2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a much-needed styling refresh to modernize its appearance, evolving from its origins, traced back to the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept first revealed in 2013. The most visible updates included new lighting elements, particularly the light-up VW logos reminiscent of those found in the revamped ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo illuminated in white, and the rear logo in red, added a distinctive flair.

Not stopping there, VW introduced a front light bar connecting the daytime running lights, integrated into fresh LED headlights that bore a resemblance to those on the Ford Expedition. These tweaks lent the Atlas a distinct "face," expressing more American swagger than European sophistication. At the rear, the taillights merged into a full-width light bar, which also housed the illuminated logo, contributing to the Atlas's robust aesthetic.

All trim levels of the Atlas got new wheel designs for 2024. The base SE model featured 18-inch alloy wheels, while the higher trims mostly came with 20-inch wheels. The top-tier SEL Premium R-Line sported even larger 21-inch wheels and more aggressive styling cues. A new addition was the Atlas Peak Edition, aimed at an outdoor-centric demographic, complete with black 18-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, a unique front fascia, side silver body cladding, and blacked-out trim. Notably, this edition came in two exclusive colors: Avocado Green and Pure Gray.

Interior modifications mainly centered around the cabin’s core. The infotainment touchscreen now stood apart from the dashboard, and a reduced shifter—now a compact toggle—freed up significant space, allowing for an upward-arched console design that created additional storage below. This made the interior more functional, though the contrast between its minimalist design and the rugged exterior might have seemed slightly disjointed.

Volkswagen also endeavored to give the interior a more upscale feel. The faux wood trim displayed more pronounced grain, and a new weaved plastic trim aimed to mimic carbon fiber. Leatherette seats were standard, while higher SEL trims offered leather upholstery with contrasting stitching. The premium SEL Premium R-Line boasted diamond stitching that, together with silver stitching on black upholstery, looked refined, though some materials, like the stitching on the center console, seemed more fitting for a base model than the top-tier offering.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was built upon the Toyota Grand Highlander platform but was distinct enough to firmly position itself in the luxury SUV segment. The Lexus sported an upscale look compared to its Toyota counterpart, which resembled a scaled-up RAV4. The Luxury trim of our test model featured striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, a premium addition that significantly heightened the SUV’s visual presence.

The TX's styling was subtler than that of other Lexus models, projecting an almost conservative and somewhat anonymous design. For those who previously found Lexus's bold designs off-putting, the TX presented a more palatable alternative.

The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and the yet-to-be-released TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid variant, with prices spanning from $55,050 to approximately $75,000 when the plug-in model would be available.

Our chosen test model was the TX 350, expected to be the volume seller. The model came in base, Premium, and Luxury trims. Each variant packed a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered either FWD or AWD. Our TX 350 test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, started at $60,950. It included additional features such as a Convenience Package, a Technology Package, a 21-speaker surround-sound audio system, side puddle lamps, and rear cargo lamps, bringing the total to $67,869.

In the Luxury trim, the TX 350 featured upgraded ambient lighting and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede. The interior, in dark Peppercorn, appeared almost black, and despite the panoramic sunroof, the cabin felt rather dark. Nevertheless, in most aspects, the TX 350 Luxury met the expectations set by the Lexus badge, embodying the essence of a luxurious SUV.

For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas saw its powertrain options shrink to just one, eliminating the VR6, a narrow-angle V6, and retaining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This new turbo-four, an upgraded version of the previous standard engine, delivered 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. This was a slight drop in horsepower from the VR6 but produced more torque and significantly outperformed the older version of the turbo-four. The engine was connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard FWD and optional AWD.

Thanks to its increased torque, which peaked at a lower 1,550 rpm compared to the VR6's 3,600 rpm, the 2024 Atlas was quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor. The FWD models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in an estimated eight seconds, while AWD models took 8.3 seconds, improving by 0.4 and 0.8 seconds, respectively, over the 2023 VR6 versions.

Despite these improvements, the Atlas was still a family-oriented vehicle with a focus on comfort and efficiency over spirited performance. The four-cylinder engine provided a smooth ride to highway speeds but was more notable for its noise than its power. While ride quality remained the same, which was already less comfortable than its rivals, it was still manageable even with the largest 21-inch wheels.

The Atlas Peak Edition featured all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode, which, combined with the 4Motion AWD system, added some rugged capabilities without serious off-road performance. The AWD system, designed more for pavement, could send up to 50% of torque to the front or rear axles and decoupled the rear axle under light loads to save fuel.

Maximum towing capacity for the Atlas was 5,000 pounds for most models, except the base SE, which was rated for 2,000 pounds. This was competitive within its class, though the Nissan Pathfinder, with its V6 engine, could tow up to 6,000 pounds.

The Lexus TX 350 came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which might seem inadequate for a midsize, three-row SUV, but it performed adequately under typical driving conditions with up to four passengers. The engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, accelerated the TX 350 from zero to 60 mph in 8 seconds for FWD models (7.8 seconds for AWD). Despite its apparent mediocrity on paper, the TX felt quicker due to its substantial torque, although the engine note was unpleasant and hints of torque steer in the FWD model could be annoying.

Fuel efficiency for the TX 350 FWD was rated by the EPA at 23 mpg combined, only marginally better than the previous three-row Lexus RX L with its 3.5-liter V6, which offered 22 mpg. During testing, the TX 350 FWD averaged 20.4 mpg. Opting for AWD, which cost an additional $1,600, slightly improved acceleration while reducing fuel economy in the city and highway, although the combined rating remained unchanged. AWD also provided better traction and likely mitigated the torque steer issues of the FWD model.

The TX 350’s ride and handling were well-balanced, offering a firm but comfortable suspension that maintained good body control and precise, responsive steering. The interior was notably quiet on the highway.

Our pre-production test vehicle had a brake pedal that felt overly soft but was manageable and effective in bringing the TX to a smooth stop.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received several enhancements in standard features. The base SE trim offered a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats, while the SE with Technology added a power liftgate. The SEL trim included leather upholstery and heated second-row seats, now standard at a lower position in the trim hierarchy.

Standard seating accommodated seven passengers with a second-row bench capable of 60/40 split-folding, reclining up to 14 degrees, and sliding fore and aft up to 7.7 inches. The bench seat could also hold three child seats side by side and tilt-slide forward with those seats in place. Optionally, second-row captain's chairs reduced the seating capacity to six on higher trims. Regardless, the third-row bench retained its 50/50 split-folding feature.

Headroom and legroom were competitive across all three rows. The Atlas's first-row, second-row, and third-row headroom surpassed that of the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, with third-row legroom being the most spacious among competitors. However, second-row passengers had slightly less room compared to similar crossovers.

Cargo space in the Atlas varied with passenger configuration: 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, 55.5 cubic feet with just the third row down, and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in use. This made the Atlas highly practical, offering more cargo space than most rivals, second only to the Chevrolet Traverse.

The new 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous Lexus SUVs' shortcomings with a more accommodating design. The TX 350 Luxury featured semi-aniline leather and artificial suede interior, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Although the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided ample support and comfort, and adjusting the power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel was easy.

The second-row bench seat, while comfortable, had a relatively flat lower cushion. However, the triple-zone automatic climate control, dual USB charging ports, and manual side window shades addressed comfort well enough.

The third-row seat was far more habitable than previous Lexus models, making the TX a strong contender with sufficient space for adults, surpassing the old RX L and GX models. When the second row was slid forward slightly, even tall passengers could find comfortable seating in the third row.

Despite the third row’s improved comfort, it came at the expense of the second-row legroom, especially when adjusted for third-row passengers.

The TX offered numerous storage compartments, though many lacked liners, potentially introducing noise depending on the contents. The front center armrest design, split for single-side access, often proved too narrow to be practical.

Cargo capacity was 20.2 cubic feet with all seats up, expandable to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row down. Folding both the second and third rows yielded an impressive 97 cubic feet, offering more cargo space than any other Lexus SUV and most competitors.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas boasted several advanced tech features as standard. These included 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, expandable to eight, including a dash cam port on higher trims for easier dash cam installation. A head-up display was standard on SEL trims and above, while the Atlas's premium audio system had switched from Fender to Harman Kardon, delivering a 12-speaker setup on higher trims.

The enhanced infotainment system provided a smooth user experience, with sharp yet straightforward graphics. The digital instrument cluster with a map view was particularly helpful for road trips. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for controls like audio volume and headlights was a drawback, as these were harder to use compared to traditional buttons.

The 2024 Lexus TX, with the optional Technology Package, included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, this package replaced traditional marked steering wheel controls with multifunctional unmarked ones, which were less user-friendly, especially since the head-up display was often rendered invisible by polarized sunglasses.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen was easy to use, particularly with the complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, which added cloud-based navigation and a proficient digital assistant with natural voice recognition.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, facilitating seamless connectivity. Lexus offered 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, providing services like automatic collision notification and emergency calling. Wi-Fi Connect enabled a hotspot, and Remote Connect offered remote engine starting, car-finder functionality, and digital key access.

The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided exceptional audio quality, making it a worthwhile upgrade for music lovers.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received high marks for safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), including five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not rated the 2024 Atlas at the time, but its structurally similar 2023 predecessor scored "Good" in most tests, except for a "Marginal" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.

For 2024, Volkswagen made additional driver-assist features standard across all trims. The IQ.Drive package, initially exclusive to higher trims, included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist for enhanced highway driving. Higher trims also featured predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system.

Volkswagen included emergency features such as automatic post-collision braking, a crash response system that managed fuel pump shutdown, door unlocking, and hazard light activation following a crash, and an emergency assist system to stop the vehicle if the driver became incapacitated.

The 2024 Lexus TX came well-equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), grouped under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0). These included adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Proactive Drive Assist was part of LSS+ 3.0, offering proactive braking for safe following distances and steering assistance to avoid obstacles. However, it was unclear if brake lights activated during automatic braking, and the feature often felt intrusive, leading to it being turned off.

Additional standard safety features consisted of blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. Traffic jam assist provided hands-free driving at low speeds on specific highways and worked effectively during brief test periods, although higher-speed hands-free driving was not offered for the TX.

Overall, LSS+ 3.0 was effective and accurate, except when other vehicles cut into the lane ahead, causing excessive slowing and delayed acceleration.