2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior, with its aggressive styling and angular grey body cladding, which suggested a toughness that belied its actual performance capabilities. The dual exhaust outlets and faux skid plates on upper trims added to this illusion of ruggedness. The TRD Off-Road trim, tested in the U.S., was no longer available in Canada, where the Limited trim topped the lineup. Despite its tough exterior, the RAV4's interior was all about utility, with easy-clean surfaces and practical storage solutions. The interior's quality improved with higher trims, offering contrast-colour choices for a more upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas exuded a muscular and upscale appearance, with polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels enhancing its visual appeal. The Mountain Lake Blue Execline model, with its Shetland Beige leather interior, stood out for its premium look. Inside, the Atlas continued to impress 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 in colder conditions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Atlas maintained a sophisticated and modern aesthetic.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. This engine required high revs to access its full power, and while it was powerful for its class, it was also loud and unrefined. The RAV4 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, with Multi-Terrain Select offering various driving modes. Fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the hybrid version offering better efficiency at 6.4 L/100 km.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6. This engine delivered 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 its capability, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving. However, fuel economy was less impressive, with the Atlas returning 15.2 L/100 km in urban conditions and 12.3 L/100 km overall. The ride quality was also a concern, with the suspension feeling brittle over rough surfaces and excessive body motions at highway speeds.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality and utility, with a focus on recreational activity. Its interior featured storage shelves, trays, and oversized rubberized control knobs. The SofTex artificial leather upholstery and heated front seats added comfort, while the spacious cabin accommodated four adults comfortably. The cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The Execline model's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, though the leather felt slightly stiff. The second-row bench seat provided ample space for three adults, with a panoramic sunroof overhead. Access to the third-row was easy, and the bench seat offered adequate leg support. The Atlas boasted 583 litres of cargo space behind the third-row, expanding to 2,735 litres with all seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services plans. While the system was sophisticated, it lacked a multi-panel Home screen and had some usability issues. The digital voice assistant performed well, but the standard speakers were average.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW's MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen. However, the lack of traditional controls and a reliable native digital voice assistant made the system less user-friendly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, and the Harman Kardon audio system was impressive. The MIB3 system had some glitches, such as incorrect song titles on SiriusXM and a confusing navigation interface.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. While the system was adequate, it lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The system was accurate and trustworthy, earning a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Atlas was also a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick, though updated ratings for 2025 were not available.