferable option.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its platform-mate, the 2024 Tundra, earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. All Land Cruisers came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package and First Edition added lane-change assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard driver assistance under the IQ.Drive umbrella, 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 also standard. 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 refined, with occasional false warnings but generally trustworthy performance. Volkswagen Canada provided an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, including automatic crash notification and SOS emergency assistance.