2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 BMW X5

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which featured a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained a reasonable size. The optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and Shadowline trim, with further upgrades available in the M Sport Professional version. The X5 Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated its 25th anniversary with unique features like Lime Rock Grey paint and an off-road package. Inside, the X5's interior evolved gradually, retaining a sense of quality with carbon fiber trim and ambient lighting, though it appeared plainer compared to some competitors.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a range of trims, with the SEL Premium R-Line standing out for its sporty appearance and standard equipment. The Atlas Peak Edition appeared ready for off-roading, while the Atlas Cross Sport provided a rakish design. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line impressed with its polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a chiseled and upscale look. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a variety of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the X5 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor, delivering a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with an estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6. With 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, the engine provided adequate performance for daily driving tasks. The Atlas's engine was refined, offering a satisfying experience when utilizing the maximum torque curve. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The Atlas's handling was predictable, with the Bridgestone Alenza all-season tires being the weakest link. The brakes performed well under duress, and the Sport mode added some heft to the steering.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It offered slightly less first-row legroom compared to some competitors but provided more headroom. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, though the lack of real leather upholstery and front-seat ventilation was noticeable at the X5's price point. The X5 offered 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a unique feature, providing convenience for loading and unloading cargo. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, competitive for its class.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The third-row seat was particularly accommodating, providing adequate leg support. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt slightly stiff. The second-row bench seat comfortably accommodated three adults, with ample legroom and a proper backrest angle. The third-row seat was easily accessible, and the cargo area was cavernous, offering 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas's storage space was commendable, with practical compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The angular instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read. The X5 also offered augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity, allowing a smartphone to replace the key fob.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the VW Group's MIB3 operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. The lack of traditional stereo and climate controls was a drawback, with touch-sensitive buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control proving less user-friendly. The Atlas's native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto a more satisfying option. The Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the MIB3 system's user experience was marred by glitches and a lack of intuitive navigation.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard Active Driving Assistant features, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package offered Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for steering at speeds up to 85 mph. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard IQ.Drive driver-assistance features, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.