2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Lexus GX

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in five trim levels, with the SEL Premium R-Line standing out for its sporty appearance and comprehensive standard equipment. The Atlas Cross Sport variant provided a more rakish design while maintaining similarities with the three-row Atlas. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, priced at $54,630 with destination charges, boasted a chiseled, muscular look enhanced by polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, presenting a striking new look reminiscent of classic Land Rover models. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle featured a brawny facial expression with LED headlights, a large grille, and 33-inch tires on matte grey wheels. Inside, the GX offered a clean and elegant design with quality switchgear and chic dashboard elements. The seats, made of stitched black and tan faux leather, provided heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The GX excelled in visibility and comfort, with ample headroom and a head-up display option. Overall, the GX's design and features catered to both luxury and practicality.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas transitioned to a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving, especially when utilizing the Sport mode. However, the Atlas's fuel economy was modest, with 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall. The ride quality was a concern, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Nevertheless, the Atlas's handling was predictable, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GX's performance was robust, achieving 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds despite its 5,666-pound curb weight. The GX excelled in highway merges and off-road capabilities, with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city and 17 mpg combined. The GX's chassis and adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, while its off-road prowess was enhanced by features like crawl control and downhill assist.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a spacious interior with a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent outward visibility and a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof. Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, providing adequate leg support. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2025 Lexus GX provided a spacious interior, accommodating tall passengers with generous headroom and legroom. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with up to 90.5 cubic feet available in the Overtrail trim. The GX's towing capacity of 9,063 pounds added to its versatility. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, with dimensions comparable to competitors like the Land Rover Defender 110 and BMW X5. The GX's design and functionality made it a top choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured the VW Group's MIB3 operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the lack of traditional knobs and buttons made the system less user-friendly. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the MIB3's user experience had glitches. However, the Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality. Overall, pairing a smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto improved the Atlas's technology experience.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered a user-friendly infotainment system with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. The system featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with seamless pairing. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided good audio quality, though it required higher volume at highway speeds. The GX's technology was intuitive and well-designed, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the IQ.Drive suite of driver-assistance features, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."

The 2025 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, lane-departure alert, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The GX's safety features were user-friendly and non-intrusive, with a 360-degree camera system aiding visibility. The GX had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing but featured 10 airbags for occupant protection.