2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Volvo XC90

In the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, the exterior saw a refreshing update, marking its distinct presence since the 2013 Volkswagen CrossBlue concept. The new light-up VW logos became quite a standout feature, especially since they were similar to those introduced in the ID.4 electric crossover. The front emblem illuminated white, while the rear one glowed red, giving the Atlas a modern flair. A newly introduced front light bar, stretching across to the daytime running lights and new LED headlights, imparted the vehicle with a robust American SUV appearance, somewhat distancing it from its European roots. At the rear, taillights connected to a full-width light bar integrating the illuminated logo.

All trims received updated wheel designs. The base SE trim sported 18-inch alloy wheels, while most other trims featured 20-inch wheels, with the SEL Premium R-Line taking it up a notch with 21-inch wheels and sportier styling tweaks. Notably, the 2024 lineup included the new Atlas Peak Edition, catering to adventure enthusiasts. It had black 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, unique front fascia, silver body cladding on front and sides, blacked-out exterior trims, and exclusive colors like Avocado Green and Pure Gray. The SE with Technology variants added a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting as standard.

Inside, the revised center cabin drew attention. The infotainment touchscreen now stood free of the dashboard, paired with a minimized toggle shifter, enhancing functionality. The upscale intent was clear with more textured fake wood trim and new weaved plastic mimicking carbon fiber. Standard leatherette seats and the diamond-stitched leather upholstery on SEL models further aimed for luxury, though some stitching areas fell short in perceived quality compared to the base model.

Volvo’s 2024 XC90 in contrast, maintained a more subdued and earthy exterior. Volvo offered the XC90 in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trims with varying prices, and there was a clear effort to balance luxury, practicality, safety, and sustainability. Wheel designs were appealing, with options up to 21 inches, with most versions showcasing a Bright theme using chrome and polished metal. The interior design, though considered dated, was complemented by rich materials, especially notable in the Ultimate trim. Upholstery choices included a wool-blend or ventilated Nappa leather, and the inclusion of an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim accentuated the luxurious feel. Volvo allowed greater customization, letting buyers mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery to a greater extent than some competitors.

For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas streamlined its powertrain options, eliminating the VR6 variant and leaving only the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. Despite the shift, the new turbocharged four-cylinder delivered a respectable 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. Compared to its predecessor, it offered slightly improved performance figures. The eight-speed automatic transmission paired with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive catered to different driving preferences.

Volkswagen claimed the 2024 Atlas was quicker than its six-cylinder 2023 counterpart, with front-wheel drive models achieving 0-60 mph in about eight seconds and all-wheel drive models in 8.3 seconds. While not an outright sporty option, the Atlas focused more on comfort and practical family use. It handled highway speeds smoothly, albeit with noticeable engine noise, and the ride quality remained on par with past models.

Volkswagen’s 4Motion AWD system aimed primarily at on-road use, offering a torque distribution of up to 50% front or rear but lacking significant off-road capabilities. Maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, competitive with most rivals, though not as high as the 6,000-pound capacity of the Nissan Pathfinder.

On the other hand, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 107-kilowatt electric motor and an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery. Combined output reached an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque distributed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.

The electric range reached up to 32 miles before the gasoline engine took over, and the SUV averaged 27 mpg combined on hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 accelerated from 0-60 mph in about five seconds. The Recharge’s various driving modes, including Pure, Hybrid, Power, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, offered a versatile driving experience. The availability of 9.9 inches of ground clearance in Off-Road mode was an added boon for adventurous drives.

However, real-world conditions affected performance figures. The test vehicle in Southern California's sweltering heat provided 28 miles of electric range instead of the indicated 33, and combined fuel economy eventually emerged at 24.5 mpg. Despite its powerful performance, the XC90's handling leaned more towards luxury than sporty precision. The large 21-inch wheels compromised ride quality somewhat, and some cabin disturbances on irregular pavements were noted. The steering and handling highlighted the XC90 as a luxury SUV rather than a performance vehicle, consistent with its primary design intent.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas upgraded its feature set significantly. Base SE models now incorporated a heated steering wheel with ventilated and heated front seats. The SE with Technology trim added a power liftgate, while the SEL trim came standard with leather upholstery and heated second-row seats, marking a higher level of standard luxury features than previous models.

Standard seating for seven, with second-row bench seats accommodating three passengers and up to 14-degree recline, provided considerable versatility. These seats could slide forward and backward for improved legroom and could retain child seats while allowing access to the third row. Opting for captain's chairs in the SE with Technology trim and above reduced seating to six but probably added to the comfort and convenience for second-row passengers. The third-row headroom and legroom were claimed to be superior within its class, ensuring even adults could sit comfortably. Cargo space scaled from 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up to 96.6 cubic feet when the second and third rows were folded, aligning closely with competitors but just short of the Chevy Traverse.

For the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even the base Core trim offered significant luxury features such as power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. Upgraded trims added a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, improved interior lighting, an integrated booster child seat, rear door sunshades, and more.

The XC90 sat seven passengers standard, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing the number to six. Despite occasional quirks like the front seat’s lower leg support catching on shorts, the vehicle offered excellent comfort and premium material quality. The panoramic glass roof with one-touch swipe control brought a sense of openness to the cabin. However, on exceptionally hot days, the climate control struggled unless the gas engine was running. Rear seats provided individual climate zones, and though the third-row access was tight, it was decent for small adults or children. Interior storage was sufficient, and cargo capacity ranged from 65.5 cubic feet with the third-row down to 85.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

Volkswagen enhanced the Atlas’s tech package for 2024. Every model now included a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, along with wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional USB-C ports increased from six to eight, including a dash cam port from the SE with Technology trim upwards. A head-up display and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (replacing Fender) featured in higher trims.

The infotainment system proved user-friendly with clear graphics and useful features like the navigation map in the digital cluster. However, VW’s reliance on haptic touchpads for controls, was less appreciated for their lack of tactile feedback, despite their modern aesthetic.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen using Google Built-in technology, encompassing Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. It was compatible with Android devices and included a complimentary four-year subscription to these services, switchable to a paid subscription afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were also standard, with options for a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

Google Built-in significantly improved the XC90’s infotainment experience.The 9-inch screen, though smaller by today’s standards, was user-friendly and well positioned. Voice commands worked well, though not flawlessly, and the system's interactivity proved rewarding. The SUV also came with a 12-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display, plus a surround-view camera to support the standard parking sensors.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received favorable safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it a five-star overall rating, with top marks in side crash tests and slightly lower scores in frontal and rollover tests. While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was yet to rate the 2024 model at the time of publication, the 2023 model achieved "Good" scores in all but one test category.

The Atlas came standard with advanced driver-assist features through the IQ.Drive package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist helped on highways by merging adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist. The higher SEL Premium R-Line trim enhanced this with park assist and a surround-view camera system.

Volvo's 2024 XC90 underscored its reputation for safety, scoring exceptionally in crash tests. NHTSA awarded it five stars in every category except rollover resistance, which received the standard four-star rating for SUVs. The IIHS had named it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2023.

However, in terms of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), the XC90 seemed less innovative compared to competitors. While it included expected safety features and unique systems like large-animal detection, it lacked more modern innovations or hands-free driving assist capabilities. Volvo’s Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was adequate but not flawless. On testing, Pilot Assist showed inconsistencies and inaccuracies, particularly on curved roads and during lane changes, impacting overall confidence in the system.