2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased a commendable exterior design, aligning with Chevrolet's recent trend of attractive SUV styling. Its interior design followed suit with digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, offering an appealing layout. However, the quality of materials used inside the Traverse was a letdown. The hard, glossy plastic and Evotex artificial leather failed to emulate the feel of genuine leather, which was disappointing for a vehicle in its price range. The Traverse was available in three trims in Canada: LT, Z71, and RS, with base prices ranging from $54,333 to $70,333. Our test vehicle, a Z71 spec, featured Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and an Enhanced Driving Package, bringing its MSRP to $68,681.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in four trims: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline, with prices ranging from $50,995 to $60,995. The Atlas Execline, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, stood out with its polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a muscular and upscale appearance. Inside, the Atlas continued to impress with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm environment. However, the touch-sensing controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying, especially without gloves. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Atlas maintained a high-tech feel with its digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. While the engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, it delivered ample power, allowing for rapid acceleration, especially with all-wheel drive engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, offered 19.7 cm of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse excelled in off-road conditions, handling trails and mud with ease, while also providing a smoother ride on rough pavement. Despite its size, the Traverse managed a fuel economy of 10.9 L/100 km, slightly better than the official estimate.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While initially seeming underpowered for an eight-passenger SUV, the engine proved refined and capable for daily driving tasks. The Atlas's fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 12.3 L/100 km during testing. The ride quality was a concern, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with the brakes performing well under stress.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered generous interior space, with a standard eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and support, though the lack of side window shades was a drawback for families. The third-row seats were comfortable but lacked a view due to the rear window design. Cargo space was ample, with 648 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second row folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which was inconvenient.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with comfortable third-row seating and a cavernous cargo area. The front seats in the Execline model were heated, ventilated, and massaging, though the leather felt slightly stiff. The second-row bench seat offered ample space for three adults, with a panoramic sunroof overhead. Access to the third row was easy, and the bench seat provided 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, expanding to 2,735 litres with the second row folded.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with a simple interface and effective voice recognition. The test vehicle also featured a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW's MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen display. While it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the lack of traditional knobs and buttons made the system less intuitive. The native voice assistant was unreliable, often failing to execute commands. However, the Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The MIB3 system's user experience was marred by glitches, making smartphone integration a more satisfying option.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids under the Chevy Safety Assist umbrella. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enhanced Driving Package added Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

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 came with an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though updated IIHS ratings for 2025 were unavailable.