2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 exhibited a design that drew inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70, particularly above the belt-line. Its split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that curved from behind the rear window were notable design elements that connected it visually to the G70. This chrome bar cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV aesthetic without compromising versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash included a full touchscreen, a rotary dial, and button controls, offering a tactile experience superior to touch capacitive controls found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that updated its original sheet metal with new lighting elements, including light-up VW logos and a front light bar connecting the daytime running lights. These changes gave the Atlas a new "face" with American swagger, moving away from its European influences. The rear featured taillights that blended into a full-width light bar. The Atlas also introduced new wheel designs across all trim levels, with the SEL Premium R-Line sporting 21-inch wheels. The interior saw a revised look, with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a reduced shifter, creating more functional space. Volkswagen aimed to make the interior feel more upscale with improved fake wood trim and new weaved plastic trim. However, some stitching and material quality seemed more fitting for a base model than a top-tier trim.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two gas-powered trims: the 2.5T with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.5T with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70's turbo-four provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 appealed to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note. The GV70 balanced comfort and sharp handling, offering a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery with dual electric motors, producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It had a range of 236 miles and could fast charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas reduced its powertrain options to a single 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, part of VW's EA888 family, was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Atlas was quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, with FWD models reaching 0-60 mph in eight seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. Despite the improved performance, the Atlas remained a family hauler focused on comfort and frugality. The ride quality was consistent with previous models, and the Atlas maintained a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE trim, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with the seats in use, which was above average for its class. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and decently large cupholders in the center console, though the in-door cupholders were limited in size. The front seats offered easy adjustability for comfort, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. It provided seating for seven with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. The bench could be replaced by captain's chairs on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas boasted competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space varied from 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded to 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, offering more cargo space than most rivals.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. It included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas came with more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It offered wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available, including a dash cam port. A head-up display was standard on higher trims, and the Atlas featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on premium trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, haptic touchpads for functions like audio volume and headlights were less intuitive than traditional buttons.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features like a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system were available in higher trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The Atlas included more standard driver-assist features for 2024, such as VW's IQ.Drive package with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also had emergency features like automatic post-collision braking and a crash response system.