2025 Audi Q7 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined exterior with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and distinctive daytime running lights. The front spoiler and rear diffuser were subtly tweaked, and the grille sported vertical inlays within its octagon frame, contributing to a more cohesive look. Customization options allowed buyers to personalize the front bumper, door trim, and rear diffuser in various finishes, with the Black Optic package adding black accents and Anthracite Gray Audi rings. The laser-etched badging on the B-pillar was a unique touch, and the Q7 was available in nine colours, including the new Sakhir Gold. Inside, updates were minimal, with new wood and carbon trim inlays, but limited interior colour choices. The stacked infotainment screens and expansive HVAC vents emphasized the car's proportions, although the piano black finish was prone to fingerprints.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, particularly in the Execline trim, exuded a sense of luxury with its full-LED lighting, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and sculpted silhouette. The Peak Edition added rugged elements like all-terrain tires and blackout trim pieces. The Execline featured 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels and R-Line design elements. The Pure Grey paint resisted dirt, and the Titan Black upholstery with silver underlay provided a clean look. The Atlas appeared more expensive than its price suggested, with the Execline starting at $64,492. Inside, quilted diamond-pattern leather seats, metallic accents, and artificial wood trim created a warm environment. The 12-inch touchscreen offered a high-tech experience, though the interface was more about form than function. The Atlas's upscale design rivaled the Mazda CX-90, but some functional shortcomings were noted.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine choices: the 45 TFSI with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and the 55 TFSI with a 3.0-litre turbo V6 delivering 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery to all four wheels, although the steering and transmission response in Dynamic mode left room for improvement. The Q7's handling was impressive, with minimal body roll, thanks in part to the available all-wheel steering. Fuel economy for the 55 TFSI was rated at 13.0 L/100 km in the city, 10.0 on the highway, and 11.7 combined, while the 45 TFSI offered slightly better figures.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The engine's wide torque band provided flexibility, though initial acceleration felt adequate rather than eager. The Atlas's 0-100 km/h time was around eight seconds. The Drive Mode Select system offered various driving modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response. Fuel economy was recorded at 10.7 L/100 km during testing, slightly better than the estimated 11 L/100 km combined for the Execline trim. The 4Motion AWD system performed well in rain and light snow, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, ride quality was a concern, particularly with the Execline's 21-inch wheels, which transmitted vibrations on imperfect pavement.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated front seats across all trims, with additional amenities like a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats in the Progressiv trim. The Technik trim added a Bang & Olufsen stereo system and rear door sunshades. The Luxury package offered a massage function for the front seats, although the duration was short. The Q7's three-row seating was best suited for children in the third row, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space measured 402 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,011 and 1,970 litres with the seats folded. Small storage was limited, with a shallow centre console and door pockets.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo. The Execline's front seats were heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage, with supportive seating for long drives. The second row featured captain's chairs that folded flat and tipped forward for easy access to the third row. The third row offered decent leg support, and cargo capacity was a strong point, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and a total of 2,735 litres. The Atlas provided competitive space across all three rows, making it ideal for hauling people and belongings comfortably.

The 2025 Audi Q7's Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system featured a 10.1-inch centre screen with a smaller screen for HVAC controls, along with a configurable digital gauge cluster. The menu structure was user-friendly, but the screen required a firm push, and scrolling could be sluggish. Audi's Google Maps-based navigation system was a highlight, offering satellite view on the gauge cluster while wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto ran on the main screen. The Audi App Store allowed downloads of third-party programs like Spotify and YouTube.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas came with a 12-inch touchscreen running VW's MIB3 operating system, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six USB-C ports. The Highline trim added a Harman Kardon audio system and a surround-view camera system, while the Execline included a head-up display. However, the MIB3 system was frustrating to use, with a complex interface and touch-sensitive controls that were invisible at night. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound, and the Digital Cockpit Pro offered multiple view options, but the native nav system was less reliable than Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2025 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centring system was less robust than competitors, and the Q7 couldn't handle tasks like automatic lane changes. The NHTSA awarded the Q7 five stars overall, with four stars for front crash and rollover. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 model received top marks in crashworthiness.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-crash testing. The IIHS named the 2025 Atlas a Top Safety Pick+. Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features was standard across all trims, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. The systems performed reliably during testing, and the Execline added Park Assist.