2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, which originated from the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept first introduced in 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 that also housed the illuminated logo.

All trim levels of the Atlas received new wheel designs for 2024. The base Comfortline model featured 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Highline and Execline trims boasted 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, respectively, 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 trim. Inside, the Atlas received a revised look, with changes focused around the centre of the cabin. The infotainment touchscreen was now freestanding, and the shifter was reduced to a tiny toggle, creating more functional interior space. Volkswagen aimed to make the interior feel more upscale with improved materials, although some areas still felt less premium than expected for a top-tier model.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, in a black-on-black-on-black colour scheme, was not the ideal choice for a tropical climate, but its design remained fundamentally appealing. The Wrangler's roots traced back to a World War II military vehicle, and its capability to traverse almost any terrain at any time contributed to its popularity. Despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern vehicles, the Wrangler's design and functionality were undeniable. The Sport S model featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered a lively performance, especially at higher elevations, and was marginally more fuel-efficient than the V6 option.

The Wrangler's interior emphasized function over form, with a focus on durability and utility. The front seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was suitable for various climates. However, the Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of the plastic hooks on the front seatback panels. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders due to the lack of other storage options. Cargo space was reasonable, but accessing it required opening the tailgate and lifting the rear window, which could be inconvenient in tight spaces.

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 was based on the MQB platform, shared with models like the Golf R, and featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The additional torque made the 2024 Atlas quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of approximately 8.5 seconds. While the driving experience focused on comfort and frugality, the four-cylinder engine provided smooth acceleration, albeit with more noise than expected. The Atlas maintained its towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, matching most rivals.

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 delivered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, providing a lively performance, especially at higher elevations. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it capable of tackling various terrains. However, the Wrangler's ride was rough, and its steering and handling traits were less refined. The Wrangler's fuel economy averaged 12.3 L/100 km during testing, and its rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was three stars.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. Seating for seven was standard, with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. Second-row captain's chairs were optional on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with the third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space varied depending on the seat configuration, with a maximum of 2,735 litres available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was suitable for various climates. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of the plastic hooks on the front seatback panels. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders due to the lack of other storage options. Cargo space was reasonable, with a maximum of 2,050 litres available when the back seat was folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas featured a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Atlas offered up to eight USB-C ports and a head-up display on the Execline trim. The premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for certain functions made them less intuitive to use.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S model came with a standard eight-speaker stereo, while a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system was optional. The Wrangler offered navigation and Jeep Connect connected services on higher trims, providing access to adventure guides and GPS trail logs for off-road navigation. The touchscreen remained bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS had not released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received a "Good" score in most crash tests. Standard safety 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 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard equipment for the front and rear seats. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was standard on the Sahara trim. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler "Good" for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact tests but "Marginal" for the small overlap frontal-impact test.