2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 BMW X5

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which featured a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package added sportier aesthetics, while the M Sport Pro package included an exhaust system and other enhancements. The interior continued BMW's aesthetic evolution, offering a quality feel with a plainer appearance compared to some competitors. The Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated the X5's 25th production anniversary in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in four trim levels in Canada, with the Execline trim offering the most standard equipment. The Atlas Execline, in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, exuded a chiseled, upscale appearance. Its polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels contributed to its impressive 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, although the touch-sensing controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the xDrive40i, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the X5 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The X5 M60i xDrive, with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, delivered 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor, producing a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with an estimated zero to 100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds and up to 63 kilometres of all-electric range.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6. With 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, the engine seemed overmatched for the Atlas's size, but it proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The Atlas's engine offered a generous torque curve between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm, and Sport mode added a pleasing engine note. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas's handling was predictable, and the brakes performed well under duress.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It offered slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided more headroom. The sport seats were appreciated during cornering and comfortable on long drives. The X5's cargo space was competitive, with 960 litres behind the rear seats and 2,047 litres with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a unique feature, and the X5's towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent outward visibility. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, and the third-row seat provided adequate leg support. 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 Atlas's storage space was commendable, with practical compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. It ran BMW Operating System 8, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The iDrive infotainment system remained intuitive, with multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The X5 also offered augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's MIB3 operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. While it lacked traditional knobs and buttons, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Atlas's native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential for a better user experience. The Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, such as inaccurate radio displays and confusing navigation screens.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard driver aids, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 135 km/h. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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 a rear cross-traffic alert system were standard. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.