Volkswagen Atlas vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L continued the legacy of its predecessors with a design that was both rugged and upscale. Its extended length of over 30 centimetres did not compromise its classic style, maintaining the iconic seven-slot grille and square greenhouse. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels, adding a bold touch. Inside, the upper trims boasted luxurious materials, including black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish walnut accents. While not every component matched the quality of high-end brands, the overall interior was impressive, especially with the optional touchscreen and well-damped controls.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that introduced new lighting elements, including light-up VW logos and a front light bar. These changes gave the Atlas a more Americanized appearance, moving away from its European roots. The Atlas Peak Edition added an outdoorsy flair with black wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique colours. Inside, the Atlas featured a revised centre console with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist design. While the interior aimed for an upscale feel with new trim options, some materials fell short of expectations, particularly in the top-tier Execline model.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, was considered outdated and lacked low-end torque. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with air suspension, and its 4WD systems offered impressive off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas simplified its powertrain options to a single 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, part of VW's EA888 family, offered improved performance over the previous VR6 engine, with quicker acceleration and smoother power delivery. However, the Atlas remained focused on comfort and practicality rather than sporty performance. Its 4Motion AWD system was designed primarily for on-road use, lacking the off-road prowess of the Grand Cherokee L.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, making it feel spacious even with the front seats pushed back. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a centre console available on higher trims. The third row, while power-folding, was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,407 litres available with both rear rows folded. The interior featured a well-organized layout, though some infotainment graphics were difficult to read.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered seating for seven with a standard second-row bench that could accommodate three child seats. Optional captain's chairs reduced seating capacity to six. The Atlas excelled in headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom being particularly impressive. Cargo space was also a strong point, with up to 2,735 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas balanced passenger and cargo space effectively, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, all running Uconnect 5. The system was generally user-friendly, though some graphics were hard to decipher. The optional McIntosh sound system provided good audio quality, and the night vision and Active Driving Assist added to the tech appeal. The passenger screen was a standout feature, offering entertainment and control options for the front passenger.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. Wireless phone charging and connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. The Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims delivered quality sound, and the infotainment system was intuitive to use. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for controls was less user-friendly than traditional buttons.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA in most tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like night vision and 360-degree cameras enhanced safety further.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong performance in side crash tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2024 model were pending, the 2023 model had performed well in most tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, with additional features like park assist available on higher trims.