2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its 2024 facelift, retained a unique design that set it apart from other Mercedes SUVs. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille that gave it a wide stance. The sharply tapering side glass and rakish windshield contributed to its distinctive look, though the proportions appeared odd, especially on the GLE Coupe models. Despite not being the most handsome in the lineup, its styling was unmistakably Mercedes, ensuring it wouldn’t be confused with other brands.

For 2025, the GLE offered new customization options, including four new paint colors and expanded interior choices from the Manufaktur division. The interior, highlighted by a Yacht Blue option, was upscale with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting. These elements combined to create a luxurious and special cabin environment.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in five trim levels, with the Peak Edition designed for off-roading and the SEL Premium R-Line offering a sporty look. The Atlas Cross Sport variant provided a more rakish design. Prices ranged from $38,200 to $53,205, excluding destination charges. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, tested in Mountain Lake Blue, featured a Shetland Beige leather interior and standard 4Motion AWD, priced at $54,630 with destination.

The Atlas impressed with its polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a chiseled and upscale appearance. The Mountain Lake Blue color effectively concealed dirt, maintaining a clean look. Inside, the Atlas continued its premium feel with 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with optional 4Matic AWD. Other models came with standard AWD and more power, such as the GLE 450 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six generating 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering a 50-mile electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft.

The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ were performance models, with the GLE 53 producing 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The GLE 63 S, with a hand-assembled twin-turbo V8, delivered 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reducing the 0-60 mph time by 1.2 seconds. The GLE 63 S Coupe offered thrilling stoplight launches and a classic V8 soundtrack. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered front-wheel drive or 4Motion AWD. Initially, the engine seemed underpowered for the Atlas’s size, but it proved refined and satisfying for daily driving. The engine’s torque curve between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm was generous, and Sport mode enhanced the driving experience, though it impacted fuel economy.

During testing, the Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall, slightly below its EPA ratings. The ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these issues, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with the Bridgestone Alenza tires being the weakest link. Sport mode improved engine and transmission responsiveness, while the brakes performed well under stress.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though Mercedes didn’t provide third-row space specs. The GLE offered similar headroom to rivals but slightly less legroom than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, though visibility was limited. The AMG test car’s front seats were heavily bolstered, making entry and exit challenging.

Second-row passengers enjoyed more space than in most competitors, with headroom comparable to the BMW X5 and more legroom than the BMW, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, competitive but less than the GV80 or MDX. With all seats folded, it provided 74.9 cubic feet, the most among its rivals. The center console offered reasonable storage for small items, and the GLE had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by large mirrors and a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel.

Access to the third row was outstanding, with generous clearance and a high seating position providing adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 96.6 cubic feet with the second row down. While slightly less accommodating than some rivals, the Atlas’s third-row seating was more appealing.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous horizontal display for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a center-console touchpad and steering-wheel touchpads, could be confusing, but the voice recognition system was effective.

The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some models featured an off-road display and a “transparent hood” function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capability.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the VW Group’s MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. While lacking traditional controls, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential for a better experience. The Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, such as incorrect song displays and confusing navigation screens.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more. The GLE earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard IQ.Drive driver-assistance systems, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Atlas came with a five-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, offering crash notification and emergency assistance. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.