2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often praised for its elegant design, which set it apart in the small SUV class. Its graceful curves and timeless styling, unchanged since 2017, gave it an air of sophistication that rivalled entry-level luxury SUVs. Inside, the CX-5 offered a blend of traditional and modern elements, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. While it lacked the large infotainment screens of its competitors, the physical buttons and knobs were appreciated for their practicality and ease of use. The interior's soft-touch materials and sturdy plastics contributed to a refined atmosphere, reminiscent of older Acura or Lexus models.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas exuded a muscular and upscale appearance, enhanced by polished aluminum detailing and sizable 21-inch wheels. The Mountain Lake Blue exterior colour was particularly effective at concealing dirt. Inside, the Atlas continued its premium theme with 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-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying to use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Atlas's interior was spacious and comfortable, making it an appealing choice for families.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version producing 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine accelerated to 96 km/h in about 8 seconds, while the turbocharged model achieved this in approximately 6 seconds, making it one of the quicker options in its class. The CX-5's sporty driving dynamics were complemented by its sure-footed AWD system and well-tuned suspension, providing confidence on winding roads. However, its firmer ride quality meant that road imperfections were more noticeable, though not intrusive.

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, it was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system. Despite initial concerns about the engine's capability, it proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The Atlas returned 15.2 litres per 100 kilometres in urban conditions and 12.3 L/100 km overall during testing. However, its ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Nevertheless, the Atlas's handling was predictable, and its brakes performed well under duress.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior design and refinement were commendable, but it fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to some rivals. While rear headroom was adequate, competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage offered more. The CX-5 excelled in rear legroom but was outdone by the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. Cargo capacity behind the rear seats was 871 litres, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The CX-5's cargo area was wide and flat, but competitors offered more space. Interior storage included moderately sized cupholders, door pockets, and a deep centre armrest bin. The infotainment system was easy to operate with a control dial, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available.

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, while the second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably. The third-row seat was particularly impressive, providing adequate leg support and easy access. Storage space was commendable, with ample room for personal items in all three rows. 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. While competitors offered slightly more cargo space, the Atlas's third-row seating was more appealing.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled via a dial on the centre console. While smaller than some competitors' screens, its placement in the driver's sightline minimized distraction. The dial allowed for easy navigation through logical menus, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. The Premium Plus trim added a wireless charging pad and a head-up display. The base trim included a four-speaker audio system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker Bose premium system. Remote vehicle monitoring and control were available through a smartphone app, with a free service period for the first year.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. While lacking traditional knobs and buttons, the system included touch-sensing temperature buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The Atlas's native digital voice assistant was unreliable, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more satisfying experience. The Execline's Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3 system suffered from user-experience glitches. Despite these issues, pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto improved the overall experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. It performed well in IIHS crash tests, but its standard collision avoidance system received a Poor rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and additional safety features. During testing, the CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly without false alarms.

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 NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick." During testing, the IQ.Drive systems performed well, with occasional false lane-departure warnings but no major issues.