2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, dating back to the 2013 Volkswagen CrossBlue concept. New lighting elements were introduced, including light-up VW logos similar to those on the ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo illuminated in white, while the rear shone red. A front light bar connected to the daytime running lights, part of the new LED headlights, gave the Atlas a fresh "face" with American swagger. At the rear, taillights blended into a full-width light bar housing the illuminated logo. All trim levels received new wheel designs, with sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches. The Atlas Peak Edition added an outdoorsy flavour with black wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique colours. Inside, the cabin featured a revised centre with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist design, contrasting with the truck-like exterior. Upscale touches included improved fake wood trim and leather upholstery options, though some materials felt more suited to a base model.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing automotive icon, maintained its massive presence on the road. Despite its size, it blended into traffic due to its familiarity. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, the Suburban was not for everyone, especially in urban areas. However, it catered to those needing ample cargo, passenger space, and towing capacity. Available in six trims, from LS to High Country, the Suburban offered features like automatic windshield wipers and LED lights. Higher trims boasted larger wheels and additional options, though some features remained optional even at the top levels. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with leather upholstery from the LT trim upwards. The High Country trim featured luxurious leather options and advanced climate control, though the interior felt somewhat pedestrian for a top-spec model.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas saw a reduction in powertrain options, leaving only a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, offering more torque than the previous VR6 engine. The Atlas, based on the MQB platform, featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The new engine improved acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in about 8.5 seconds. While not a performance vehicle, the Atlas focused on comfort and efficiency. The ride quality remained consistent, even with the largest 21-inch wheels. The 4Motion AWD system was pavement-oriented, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, provided 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine offered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, with better fuel economy. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's size was noticeable, but the transmission and suspension made driving manageable. Rear-wheel drive was standard on lower trims, with four-wheel drive on others. The Suburban's steering and brakes were effective, though its weight required cautious handling.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Seating for seven was standard, with a second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. Optional captain's chairs reduced seating to six. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom, with the best third-row legroom in its class. Cargo space varied from 583 litres with all seats up to 2,735 litres with seats folded, offering more space than most rivals.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and up to 4,097 litres with seats folded. This capacity surpassed competitors like the Ford Expedition Max. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long-distance travel. The spacious interior accommodated seven passengers comfortably, making it ideal for family road trips.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas featured a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. Wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. The Harman Kardon audio system, with 12 speakers, was available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though haptic touchpads for controls were less intuitive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system included a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, with Google Built-in for seamless app access. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard. A rear-seat entertainment system was optional. The 10-speaker Bose audio system offered good sound quality but lacked depth compared to competitors' systems.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system. Emergency features included automatic post-collision braking and a crash response system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban earned a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional ADAS and the option for Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system.