2024 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen's efforts to grow its appeal in North America have developed over a long process of trial and error, but VW showed it finally understood this continent’s tastes when it launched the Atlas three-row crossover SUV. And because not everyone needs three rows, VW followed up the standard Atlas with the two-row Cross Sport for the 2020 model year. Both versions get a significant refresh for 2024.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gets most of the same updates as its three-row sibling, including different styling, more standard features, and the discontinuation of its six-cylinder engine option in favour of a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. These changes are aimed at making the Cross Sport more competitive against other midsize crossovers like the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Passport, the aged Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, and the more truck-like Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In Canada, the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport lineup includes Comfortline, Highline, and Execline trim levels. We drove the U.S. equivalent of the range-topping Execline for this review.

Ford reintroduced the Bronco for the 2021 model year, and it’s been an exciting run ever since. Initial demand far outstripped supply, but Ford went ahead and added the more-capable Everglades and Raptor versions to the 2022 Bronco lineup. Heritage-inspired variants followed them up for 2023. Now, the 2024 Bronco adds a standard 12-inch Sync 4 infotainment system, a more rugged front bumper on the Bronco Badlands, and two new colours for the Bronco Raptor.

Verdict: Despite cooling demand and investigation into V6 engine problems and poor fuel economy ratings, there is plenty to love about the 2024 Ford Bronco.