2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Canadian trim levels included GS-L, GS, GT, GT-P, and Signature, with pricing ranging from $48,846 to $67,886. The test vehicle in the U.S., equivalent to the mild hybrid’s Signature trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the Canadian MSRP to $67,286. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to a low, athletic look.

Inside, the CX-90 continued its premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected its price, the cabin felt convincingly upscale. However, ergonomic issues were noted, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Mazda's reluctance to offer touchscreen operation for its infotainment system was also a drawback. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in four trim levels in Canada: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Atlas Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline was sporty with the most standard equipment. A five-passenger version, the Atlas Cross Sport, was also available. Base prices ranged from $50,995 to $60,995, excluding destination charges and fees. The test drive featured an Atlas Execline in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, aligning with top-trim prices of its competitors. The Atlas Execline's polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and sizable 21-inch wheels gave it a chiseled, muscular, upscale appearance.

Inside, the Atlas continued its premium feel with 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. Volkswagen largely resisted touch-sensing controls in gloss-black plastic, but temperature and stereo volume were touch-sensitive, which was not satisfying to use. Despite this, the Atlas's interior was comfortable and spacious, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing passenger comfort and cargo space.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Ground clearance ranged from 20.4 to 20.6 centimetres, and hill descent control was standard. Fuel economy ratings were 9.3 L/100 km combined for the standard engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The plug-in hybrid offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating once the battery was depleted.

Despite impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour until warmed up. Engine surge and acceleration issues were noted, along with a lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness. Vibrations in the second-row captain’s chairs were also a concern. However, the CX-90's firm, communicative suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, especially in Normal mode, which offered smoother driving and retained Mazda's dynamic character.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system were standard. Initially, the engine seemed overmatched for the Atlas's size, but it proved refined compared to competitors' turbo-fours. The engine's maximum torque curve between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm was satisfying for daily driving, with Sport mode enhancing the experience at the cost of fuel economy.

During testing, the Atlas returned 15.2 L/100 km in urban conditions and 12.3 L/100 km over a 110+ kilometre route. Official ratings for the Execline trim were 12.8 L/100 km city and 11.3 L/100 km combined. Ride quality was a disappointment, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, handling was predictable on mountain roads, with the engine and transmission remaining alert in Sport mode. The brakes resisted rumble and fade, but excess body motions were undesirable.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs in Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The front seats were comfortable on long trips, and a panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light. Second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions, but limited seat-track travel could make installing rear-facing child seats challenging. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips.

Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the centre armrest, and stingy door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, with a maximum of 2,129 litres with the second-row seats folded. This was small for the segment, with rivals offering more cargo capacity.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a comfortable third-row seat and cavernous cargo area. The Execline model's heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats were supportive, though the leather felt stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and touch-sensing controls operated the sunshade and glass.

Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, with generous clearance and adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable, with practical compartments in all three rows. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,735 litres with the second-row seats folded. While competitors offered slightly more cargo capacity, the Atlas's third-row seating was more appealing.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. While the technology was presented traditionally, the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons, which took time to get used to. Mazda's voice recognition system was lacking, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models.

The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, providing a rewarding listening experience. Mazda's Active Driving Display, a head-up display, offered helpful data and blind-spot alerts. Despite the lack of high-tech presentation, the CX-90's technology was functional and effective.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's third-generation Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB3) operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. Car-Net connected service plans enhanced the technology. The Atlas lacked traditional stereo and climate controls, with touch-sensing temperature 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's native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making the MIB3 system challenging to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, offering navigation and music streaming. The Atlas Execline's Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3's user-experience glitches were frustrating. Overall, the Atlas's infotainment system was not user-friendly, and pairing a smartphone was recommended for a more satisfying experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, a safe exit warning system, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

Cruising and Traffic Support was available on higher trims, pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. While the system had some issues with speed reduction and lane markings, the CX-90's driver aids were generally effective. The blind-spot monitoring system added an extra layer of safety, though the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard driver assistance features under the IQ.Drive umbrella, including 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 also standard. Front Assist included forward collision warning, pedestrian warning, and automatic emergency braking. Lane Assist encompassed lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist. Side Assist was a blind-spot monitoring system that could actively prevent unsafe lane changes. Travel Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist for semi-automated driving assistance. Emergency Assist could detect an unresponsive driver and bring the Atlas to a safe stop.

Volkswagen Canada provided an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, including automatic crash notification, SOS emergency assistance, information assistance, a stolen vehicle locator, and an anti-theft alert. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick," though updated ratings for 2025 were unavailable.