Jeep Wrangler vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

You know what you’re getting with the Jeep Wrangler: iconic looks and legendary off-road ability but an overall package somewhat out of step with the times. Even so, it’s a model that’s continually evolving, and Jeep does its best to appeal to the broadest cross-section of customers possible. You can get a Wrangler with two-door or four-door body styles, and you have a choice between two engines and six trim levels. This year, all 2025 Wrangler models have standard power windows and door locks, the V6/automatic drivetrain returns to the lineup, while new colours include ’41 (drab green), and Mojito (bright green).

Verdict: Rough, raw, and unrefined, the 2025 Wrangler is made for adventure and getting dirty. The top comes off. The doors come off. There are drain holes in the floor so you can hose it out. This Jeep can be unpleasant to drive daily, yet we love it just the same.

Volkswagen's efforts to grow its appeal in North America have developed over a long process of trial and error, but VW showed it finally understood this continent’s tastes when it launched the Atlas three-row crossover SUV. And because not everyone needs three rows, VW followed up the standard Atlas with the two-row Cross Sport for the 2020 model year. Both versions get a significant refresh for 2024.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gets most of the same updates as its three-row sibling, including different styling, more standard features, and the discontinuation of its six-cylinder engine option in favour of a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. These changes are aimed at making the Cross Sport more competitive against other midsize crossovers like the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Passport, the aged Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, and the more truck-like Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In Canada, the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport lineup includes Comfortline, Highline, and Execline trim levels. We drove the U.S. equivalent of the range-topping Execline for this review.