2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a notable aesthetic transformation, starting with the exterior. The styling refresh built on the original sheet metal, first seen in the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept in 2013. The 2024 update introduced new lighting elements, with the most eye-catching being the light-up VW logos—a recent addition to their ID.4 electric crossover as well. The front logo gleamed in white, while the rear sparkled in red.

A new front light bar connected to the daytime running lights, integrated into the revised LED headlights reminiscent of those on the Ford Expedition, molded a fresh face for the Atlas, shedding its European subtleties in favor of a more rugged American look. The rear end now featured taillights seamlessly incorporated into a comprehensive light bar, housing the illuminated logo.

Every Atlas trim saw new wheel designs in 2024, with the base SE model donning 18-inch alloy wheels, most others riding on 20-inch wheels, and the premium SEL Premium R-Line boasting 21-inch wheels and accentuated sporty elements. The Atlas Peak Edition emerged as a new entrant, offering a more outdoorsy charm with black 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, distinct front fascia, and Avocado Green and Pure Gray exclusive colors, complemented by equipment mostly carried over from the SE with Technology models which now included a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting as standard.

Inside, a revised interior centered most changes around the middle of the cabin. The newly freed infotainment touchscreen contrasted with the minimalistic shift toggle, making space for an arched console and creating underneath storage. This design choice enhanced functionality but felt visually disconnected from the Atlas' robust exterior. Volkswagen also strived for a more upscale feel with refined fake wood grain trim and new weaved plastic trim simulating carbon fiber. While leatherette seats remained standard, leather options with contrast stitching were introduced in SEL models. The SEL Premium R-Line model further embellished with diamond stitching, although some materials, such as the stitching on the center console, felt less premium than expected.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar embraced a "reductive" design philosophy, reducing extraneous elements to simplify and modernize the SUV's appearance. Since its 2018 inception, the Velar has epitomized this design mantra, further refined in 2024. The exterior updates included a new grille, revamped headlights, and taillights, alongside fresh wheel choices and refined detailing. The redesigned rear bumper and full-length upper stop lamp granted the Velar a broader, lower stance.

The interior's 2024 refresh featured a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which floated in front of the dashboard, and a revamped center console eliminating traditional dials and knobs in favor of touchscreen controls. Despite a few cabin quality concerns, the new setup looked impressive albeit the omission of physical controls was seen as a drawback.

New options included an animal-free Kvadrat wool blend seat upholstery and the enhanced Cabin Air Purification Plus system, incorporating carbon dioxide monitoring. Our Dynamic SE trim test vehicle, equipped with a powerful turbocharged six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid system, had several luxurious upgrades tallying an MSRP of $80,533, including destination charges.

For the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, powertrain options narrowed down from two to one. The VR6 engine was phased out, leaving a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, an updated version boosting 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, an upgrade over both the previous VR6 and four-cylinder engines. This engine, another iteration of VW's EA888, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered either standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

The increased torque, peaking at a lower 1,550 rpm, allowed the 2024 Atlas to outperform its six-cylinder predecessor. FWD models achieved 0-60 mph in approximately eight seconds, while AWD models took 8.3 seconds. These were improvements over the VR6 models' times. Despite these enhancements, the driving experience remained more aligned with comfort and utility than sporty performance, maintaining a family-friendly demeanor.

The ride quality, while not improved over the pre-refresh Atlas, remained consistent. Our test vehicle, equipped with 21-inch wheels, performed well in most conditions. The Peak Edition featured all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode, but the 4Motion AWD system was optimized for pavement. Maximum towing capacity stood at 5,000 pounds across most models, with the base SE trimmed to 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, tested with the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine featuring a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced an impressive 394 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This P400 engine variant significantly outperformed the P250's 247-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. The P400 propelled the Velar to 60 mph about two seconds faster than its lesser counterpart, though EPA fuel economy ratings dropped to 21 mpg in combined driving from the P250's 23 mpg. During our testing, the Velar averaged 19.5 mpg.

An eight-speed automatic transmission and an AWD system distributed power seamlessly. Ground clearance varied between 8.4 inches and 9.9 inches with air suspension, and water fording capability reached up to 22.8 inches. Standard Terrain Response driving modes—Eco, Comfort, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, and Automatic—enhanced versatility, complemented by a Dynamic mode for road performance.

On Malibu’s mountain roads, the Velar P400 showcased its agility. Lighter in feel compared to its larger Range Rover siblings, it excelled in nimbleness and sporty handling, especially in Dynamic mode. Despite some minor gripes with overly responsive brakes and suspension softness in urban settings, the Velar maintained a balance between comfort and sportiness on highways and twisty roads.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas enhanced its standard feature set significantly, with the base SE trim now offering heated, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The SE with Technology included a power liftgate, while leather upholstery and heated second-row seats became standard from the SEL trim upward.

The Atlas accommodated seven passengers courtesy of a versatile second-row that could slide, recline, and accommodate three child seats side by side. Optional second-row captain's chairs reduced capacity to six. The 50/50 split-folding third-row, along with competitive headroom and legroom across all rows, set the Atlas apart from rivals, particularly offering superior third-row legroom.

Cargo space mirrored the typical trade-offs seen in three-row vehicles. With all seats in place, the Atlas held 20.6 cubic feet, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 96.6 cubic feet with second and third rows folded. This spacious configuration rivaled, yet slightly fell short of, the Chevrolet Traverse.

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar also presented impressive form and functionality. Upon unlocking, its flush-mounted door handles power extended—though with protruding upper corners. Getting in was mildly challenging for taller individuals due to the angled windshield pillars and narrow opening. However, new supportive seat cushions and 14-way power-adjustable front seats ensured comfort once seated.

Our test Velar featured heated, ventilated leather front seats, with the Cold Climate Pack adding heated rear seats and other climate conveniences. While the overall interior quality was high, cheap lower door panel plastics and an ill-fitting driver’s floor mat detracted slightly from the premium feel.

Rear passengers enjoyed excellent lumbar support, legroom, and a panoramic glass sunroof, though lacked side window sunshades. Storage space was adequate with ample door bins and a handy under-panel tray, albeit unlined to prevent noise.

The cargo area offered 30.9 cubic feet of space, expanding to 62.7 cubic feet with the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats. The design included netted storage areas and hooks for bags, making the Velar practical yet luxurious.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas introduced numerous tech upgrades. Standard features expanded to include a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six standard USB-C ports were spread around the cabin, with up to eight available.

Higher trims added a dash cam port and a head-up display, while the premium audio experience saw a switch to Harman Kardon with 12 speakers. The updated infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp yet simple graphics, but the reliance on haptic touchpads for basic controls added a layer of complexity.

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar’s tech upgrades centered on the next-gen Pivi Pro infotainment system. The new 11.4-inch display boasted over-the-air updates, Amazon Alexa capability, and an improved interface. However, having all climate and stereo controls managed via touchscreen added unnecessary complexity.

Pivi Pro's usability had its ups and downs. While the new sidebars provided shortcuts, these icons were small and hard to read on the move. The lack of a handrest complicated accurate touch operation, and user memory issues exacerbated driver distraction. Alexa integration required setup hurdles, adding to the inconvenience, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided relief from the infotainment complexity.

Standard tech also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, Meridian sound systems, and options like a head-up display and surround-view camera. The HUD in our test vehicle effectively communicated safety statuses, proving beneficial.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas scored excellently in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. This included five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. While the IIHS had not rated the 2024 Atlas, the structurally similar 2023 model received mainly top scores, with only a "Marginal" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.

The 2024 Atlas brought more driver-assist features as standard, with the IQ.Drive package now included from base trim levels. This package featured forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist, predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system were available on higher trims, along with emergency features to manage crash scenarios proactively.

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar also came with a robust set of advanced driver-assist systems. At the core was adaptive cruise control with a speed-limited function, effectively preventing speeding by indicating activation through green-lit LIM lettering on the steering wheel.

The Velar featured Adaptive Cruise Control with Steer Assist, offering a Level 2, hands-on semi-autonomous system. While the adaptive cruise control performed well, Steer Assist struggled with precision, often misjudging road curves, turn lanes, and varying light conditions.

This inconsistency in Steer Assist added stress rather than ease, making the Velar more enjoyable to drive without it. However, the HUD proved beneficial in keeping the driver informed about active safety features and vehicle status, particularly when maneuvering and avoiding curb damages.