2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with three paint options: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was built for off-road adventures. The flared fenders added to its robust look, but the overall design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blockier models. Inside, the GX featured a mix of luxury touches and disappointing plastic materials, with heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new lighting elements and light-up VW logos. The front logo shone white, while the rear logo glowed red, connected by a front light bar to the new LED headlights. These changes gave the Atlas a more American swagger, moving away from its European roots. The taillights blended into a full-width light bar, housing the illuminated logo. All trim levels got new wheel designs, with the SEL Premium R-Line featuring 21-inch wheels. The Atlas Peak Edition added an outdoorsy flavor with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique exterior trim. Inside, the infotainment touchscreen was now freestanding, and the shifter was reduced to a tiny toggle, creating more functional space. The interior aimed for an upscale feel with improved fake wood trim and new weaved plastic trim, though some materials still felt cheap.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in power and noise as the accelerator was depressed. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not impressive on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying sound and feel. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but the roll was predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and reliable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed the 4WD system into a 40:60 front:rear split, adjusting based on wheel slip for better handling in various conditions.

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 FWD or optional AWD. The Atlas was quicker than the previous VR6 model, with FWD models reaching 60 mph in eight seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. The driving experience focused on comfort and frugality, with the engine pulling smoothly but noisily. The ride quality remained unchanged, and the Peak Edition's all-terrain tires and Offroad driving mode were more for show than serious off-roading. The Atlas had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas added more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. The SE with Technology added a power liftgate, and the SEL now had standard leather upholstery and heated second-row seats. The Atlas offered seating for seven with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. Second-row captain's chairs were available, reducing seating capacity to six. The third row was standard and offered competitive headroom and legroom. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.6 cubic feet with both rows folded, surpassing most rivals.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the tech lagged behind newer Lexus models, with a slow touchscreen and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Off-Road Package added further off-road enhancements.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and 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 SEL and higher trims, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, VW's reliance on haptic touchpads for controls made them more difficult to use than traditional buttons.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year, lacking modern structural safety improvements. However, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.

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 IIHS had not rated the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received high scores in most tests. The Atlas included more standard driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also had features like automatic post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature.