2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, dating back to the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept from 2013. This update included new lighting elements, most notably the light-up VW logos similar to those on the ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo illuminated in white, while the rear logo shone red. A front light bar connected to the daytime running lights, which were part of the new LED headlights reminiscent of those on a Ford Expedition. These subtle changes gave the Atlas a new "face," emphasizing American swagger over European influences. At the rear, the taillights seamlessly blended into a full-width light bar housing the illuminated logo. All trim levels received new wheel designs, with the base Comfortline model featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, the Highline 20-inch wheels, and the Execline 21-inch wheels, along with sportier styling elements. The Atlas Peak Edition joined the lineup, offering a more rugged appearance with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique exterior colours like Avocado Green and Pure Grey. Inside, the Atlas received a revised look, with changes focused on the centre of the cabin. The infotainment touchscreen was now freestanding, and the shifter was reduced to a tiny toggle, creating more functional space. Volkswagen aimed to make the interior feel more upscale, with improved fake wood trim and a new weaved plastic trim simulating carbon fibre. Leatherette seats were standard, while leather upholstery with contrast stitching was available on Highline models. However, some stitching appeared cheaper, and the overall material quality seemed more fitting for a base model than the top-of-the-line Execline.

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It exuded an upscale appearance, unlike the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The TX featured striking 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, enhancing its presence. Its styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs off-putting. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 550h+ was not yet available, and it was expected to start over $90,000 Canadian. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added upgraded ambient interior lighting and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery. The Peppercorn interior, a dark brown shade, was available with the Executive packages. While the cabin looked and felt luxurious, it appeared too dark, even with the panoramic glass sunroof. Despite this, the TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

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 on regular fuel, compared to the previous VR6's 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The new engine, an iteration of VW's EA888, was connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The additional torque over the VR6, peaking at 1,550 rpm, made the 2024 Atlas quicker than the six-cylinder 2023 model, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of approximately 8.5 seconds. While not particularly fast, the Atlas prioritized comfort and frugality over performance. The four-cylinder engine provided smooth acceleration to highway speeds but generated more noise than thrust. Ride quality remained unchanged from the pre-refresh Atlas, which was less comfortable than rivals. The Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode, but the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement. The Atlas had a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), standard in Canada, matching most rivals except the Nissan Pathfinder, which could tow up to 2,720 kilograms (6,000 pounds).

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate the TX 350 to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to the torque swell. The performance was adequate for typical driving situations with up to four passengers. The official fuel economy rating for the TX 350 was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly better than the old RX L with a 3.5-litre V6 engine. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km, with the test unit in U.S. specification with front-wheel drive. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing road surface feedback while ensuring a comfortable ride. The steering was accurate and responsive, and the interior remained quiet on the highway. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a power liftgate. Heated second-row seats were standard from the Highline trim. The Atlas accommodated seven passengers with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. It could hold three child seats side by side and tilt and slide forward with them in place. Second-row captain's chairs were optional on Highline and Execline, reducing seating capacity to six. The third-row bench was standard, with a 50/50 split-folding design. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom being the best in its class. However, second-row passengers had slightly less room compared to other crossovers. Cargo space varied from 2,735 litres with the second and third rows folded to 583 litres with all seats in place. The Atlas offered more cargo space than most rivals, except the Chevy Traverse.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The test unit had a second-row bench seat, with heated and ventilated captain's chairs available in the Executive 6-Passenger package. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they were comfortable and easy to adjust. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but it offered triple-zone climate control, USB charging ports, and manual side window shades. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with a stadium-style bottom cushion providing leg support. Sliding the second-row seat forward improved third-row comfort but reduced second-row legroom. The TX had numerous storage slots, though many lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, with power-folding seats increasing it to 1,625 litres. Folding the second-row seats expanded cargo capacity to 2,746 litres, surpassing most competitors.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas featured more standard tech, including a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available. A head-up display was standard on Execline. The Atlas switched from Fender to Harman Kardon for its premium audio systems, with a 12-speaker system on higher trims. The upgraded infotainment system was user-friendly, with a map view in the digital instrument cluster. Graphics were sharp and easy to read. However, VW's reliance on haptic touchpads for functions like audio volume and headlights made controls more challenging to use.

The 2024 Lexus TX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror on all but the base package. The Executive packages added a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The larger instrumentation display and surround-view camera were valuable, but the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen and a Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn't released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received the highest "Good" score in most crash tests. Standard driver assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured automatic post-collision braking, a crash response system, and an emergency assist feature.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) umbrella. These included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist was part of LSS+ 3.0, providing braking and steering assistance. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system allowed hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.