2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Buick Enclave

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern aesthetic, reminiscent of the automaker's compact crossover, the Envista. Its front design featured slim DRLs, a large angular grille, and a high beltline, drawing comparisons to luxury models like Lamborghini. While its side profile appeared somewhat generic, the Enclave's overall look was sharper and more refined than its predecessor. The vehicle's design included fewer creases, a flatter roof, and slightly sharpened wheel arches. Standard 20-inch wheels adorned the base and Sport Touring trims, with the latter featuring unique High Gloss Black accents. The top-tier Avenir trim boasted 22-inch wheels with a special "Avenir Pearl Nickel" finish. Inside, the Enclave exuded a modern and premium feel, with a floating centre console and a large curved display. The Sport Touring trim featured perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, enhancing the interior's upscale ambiance. A panoramic power sunroof was optional on lower trims but standard on the Avenir.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a range of trims in Canada, including Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline was sportier with extensive standard equipment. The Atlas Cross Sport, a five-passenger variant, shared similarities with the three-row Atlas but featured a more rakish design. Base prices ranged from $50,995 to $60,995, excluding additional fees. 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 with a machined finish. Its chiseled, muscular appearance aged well, and the Mountain Lake Blue colour effectively concealed dirt. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. Digital instrumentation and a large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though touch-sensing controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2025 Buick Enclave was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive in Canada. Fuel efficiency ratings from Natural Resources Canada were 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.2 combined. The Enclave could tow up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) when properly equipped. Buick offered two versions of Active Noise Cancellation, both standard in Canada, effectively reducing road and engine noise. The Enclave, classified as a mid-size crossover, drove like a full-size vehicle, with noticeable bulk and loose steering at slower speeds. While not a sports car, its driving dynamics were comparable to competitors like the Mazda CX-90.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas transitioned to a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous options. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system. Initially met with skepticism, the engine proved refined and capable, especially when utilizing its maximum torque curve between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Sport mode enhanced the driving experience but impacted fuel economy. During testing, the Atlas returned 15.2 litres per 100 kilometres in city conditions and 12.3 L/100 km over a 110+ kilometre route. Official ratings were 12.8 L/100 km city and 11.3 L/100 km combined. However, the Atlas's ride quality was disappointing, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these issues, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2025 Buick Enclave offered eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, accommodating up to seven passengers. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, with the Avenir trim adding heated second-row seats and front-row ventilation. A two-position memory feature was available for the Avenir and as an add-on for lower trims. Tri-zone climate control allowed middle-row passengers to manage their temperature. The top trim featured one-touch power folding and sliding for second-row seats, with power-folding third-row seats available. The AutoSense liftgate provided hands-free access to 648 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,617 litres with the third row folded and 2,761 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt slightly stiff. Excellent outward visibility and a surround-view camera system made parking easier. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. A panoramic sunroof and climate-control panel added to passenger comfort. Access to the third-row was outstanding, with generous clearance and adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,571 litres with the third row folded and 2,735 litres with the second row down. While slightly less accommodating than the Buick Enclave, the Atlas provided a more appealing third-row seating area.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased its premium positioning with advanced technology offerings. A large 30-inch curved display integrated the infotainment and digital gauge cluster, though Apple CarPlay disrupted its seamless appearance. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker Bose Performance system exclusive to the Avenir trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In for navigation and apps. Wi-Fi hotspot capability and wired charging with USB ports in each row were also included.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas utilized VW Group's MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen display, enhanced by Car-Net connected service plans. Traditional stereo and climate controls were replaced by touch-sensing buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. Volume and tuning rocker switches on the steering wheel were hard to see and easy to forget. The Atlas lacked a reliable native digital voice assistant, making the MIB3 system challenging to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more satisfying experience, with a conversational digital voice assistant and music streaming. The Atlas Execline's Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3 system's glitches and lack of intuitive controls detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Buick Enclave prioritized safety with advanced driver-assistance tech, including blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. HD Surround Vision with seven selectable camera views was standard, with an option to increase to nine. Adaptive cruise control was standard, while a head-up display was optional. GM's Teen Driver technology and Super Cruise, a highway hands-free driving technology, were available. The 2025 Enclave had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2024 model scored well in most tests, earning a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, encompassing 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. Front Assist included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, while Lane Assist offered lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist. Travel Assist provided semi-automated driving assistance on highways. Emergency Assist could detect an unresponsive driver and safely stop the vehicle. Volkswagen Canada offered an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, including crash notification and anti-theft alerts. The 2025 Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."