2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation design. It featured a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving the front an imposing look. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite the new styling elements, the changes appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. In Canada, the Q5 was available in base, Progressiv, and Technik trims, with the latter two offering matrix-design LED headlights and animated taillights. The Q5 came in both standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space and rear-seat headroom for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance variant added more power, sport suspension, and distinctive styling elements like matte chrome trim and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Q5's design was a mix of top-notch materials and a somewhat discordant layout, with leather seating surfaces standard and a red interior option available on the SQ5.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in four trim levels in Canada: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline was sportier with the most standard equipment. A five-passenger version, the Atlas Cross Sport, was also available. The Atlas Execline, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, showcased polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a chiseled, upscale look. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. 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 in colder conditions.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The base model featured a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Q5's power output was competitive, offering slightly less horsepower than the Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5 nearly matched the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 in output, with a manufacturer-estimated 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from the sporty feel. The air suspension with adaptive damping provided capable handling, but the precise yet lifeless steering didn't encourage aggressive driving. Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns about its capability in a large SUV, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The Atlas's engine was more refined than those in some competitors, and its maximum torque curve between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm was beneficial. However, the ride quality was disappointing, with the suspension feeling brittle over smaller road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The Atlas's handling was predictable, with the tires being the weakest link. Sport mode added some heft to the steering, and the brakes performed well under duress.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 provided 757 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,710 litres behind the first row, surpassing some rivals but falling short of others. A power tailgate, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard, with additional features like heated rear seats and a panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. The Q5's towing capacity was 2,000 kilograms, exceeding some competitors.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The Execline model's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, with excellent outward visibility. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a proper backrest angle. Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, with generous clearance and adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable in all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,571 litres with the third row folded and 2,735 litres with the second row down.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger on the Technik trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for some vehicle functions. However, the digital instrument cluster had reduced functionality compared to previous versions. An available head-up display provided additional information, and the Dynamic Interaction Light added visual cues for the driver.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's MIB3 operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. While Car-Net connected service plans enhanced the technology, the lack of traditional controls and a reliable native digital voice assistant was a drawback. The MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, and the voice-recognition system was inconsistent. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more satisfying experience, with the Execline's Harman Kardon audio system delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. An exit alert feature used interior ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. However, the Q5's safety ratings from the IIHS were not favourable, with too many Marginal or Acceptable ratings for a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard driver assistance under the IQ.Drive umbrella, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system. Volkswagen Canada provided 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, though updated ratings for 2025 were unavailable.