2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented itself as a stylish and premium-looking compact SUV, especially when compared to its non-European competitors. Its design was more refined, with standard LED headlights and taillights, and an illuminated grille light line on the Highline R-Line trim. The exterior was further enhanced by silver roof rails on the top trim, while lower trims featured black rails. The rear end showcased the model name in a bold, all-caps style, complemented by the classic Volkswagen badge. Colour options were limited on the base Trendline trim, but higher trims offered more vibrant choices and varied interior colourways.

Inside, the Tiguan offered a range of features across its trims. The base Trendline included heated front seats with cloth upholstery, while the Comfortline added power adjustability and leatherette seating. The R-Line trims boasted a panoramic sunroof, and the Highline R-Line upgraded to real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The top trim also provided three-position driver’s seat memory and additional power adjustability for the front passenger seat, along with heated outboard rear seats.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, available in four trim levels, was designed with a focus on comfort and practicality. The Atlas Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline trim, which was tested, offered a sporty look with the most standard equipment. The Atlas Cross Sport variant provided a more rakish design but shared similarities with the three-row Atlas. The Execline model, priced at the top of the range, featured polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a muscular and upscale appearance. The Mountain Lake Blue colour resisted dirt, maintaining a clean look.

Inside, the Atlas Execline continued the premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with excellent visibility and a surround-view camera system that made parking easier.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it featured Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive as standard in Canada. Fuel economy ratings were 10.6 L/100 km in the city, 8.0 on the highway, and 9.4 combined for non R-Line trims, while R-Line trims had slightly higher consumption. The Tiguan Highline R-Line offered mixed driving experiences, with inconsistent power delivery and a touchy gas pedal. The steering was light but provided good visibility and handling, making the vehicle feel maneuverable. Road noise was minimal, and the ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew some complaints.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, with its new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous options, offering more torque and better fuel economy. The Atlas’s engine was refined, and once drivers adapted to its torque curve, it proved satisfying for daily driving. Sport mode enhanced the driving experience but negatively impacted fuel economy. During testing, the Atlas returned 15.2 L/100 km in city conditions and 12.3 L/100 km overall. The ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a two-row configuration as standard, with an optional third row for an additional cost. The two-row model provided 1,064 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. The three-row version reduced cargo space but maintained passenger space in the first two rows. The Tiguan’s compact size made it one of the few in its class to offer a third row, providing more legroom than its competitor, the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a spacious interior designed for comfort. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt slightly stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by large mirrors and a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a proper backrest angle. The third-row seat was easily accessible and provided adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable, with 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,735 litres with the second row folded. The Atlas offered slightly less cargo space than some competitors but excelled in third-row seating comfort.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. However, the physical volume knob was less user-friendly due to its sensitive on/off button integration. The infotainment system relied on monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the R-Line trims offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System on higher trims received positive feedback.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used Volkswagen’s MIB3 operating system, accessed through a 12-inch touchscreen. The lack of traditional controls made the system less intuitive, and the native digital voice assistant was unreliable. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, offering navigation and music streaming. The Atlas Execline’s Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3 system’s glitches and lack of user-friendliness detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision avoidance, emergency calling, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and Emergency Assist were available on higher trims, providing semi-autonomous highway driving and parking assistance.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, which included Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Atlas also offered an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.