2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas emerged with a styling refresh that updated the original sheet metal design originating from the 2013 Volkswagen CrossBlue concept. This update introduced new lighting elements, most noticeably the light-up VW logos akin to those on the updated ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo lit up in white, whereas the rear logo illuminated in red, giving the Atlas a modern twist. Notably, Volkswagen added a front light bar connected to the LED daytime running lights and new headlights, which strikingly resembled those of a Ford Expedition. These updates culminated in a distinct "face" for the Atlas, which obscured its European design roots in favor of a more American swagger. At the back, the taillights integrated into a full-width light bar that also housed the illuminated logo.

For 2024, all Atlas trim levels featured new wheel designs, with the base SE model equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, most other trims with 20-inch wheels, and the SEL Premium R-Line with 21-inch wheels and sportier styling tweaks. The lineup saw the introduction of the Atlas Peak Edition, which added a rugged, outdoor-inspired flavor. Peak Edition models showcased black 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a distinctive front fascia, silver body cladding on the front and side, blacked-out exterior trim, and two unique colors—Avocado Green and Pure Gray. Inside, Volkswagen re-engineered the center of the cabin. The infotainment touchscreen now stood independent of the dashboard, while the shifter was reduced to a mini-toggle switch, creating more space and an upward-arching console with storage below. However, some found the interplay of the minimalist interior with the truck-like exterior somewhat jarring.

Volkswagen also made efforts to upscale the interior, with fake wood trim now displaying more grain, and a new plastic trim simulating carbon fiber available. Leatherette seats came as standard, while higher trims offered options for leather upholstery with contrast stitching. The top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line featured diamond stitching with silver thread on black upholstery, which looked quite elegant. Nonetheless, the overall material quality was deemed more befitting of a base model rather than the top-tier variant.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX was praised for its striking design. The notable shield grille was bordered by sharp headlights, with intake vents accentuating the lower bumper area, presenting a modern and refined look. The interior was high-tech, though considered busy due to the numerous controls on the center console. The MDX was offered in several trims or “Packages,” including the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package, as well as the performance-oriented Type-S and Type-S Advance, which provided various features and enhancements.

Standard features across the MDX lineup included tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats. Higher trims added amenities such as ambient cabin lighting, navigation, upscale ELS premium stereos, genuine leather upholstery, and specific styling cues for the sporty A-Spec models. The MDX Type-S Advance came with notable features such as a top-tier 26-speaker ELS sound system and refreshing massaging front seats. Although the massaging seats were firmer than those in other luxury crossovers, they proved beneficial on long drives. Overall, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS might have boasted a more luxurious cabin, the MDX was celebrated for its superior massaging seat functionality.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas saw a reduction in powertrain choices for the year, with the previous VR6 V6 engine being replaced by a sole 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This new engine generated 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, an increase compared to the previous turbo-four's figures of 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. It was also connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

Volkswagen claimed that the increased torque made the 2024 Atlas quicker than the 2023 V6 model. Manufacturer estimates indicated that FWD models could reach 0-60 mph in eight seconds, while AWD models took 8.3 seconds. While these acceleration figures weren't record-breaking, the Atlas remained focused on comfort and efficiency over performance. Despite this, the four-cylinder engine delivered smooth highway performance but was noted for its noise. The Atlas maintained its ride quality, despite the test vehicle being fitted with the most extensive available 21-inch wheels.

The Atlas Peak Edition varied slightly, adding off-road capability with all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode. However, the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement, lacking a low range and underbody protection, which limited its true off-road potential. The Atlas' towing capacity was solid at a maximum of 5,000 pounds, applicable to more models than before. The base SE model, however, was rated for only 2,000 pounds, making it less competitive against models like the Nissan Pathfinder, which could tow up to 6,000 pounds with a V6 engine.

Meanwhile, the standard 2024 Acura MDX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The performance-focused Type-S included a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 delivering an impressive 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with either FWD or Acura’s sophisticated Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (AWD).

