2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen's efforts to grow its appeal in the United States have developed over a long process of trial and error, but VW showed it finally understood American 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 favor 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 Pilot, the aged Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, and the more truck-like Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport lineup includes SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line trim levels. We drove the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line for this review.

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The 2025 Cadillac Escalade maintains the momentum of one of the most recognizable SUV nameplates. The current-generation Escalade was introduced as a 2021 model, but for 2025 it gets a refresh that includes styling changes and a redesigned dashboard display. The all-electric 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ joins the lineup as well, but that’s covered in a separate review. This gasoline Escalade competes against full-size luxury SUVs like the BMW X7, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

Verdict: If you’re willing to spend extra on a well-optioned example, the Escalade is a credible luxury vehicle. But its platform’s shortcomings can’t be erased.