Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs Lexus TX

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 enhancements included illuminated Volkswagen logos, a feature inspired by the all-electric ID.4. The front light bar seamlessly connected the daytime running lights, complementing the new standard LED headlights, which contributed to a contemporary appearance. The rear of the Cross Sport, with its reshaped taillights and light bar, stood out due to its lower roofline, offering a silhouette akin to German luxury crossover coupes. Despite being 13 centimetres shorter and sitting lower than the standard Atlas, the Cross Sport maintained a distinctive presence. The 2024 model also introduced new wheel designs across all trim levels, with options ranging from 18-inch to 21-inch wheels, although it did not include the rugged Peak Edition package.

Inside, the Cross Sport shared interior revisions with the standard Atlas, featuring a raised centre console and a new electronic shifter. The central touchscreen was repositioned for better accessibility, and the interior trim carried over from the three-row models, offering standard leatherette upholstery and quilted leather on the top Execline trim. Despite attempts to enhance the simulated wood and carbon-fibre-facsimile trim, the materials remained predominantly plastic. The cabin's aesthetic was further elevated by blue seat inserts in the Execline trim, although it was the sole standout feature at that level.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with a more upscale appearance. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX 350 Executive packages included striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, enhancing the SUV's presence. The TX lineup comprised the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet available.

The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium interior features, including upgraded ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery. The Peppercorn interior, a dark brown shade, was available with the Executive packages, although it contributed to a darker cabin ambiance despite the panoramic glass sunroof. Overall, the TX 350's interior exuded luxury, aligning with the Lexus brand's reputation.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive in Canada. This marked the end of the 3.6-litre VR6 engine era for VW, as the new turbo-four delivered 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. Although it offered slightly less horsepower than the VR6, it provided more torque, with peak torque arriving earlier at 1,550 rpm. VW anticipated quicker acceleration from zero to 100 km/h compared to the 2023 model with the VR6, although specific numbers were not provided. The engine, while powerful, was noted for its less-than-pleasant engine note and noise-to-power ratio. The Cross Sport's maximum towing capacity remained at 2,268 kilograms, standard for a midsize crossover, but those seeking more towing capability might consider alternatives like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to the torque's swell. The TX 350's performance was deemed adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, according to Natural Resources Canada. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km, with the test unit in U.S. specification with front-wheel drive. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between firmness and comfort, ensuring a smooth ride, while the steering was accurate and responsive. The interior remained quiet on the highway, although the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received additional standard equipment, including heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, a tow hitch, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats were standard on the Highline trim. While front headroom was competitive, the Cross Sport's roofline compromised rear-seat headroom, creating a more cramped feeling for taller passengers. Legroom was more competitive, offering decent first-row legroom. The Cross Sport provided 1,141 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 2,197 litres with the seats folded, offering substantial storage capacity.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs available in the Executive 6-Passenger package. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they offered a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming, featured triple-zone automatic climate control, USB charging ports, and manual side window shades. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, providing leg support and a good view. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down, surpassing most competitors.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system, shared with the three-row Atlas, featured intuitive layouts and well-designed graphics. However, the haptic touchpads used in place of conventional buttons were less user-friendly, requiring precise pressing and visual confirmation. Six USB-C ports were standard, and the Execline trim included a head-up display and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system available in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen display, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year subscription to Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS had not released ratings for the 2024 model, but the structurally similar 2023 model received top "Good" scores in most crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Travel Assist. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance, although it was not entirely transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages offered front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist.