2027 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2026 Lexus NX

The NX is the compact crossover SUV of the Lexus lineup. It’s between the Lexus UX and Lexus RX in size and price, and competes with small luxury crossovers like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Genesis GV70, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, and Volvo XC60. This second-generation version arrived for the 2022 model year and receives minimal updates for 2026. The previous NX 250 base model is gone, but Lexus made some changes to the lineup to make the hybrid and plug-in hybrid NX models more affordable.

Verdict: The NX is a good value in hybrid form, but otherwise doesn’t feel like a true luxury vehicle.

Nearly a decade after its debut, the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is finally all-new. The second-generation model brings real wood trim, bigger screens, and a better ride. It also costs about $2,000 more, and its new face is a step backward. Still, the redesign gives one of Volkswagen’s best-selling models plenty of new reasons to shop it.

Verdict: The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas fixes its predecessor’s biggest flaw and adds a lot of standard equipment for only a little more money. If buyers can live with a touch-heavy dashboard and a face that isn’t as handsome as the old one, it’s an easy SUV to recommend.