2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport showcased a modern aesthetic with its updated lighting elements, including illuminated VW logos on the grille and tailgate, reminiscent of the all-electric ID.4. The front featured a light bar connecting the daytime running lights, complemented by standard LED headlights, giving the vehicle a contemporary look. The rear design, with reshaped taillights blending into a rear light bar, was particularly distinctive, offering a silhouette akin to German luxury crossover coupes. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the standard Atlas, enhancing its sporty appearance. New wheel designs were introduced across all trim levels, with options ranging from 18-inch to 21-inch wheels, although it did not receive the rugged Peak Edition package.

Inside, the Cross Sport mirrored the standard Atlas's interior revisions, featuring a raised centre console and a new electronic shifter. The cabin offered standard leatherette upholstery, with higher trims boasting leather and quilted leather options. Despite attempts to improve interior materials, the use of plastic remained evident. The central touchscreen was repositioned for better accessibility, and the interior space was functional, with ample storage solutions. However, the simulated wood and carbon-fibre-facsimile trim did not quite meet luxury standards.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, in contrast, maintained its rugged charm with a design rooted in its military heritage. The black-on-black colour scheme was less than ideal for tropical climates, but the vehicle's appeal lay in its capability rather than aesthetics. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including Sport, Willys, Sahara, and Rubicon, with the Rubicon 392 discontinued in Canada after 2024. The Sport S model featured a few options, including a black hardtop and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, bringing the MSRP to $66,070 in Canada. Despite its price, the interior was functional, with a focus on durability over luxury, featuring a grey fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability, with standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles. While the ride was rough, and the steering disconnected, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its ability to tackle challenging terrains. The interior offered limited storage space, with small bins and nets for stashing items. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. Despite these challenges, the Wrangler remained a popular choice for those seeking adventure and off-road prowess.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 3.6-litre VR6, offering slightly less horsepower but more torque, with peak torque arriving earlier at 1,550 rpm. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive in Canada. While the new engine provided better performance, the noise-to-power ratio was a concern, and the Cross Sport's driving experience was less engaging. The maximum towing capacity remained at 2,268 kilograms, typical for a midsize crossover.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering more torque than the V6. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive and off-road capabilities were its strengths, though the ride was rough, and the steering was slow. The Wrangler's rollover resistance rating was a concern, but its off-road prowess remained unmatched.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a well-equipped interior with heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate as standard. The front seats were ventilated and heated, with leather upholstery standard on higher trims. While front headroom was competitive, the sloping roofline reduced rear-seat headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 1,141 litres available with the rear seats up and 2,197 litres with them folded. The cabin was functional, with ample storage solutions and a well-designed centre console.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated features. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small bins and nets for stashing items. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The four-door model offered 897 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the haptic touchpads were less intuitive than traditional buttons. Six USB-C ports were standard, and higher trims featured a head-up display and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen was bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display and passive entry features. Rear parking sensors were available in the optional Safety Group package.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact crash testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added park assist and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced standard side curtain airbags for front and rear seats. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler's side-impact protection as Good, but the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a Marginal rating.