2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Genesis GV80

For the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, the year marked a significant refresh of its styling that dated back to the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept first introduced in 2013. This refresh was primarily characterized by new lighting elements. The most noticeable were the light-up VW logos at the front and rear; the front logo emitted a white glow, while the rear logo shone red. Additionally, a front light bar connecting to the daytime running lights (DRLs), part of new LED headlights, gave the Atlas a unique "face" devoid of its European influences, imparting American swagger. The rear followed suit with taillights blending into a full-width light bar, housing the illuminated logo.

Aesthetic updates continued with new wheel designs across all trim levels. The Atlas SE featured 18-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims boasted 20-inch wheels. The SEL Premium R-Line took it a step further with 21-inch wheels and sportier design cues. The introduction of the Atlas Peak Edition brought a more rugged, outdoorsy appeal, featuring black 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, different front fascia, silver body cladding, blacked-out exterior trim, and two unique colors: Avocado Green and Pure Gray. Inside, the cabin's look was revised around the center, with a free-standing infotainment touchscreen and a smaller, compact shifter. This rearrangement opened up additional storage space, but the contrast between the minimalist interior and truck-like exterior was a bit stark. Efforts to upscale the interior included more realistic fake wood grain trim, a new plastic trim simulating carbon fiber, leatherette seats as standard, and available leather upholstery with contrast stitching. The top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line model even offered diamond stitching. However, some aspects, like the center console stitching, appeared cheaper, making material quality seem more suitable for a base model rather than the premium one.

Shopping for the 2024 Genesis GV80 meant choosing between the 2.5T (turbocharged four-cylinder) and 3.5T (twin-turbocharged V6) models, along with trim levels: Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature. Prices ranged from $57,700 to $81,750, with an added $1,350 destination charge. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle came in the highest Prestige Signature trim with optional Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing its MSRP to $84,600, destination included.

The Prestige Signature models offered exterior colors like Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, or exclusive Mauna Red, paired with dark chrome trim and almost invisible black-painted 22-inch wheels. Despite the appeal of the Prestige Signature version, its wheel design wasn't effective due to the paint that made intricate details practically invisible.

The interior of the GV80 was notably luxurious, especially in the Ultramarine Blue over Dune color scheme. Features included diamond-stitched Nappa leather, an artificial leather dashboard wrap, matte-finish wood trim, suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide infotainment touchscreen asserted its luxury status. While the awesomeness of the Genesis GV80 Prestige Signature was undeniable, it seemed less desirable when opting for less expensive Prestige trims that offered nearly the same opulence.

For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas consolidated its powertrain options, eliminating the VR6 and leaving the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine as the sole option. Despite its smaller size, this engine output 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. Compared to its predecessor—the 276 hp and 266 lb-ft torque VR6—the new turbo-four showed improvements both in power and performance. The engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and had standard front-wheel drive with the option for all-wheel drive.

The 2024 Atlas was claimed to be quicker than the 2023 VR6 model due to its additional torque, which peaked at a lower RPM (1,550 versus 3,600). Front-wheel-drive models achieved zero to 60 mph in eight seconds, while all-wheel-drive versions took 8.3 seconds. The new Atlas positioned itself as a comfortable and frugal family hauler. However, while the four-cylinder engine provided smooth and strong acceleration, it generated more noise than thrust.

Ride quality remained the same as in the pre-refresh models—less comfortable compared to rivals, yet acceptable given the test car was equipped with the largest available 21-inch wheels. The Peak Edition with all-terrain tires and Offroad driving mode still lacked the robust underbody protection for serious off-roading. The towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds for most trims, except the base SE, which was rated at 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivered 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, outperforming larger V6 engines in competitors like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. The 3.5T variant, which was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, produced an impressive 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a satisfying performance but was notably thirsty, returning 20 mpg combined per EPA estimates, but observed at 17.2 mpg during routes across Southern California.

Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system, featuring five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. The GV80 had a ground clearance of 8.1 inches and towed up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. The 3.5T variant came with upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, enhancing the driving experience. On urban roads, the SUV felt luxurious yet communicated a good sense of the road, combined with swift acceleration, though ride comfort could be improved, especially over surface irregularities. Overall, the GV80 exhibited more athleticism than expected, thanks to its suspension, drivetrain, and powerful engine setup.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas saw an increase in standard features. The base SE trim gained a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats, while the SE with Technology got a power liftgate. Leather upholstery and heated second-row seats became standard on the SEL trim. Its seven-seat configuration came standard, with the second-row bench fully adjustable, reclining up to 14 degrees, sliding fore and aft up to 7.7 inches, and capable of holding three child seats side by side. Second-row captain's chairs were available, reducing seating capacity to six, and a 50/50 split-folding third-row remained standard.

The Atlas offered competitive headroom and legroom across all rows. Particularly, third-row legroom outperformed other midsize competitors. However, second-row space was slightly less compared to other crossovers. Cargo capacity was a strong point for the Atlas: 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up, and 55.5 cubic feet with just the third row stowed. Only the Chevy Traverse had more cargo space among its rivals.

Conversely, the 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a third-row seat exclusively in the 3.5T Advanced trim. The top-level Prestige Signature seated only four people due to its luxurious second-row captain’s chairs and large center console. These features meant Genesis had to be left at home for trips requiring higher passenger capacity, compelling the need for a different vehicle like a Jeep Gladiator.

Depending on the trim, the GV80 came with artificial leather, real leather, or premium leather interiors. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. The test vehicle was well-equipped with a panoramic sunroof, triple-zone climate control, ventilated front seats with massage programs, and power-adjustable components. The rear seats, though luxurious with heating and ventilation, lacked adequate recline and legroom.

Cargo space in the GV80 measured 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the back seats down. However, the center console in the Prestige Signature trim required careful maneuvering when loading cargo.

For 2024, the Atlas came packed with more tech features. A 12-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster were standard, as were wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There were six USB-C ports standard, with an option for up to eight. Higher trims included a dash cam port and a standard head-up display.

VW switched from Fender to Harman Kardon for its premium audio in the Atlas, providing a 12-speaker system. The updated infotainment system featured a useful digital instrument cluster map view, and visual graphics were sharp and straightforward. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for certain controls, like volume and headlights, made functionality more challenging.

The GV80 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display. For 2024, analog gauges would be replaced by digital ones in later models, marking the end of the old-school vibe. A 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument display was a highlight of the Prestige trims. All models had navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot was introduced in 2024.

The infotainment system relied on a control dial due to the screen's far placement, and care was needed to avoid confusing it with the transmission gear selector. The voice-recognition system worked effectively, and the infotainment graphics were high-quality with minimal glare. The GV80's digital key system was another modern feature, and it came with a premium Lexicon sound system, set to be upgraded to Bang & Olufsen in 2025. HUD on Prestige trims showed blind-spot warnings, enhancing safety.

The 2024 Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. Though IIHS hadn’t reported on the 2024 model, the 2023 version scored “Good” in most tests. More driver-assist features became standard, including VW's IQ.Drive package encompassing forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included park assist and a surround-view camera system. Volkswagen also equipped the Atlas with automatic post-collision braking and a crash response system.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was well-equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS), such as a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist worked well in lighter traffic but was less effective in moderate to heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor showed real-time video feeds on the digital instrument panel, which complemented other blind-spot warning systems. The Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed autonomous parking, both with the driver inside and standing outside the vehicle.

The GV80 earned the Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. However, in the frontal-impact test, the driver and passenger positions earned a four-star rating.