2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was a standout in the luxury SUV market, challenging traditional luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Mazda had elevated its design and material quality, surpassing competitors such as Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, and edging closer to luxury brands like Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. The CX-90's exterior design was an enlarged version of the elegant CX-30 and CX-5, featuring a commanding presence with its large grille, wide front end, and wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. The tasteful chrome trim added to its elegance, making it an SUV that demanded attention.

Inside, the CX-90 impressed with its luxurious interior, especially in the top-tier models. Brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic bits created a sophisticated atmosphere. The CX-90 offered 11 different trim levels across three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and the performance-focused Turbo S. The PHEV and Turbo S Premium Plus models were particularly noteworthy for their blend of luxury and performance.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a different kind of appeal with its five trim levels, including the off-road-ready Peak Edition and the sporty SEL Premium R-Line. The Atlas Cross Sport variant provided a more rakish design while maintaining the three-row Atlas's core features. The SEL Premium R-Line, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, showcased a polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a chiseled, upscale appearance.

Inside, the Atlas continued its premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, although the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying. Despite these quirks, the Atlas maintained a strong presence with its impressive design and comfort.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo S version offered a substantial 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile cornering capabilities, reminiscent of Mazda's reputation for building outstanding driver's cars.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While initially seeming underpowered for its size, the engine proved refined and capable for daily driving tasks. The Atlas's ride quality, however, was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Turbo S models featured a two-seat third row, providing slightly more cargo space. Total cargo capacity reached 75.2 cubic feet, with 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row. While not the most spacious in its class, the CX-90 provided clever storage options and a comfortable interior with high-quality materials.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering one of the most comfortable third-row seats in its class. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, with excellent outward visibility. The second-row bench comfortably seated three adults, and access to the third row was outstanding. The Atlas provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. Storage space was commendable throughout, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, using a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing a more user-friendly experience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured the MIB3 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen. While lacking traditional controls, the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, but smartphone integration platforms provided a more satisfying experience. The Harman Kardon audio system was a highlight, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The top-spec model added cruising and traffic support, providing a hands-on driver support system. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on its predecessor's accolades.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas included IQ.Drive, offering features like Front Assist, Active Side Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also provided a five-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The safety systems were accurate and trustworthy, contributing to the Atlas's five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.