2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

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, such as 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 fresh "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 Comfortline base 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, introduced for 2024, added an outdoorsy flavour with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique colours like Avocado Green and Pure Grey. Inside, the Atlas received a revised look, with changes centred around the cabin's centre. 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 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxurious appearance with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a captivating interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang, long hood, and cabin placement over the rear axle contributed to a low, athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90 continued the premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected the CX-90's price, the cabin felt convincingly upscale. However, design-related complaints arose regarding ergonomics, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to most midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands. It looked and felt terrific, offering a blend of style and elegance.

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. The engine, part of VW's EA888 series, was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. The Atlas claimed quicker acceleration than the six-cylinder 2023 model, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds. While the driving experience focused on comfort and frugality, the four-cylinder engine provided smooth power delivery but generated more noise than thrust. Ride quality remained consistent with the pre-refresh Atlas, and the Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode. However, the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement, lacking low range and underbody protection. The Atlas maintained a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), matching most rivals.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output models generated 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved driving dynamics. The CX-90 featured Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with ratings of 9.3 to 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, depending on the engine. The plug-in hybrid offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating once the battery was depleted. While the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially shortly after engine start-up. Unwanted engine surge and acceleration were experienced, and the vehicle lacked isolation from noise and impact harshness. Despite these flaws, the CX-90's taut suspension and dynamic character made it a flingable family hauler.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features for 2024, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a power liftgate. Seating for seven was standard, with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. The bench 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 trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space varied from 583 litres with all seats in place to 2,735 litres with the second and third rows folded, offering more cargo space than most rivals.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel in Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The front seats were comfortable on longer trips, and a panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light. Second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions, but seat-track travel was limited. The CX-90's third row was best suited for children, and loading children in close quarters could be challenging due to long rear doors. Cargo space measured 451 litres behind the third row, 1,155 litres with the third row folded, and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened, which was small for the segment.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received more standard tech features for 2024, 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, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, haptic touchpads for functions like audio volume and headlights lacked feedback, making them more challenging to use.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons. Mazda's voice recognition system was hit and miss, and a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

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 hadn't released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received "Good" scores 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. Execline added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured automatic post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, a safe exit warning system, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids met expectations, but the speed reduction feature was irritating.