Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport showcased a modernized aesthetic with its updated lighting elements, mirroring the three-row Atlas. The front and rear lighting, including the illuminated Volkswagen logos, added a contemporary touch reminiscent of the all-electric ID.4. The front light bar seamlessly connected the daytime running lights, enhancing the standard LED headlights' modern appeal. The rear design, with reshaped taillights blending into a light bar, emphasized the Cross Sport's distinctive silhouette, akin to German luxury crossover coupes. Despite being 13 centimetres shorter and sitting lower than the standard Atlas, the Cross Sport maintained a unique presence. New wheel designs were introduced across all trim levels, with options ranging from 18-inch to 21-inch wheels, although the rugged Peak Edition package was not available for the Cross Sport. Interior revisions mirrored those of the standard Atlas, featuring a raised centre console and a new electronic shifter, enhancing storage options. The interior trim, while attempting to mimic luxury materials, remained predominantly plastic, with the top Execline trim offering quilted leather upholstery.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ exuded a striking street presence with its sleek exterior styling. Its design, inspired by the classic Seville, featured a long hood and low ground clearance, giving it a sedan-like appearance despite being an SUV. The vertical light bars at the front, incorporating nine LED headlights, created a captivating light show upon unlocking. The grille, adorned with lighting effects, varied in design across trims, with the Sport trim showcasing a dark triangular motif. The Lyriq's 22-inch wheels enhanced its imposing look, although the effect diminished with the standard 20-inch wheels. The wraparound taillights and fender-mounted vertical lights contributed to its unique style, while the steeply raked rear window minimized the impact of the high-waisted tailgate. Inside, Cadillac paid meticulous attention to detail, with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a distinctive three-spoke steering wheel. The 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, offering a seamless integration of technology without overwhelming the interior space.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive in Canada, marked the end of the VR6 era for VW. The new turbo-four offered improved performance, with peak torque arriving at 1,550 rpm, enhancing acceleration compared to the previous VR6 engine. Despite the power upgrade, the engine's noise-to-power ratio was a concern, and the Cross Sport's driving experience was described as unremarkable. The ride quality, particularly with the 21-inch wheels, was not ideal, and the vehicle's maximum towing capacity remained at 2,268 kilograms.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, while visually sporty, prioritized comfort over performance. Its dual-motor powertrain, producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, provided continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup featured a single rear motor with 340 horsepower. Both configurations utilized a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering a range of up to 505 kilometres with rear-wheel drive. However, real-world testing showed a maximum range closer to 420 kilometres. The Lyriq's handling was hindered by its substantial weight of 2,630 kilograms, resulting in significant understeer and uninspiring steering feel. Despite strong braking capabilities, the vehicle's handling was not on par with Cadillac's reputation for suspension and chassis tuning.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered enhanced standard equipment, including heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate. The interior provided competitive legroom, although the sloping roofline compromised rear-seat headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 1,141 litres available with the rear seats up and 2,197 litres when folded. The cabin's functionality was improved with a redesigned centre console and ample storage options, including large cupholders and spacious door pockets.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges in build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders and a problematic charging port were noted issues. The interior, while spacious, had a small centre cubby and a non-sliding floating console that limited storage options. The glovebox was inconvenient to access while driving, and the rotary selector for the touchscreen proved cumbersome. Despite these drawbacks, the Lyriq offered generous headroom and legroom, although its cargo space was limited to 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The user experience was intuitive, although the haptic touchpads for controls were less user-friendly than traditional buttons. Six USB-C ports were standard, and the Execline trim included a head-up display and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system, running native Google Maps and Google Assistant, provided high-quality graphics and accurate navigation. Super Cruise, Cadillac's hands-free driving system, was a highlight, offering seamless lane changes and clear visual cues. The 19-speaker AKG stereo system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard driver assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ included standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA.