2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, dating back to the 2013 CrossBlue concept. New lighting elements, including light-up VW logos similar to those on the ID.4 electric crossover, were added. The front logo illuminated in white, while the rear shone red. A front light bar connected to the daytime running lights, part of the new LED headlights, gave the Atlas a fresh "face" with American swagger. At the rear, taillights blended into a full-width light bar housing the illuminated logo. New wheel designs were introduced across all trim levels, with sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches. The Atlas Peak Edition joined the lineup, offering an outdoorsy vibe with black wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique styling elements.

Inside, the Atlas received a revised look, focusing on the center of the cabin. The infotainment touchscreen was repositioned, and the shifter was reduced to a toggle, creating more functional space. The interior aimed for an upscale feel with improved fake wood trim and new weaved plastic trim. Leatherette seats were standard, with leather upholstery available on higher trims. The SEL Premium R-Line featured diamond stitching, though some materials felt more suited to a base model.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 with a facelift for 2024, maintained a unique identity among Mercedes SUVs. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of previous generations, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights for a wide stance. The GLE Coupe models exaggerated these proportions with a fastback-style roofline. While not the most handsome in the lineup, the GLE's styling adhered to Mercedes' brand identity.

For 2025, the GLE offered new paint colors curated by Mercedes’ Manufaktur division and expanded interior options with Nappa leather upholstery. The Yacht Blue interior of the test car stood out, complemented by upscale features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting. The interior felt luxurious, though the GLE drove larger than its size, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas reduced its powertrain options to a single 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, part of VW's EA888 family, was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Atlas was quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, with FWD models reaching 60 mph in eight seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. Despite the improvements, the Atlas remained a family-focused vehicle prioritizing comfort over performance. The Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad mode, but the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. AMG models included the GLE 53 with 429 hp and the GLE 63 S with 603 hp. The GLE 63 S delivered thrilling performance with a V8 soundtrack, though the GLE felt larger than its size, affecting agility.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. Seating for seven was standard, with a second-row bench that could hold three child seats and slide for flexibility. Captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing capacity to six. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom, with the best third-row legroom in its class. Cargo space varied from 20.6 to 96.6 cubic feet, offering more room than most rivals.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE came in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row specs weren't published. The GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row space than rivals. Cargo space was 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The GLE's center console provided ample storage, and it had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas featured a 12-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available. A head-up display was standard on higher trims, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though haptic touchpads for controls were less intuitive.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods. Voice recognition simplified navigation, and AMG models offered additional drive modes and settings. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced capability, though the GLE wasn't as off-road focused as some competitors.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests. The 2023 model, structurally similar, received "Good" scores from IIHS, except for a "Marginal" in the updated moderate overlap front test. Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The SEL Premium R-Line added park assist and a surround-view camera.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE was named a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.