2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in Canada in four trim levels: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Peak Edition had an off-road-ready appearance, while the Execline was the sportiest with the most standard equipment. A five-passenger version, the Atlas Cross Sport, offered a more rakish design but was otherwise similar to the three-row Atlas. Base prices ranged from $50,995 to $60,995, excluding destination charges and other fees. The Atlas Execline, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, was at the top of this price range. Its polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels gave it a chiseled, upscale look. Inside, diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood created a warm environment, though touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a high beltline similar to its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. Its grille and front fascia appeared taller, aided by higher ground clearance. The PRO-4X trim was the only one with a skid plate, and its exclusive front fascia improved the approach angle. The Armada's new C-shaped LED lines updated the daytime running lights, and the large grille made a strong impression. From the side, the Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar. The PRO-4X had Lava Red accents, while other trims featured chrome. The Armada's 20-inch wheels were standard on the SL, with 22-inch wheels on the Platinum Reserve. Inside, the Platinum Reserve and PRO-4X were comfortably outfitted, with leather seats and a padded centre console. The Platinum Reserve's Chestnut with Rye theme added a luxurious touch.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous options. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system. Despite initial concerns about its power, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving, especially in Sport mode. However, the Atlas's ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Fuel economy was also modest, with the Atlas returning 15.2 L/100 km in city conditions and 12.3 L/100 km overall during testing.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the GT-R, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard Intelligent 4WD in Canada. The PRO-4X trim included all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and adaptive electronic air suspension. The Armada's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its 33-degree approach angle and 34.4 cm ground clearance. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering provided a nice sense of engagement, while the adaptive air suspension added comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X's suspension and Mud/Rut mode improved ground clearance.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The Execline model's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, with excellent outward visibility. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a climate-control panel. Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, with generous clearance and adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable, with 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,735 litres with the second-row folded.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up centre console space for a wireless charging pad. The Platinum Reserve trim offered "Zero Gravity" seats, though they felt a bit deep. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors were standard in Canada. The Armada's third-row seats were 60/40-split bench form, with power one-touch folding. Cargo volume increased to 577 litres behind the third row, 1,594 litres behind the second row, and 2,750 litres behind the front row. Headroom and legroom varied, with improvements in the third row.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group’s MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. Car-Net connected service plans enhanced the technology, but the lack of traditional controls made the system less user-friendly. The Atlas lacked a reliable native digital voice assistant, making tasks like tuning the radio difficult. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience, with a conversational digital voice assistant and music streaming. The Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3 system had glitches, such as incorrect song titles on SiriusXM radio.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3-inch on the SL trim and 14.3-inch on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Built-In were standard, with Google Maps native to the system. A head-up display was standard on the Platinum Reserve trim. The Armada featured a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System, with a demo highlighting its merits. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with key information easily viewed from the driver’s seat.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas included standard driver assistance features under the IQ.Drive umbrella, such as 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. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was a 2024 IIHS “Top Safety Pick.”

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist suite, with ProPILOT Assist 1.1 on the SL, Platinum, and PRO-4X trims, and ProPILOT Assist 2.1 on the Platinum Reserve trim. The latter offered hands-free highway driving assist technology. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. A surround-view camera was standard on the SL, with higher trims featuring Nissan’s 3D Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View.