Driving the 2024 Acura MDX Type-S Advance revealed strong acceleration, particularly aided by the turbo engines. While it didn't deliver the abrupt power of a sports car, it was more than ample for everyday driving needs, including rapid acceleration, highway merging, and passing maneuvers. The transmission was highly responsive, ensuring smooth power delivery. The adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes added to the dynamic driving experience, with the air suspension able to automatically adjust ride height for different driving modes, including an off-road Lift mode.

The MDX proved nimble despite its considerable 4,500-pound weight, offering a firm yet comfortable ride that appealed to those seeking sporty handling in a luxury SUV. Its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, although lower in FWD models (maxing at 3,500 pounds), was adequate for most needs.

For the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, additional standard features were a highlight, with the base SE trim now including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The SE with Technology added a power liftgate, and leather upholstery and heated second-row seats were standard on the SEL trim, placing these features lower in the hierarchy than previously.

The Atlas provided seating for seven with a standard three-seat second-row bench that split-folded, reclined, and slid for flexibility. This row could also accommodate three child seats side by side, and tilt and slide even with those seats in place. On higher trims, second-row captain's chairs were an option, reducing capacity to six. The rearseat configuration remained a 50/50 split-folding third-row bench.

In terms of passenger space, the Atlas excelled with competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, surpassing rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in third-row legroom. However, second-row passengers might find slightly less room compared to similar crossovers. Cargo capacity was generous, with 96.6 cubic feet available with both the second and third rows folded, 55.5 cubic feet with only the third row stowed, and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in use—outperforming most competitors except the Chevy Traverse.

Conversely, the 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows. The first two rows offered comfort and support, while the third row, smaller in size, was more suited for children. Cargo space behind the rear seats measured 16.3 cubic feet, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and reaching 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. Additionally, there was extra storage under the cargo floor, and the standard power liftgate could be upgraded to a hands-free version on higher trims.

The MDX’s second-row bench included a fold-down center console with cupholders, though captain's chairs were not an option. Practical storage and numerous cupholders were scattered throughout the cabin. However, the control layout was criticized for its complexity, particularly the shifter and IDS dial, which could be cumbersome compared to simpler setups in other vehicles.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas improved in technology, standardizing a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. This was complemented by wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which previously required an upgrade from the base model. The Atlas included six USB-C ports with the option to increase to eight, along with a port for dash cams on higher trims. A head-up display became standard on SEL and above, while premium audio was upgraded from Fender to a Harman Kardon 12-speaker system in higher trims.

The infotainment interface was user-friendly, with a convenient map view in the instrument cluster for navigation. However, haptic touchpads for functions like volume and headlights were less intuitive than conventional buttons, despite their modern appearance.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX’s technology was less favorably received due to its awkward infotainment interface. The 12.3-inch display atop the dash was not a touchscreen, instead controlled by a touchpad located below the shifter, which was unintuitive and challenging to use.

Despite this, the MDX offered a wealth of standard tech features including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also boasted a fully digital instrument panel and several USB ports, with smartly integrated charging ports and thoughtful design touches like a handrest for using the touchpad.

The hope was that Acura would eventually replace this cumbersome system with a more user-friendly interface as seen in the new Integra, but for the time being, it remained a significant drawback.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, scoring five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. While the IIHS hadn't rated the 2024 model at the time, the structurally similar 2023 model earned the highest “Good” scores in most crash tests, excluding a “Marginal” rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.

For 2024, VW equipped the Atlas with additional driver-assist features, standardizing the IQ.Drive package on all trims. This package included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trim levels added predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system.

The Atlas also incorporated features for emergency situations, such as automatic post-collision braking, a crash response system that activated certain safety measures following an accident, and an emergency assist feature to bring the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2024 Acura MDX came well-equipped with advanced safety features. Its standard suite included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, reverse emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, a 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display.

Though the 2024 MDX had not been specifically tested by safety organizations at the time, its 2022 model, which the 2024 model carried forward, earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and achieved the highest “Good” ratings from the IIHS, along with a Top Safety Pick+ designation and a superior rating for its crash-prevention technology.

Yet, despite impressive safety features, the MDX's touchpad-controlled infotainment system posed a distraction risk, requiring drivers to divert their attention longer than necessary compared to more straightforward systems.