Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs Genesis GV70

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the 2024 Genesis GV70 both had appealing aesthetic updates that resonated differently with potential buyers. The Atlas Cross Sport featured lighting updates similar to its three-row Atlas sibling, including illuminated Volkswagen logos in the grille and on the tailgate, a feature that was first seen on the all-electric ID.4. This design choice bestowed the vehicle with an eye-catching, modern look.

At the front, the Cross Sport had a light bar connecting the daytime running lights, tying into the new standard LED headlights that gave it an Americanized appearance. This was a nod to its Chattanooga, Tennessee production site, highlighting its design roots in the U.S. market. The rear also showcased a light bar integrated into reshaped taillights, ending in a more sculpted design resembling "crossover coupes" more akin to German luxury brands than traditional midsize crossovers.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a sleeker and more luxurious aesthetic. Key Genesis styling elements like the split headlights and large shield-like grille were present, but the GV70 appeared more streamlined than the larger GV80, avoiding any overtly quirky designs like those on the GV60. Standout features included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and stylish 19-inch standard wheels, with optional 21-inch wheels.

Compared to competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the GV70 maintained a delicate balance between a robust SUV presence and luxury-car style. Even the Electrified GV70 exuded a subtle luxury, keeping the shiny grille that housed the charge port while the rest of the design remained unchanged from the gasoline version. This allowed for easier alignment at charging stations, something most EVs needed to improve on.

Performance-wise, the Atlas Cross Sport was powered by a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). This new engine marked the end of VW's use of the 3.6-liter VR6 engine, offering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque in both Atlas models. While this was slightly less horsepower than the VR6, it provided more torque and peaked earlier at 1,550 rpm, making the Cross Sport quicker from zero to 60 mph than its previous models.

Despite these improvements, the driving experience fell short. The engine note was not particularly pleasant, and the noise-to-power ratio was less than ideal. The ride quality, especially with the 21-inch wheels, was subpar, making the vehicle neither sporty nor notably comfortable. The towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE version rated at 2,000 pounds.

The Genesis GV70 had more robust engine options, unchanged from previous years. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, while a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 option offered 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.

The Electrified GV70 added a layer of performance with its front and rear electric motors producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode for temporary 483 horsepower bursts. Despite the impressive specs, the GV70's chassis tuning made it feel heavier and slower in corners compared to sportier rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, or Porsche Macan.

The interiors of both vehicles offered a mix of functionality and luxury, with each making a significant mark in their way. For the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, there were notable additions in terms of standard features. The base model, Cross Sport SE, came with heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The SE with Technology model had a power liftgate and tow hitch, and the SEL trim received standard heated second-row seats and leather upholstery earlier in the trim hierarchy.

Interior space was a mixed bag for the Cross Sport. While front headroom was on par with rivals, the stylish roofline compromised rear-seat headroom, leading to a more cramped rear-seat experience. Legroom was competitive up front, and cargo space was decent, with 40.3 cubic feet with seats up and 77.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This was more than a Chevy Blazer and about the same as a Honda Passport.

On the other hand, the 2024 Genesis GV70 balanced interior space well among its competitors. It had slightly less headroom than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but its streamlined roofline made up for this with a more refined look. Front-seat legroom was comparable to the Audi and better than the BMW and Mercedes. Rear-seat legroom surpassed the X3 but trailed slightly behind the Q5 and GLC.

Cargo space in the GV70 was 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them down. This was better than the Mercedes but slightly less than the Audi and BMW. The Electrified GV70 had a minor reduction in interior space to accommodate the battery pack but maintained practicality with a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls. An automatic side bolster feature in the front seats also added to its utility and comfort.

For technology, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was upgraded with a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The screens offered intuitive layouts with well-designed graphics but were hindered by haptic touchpads instead of traditional volume and tuning knobs, making certain functions more challenging to use. Four USB-C ports were standard, with up to six available, including a dash cam port on higher trims. The SEL trim also added a head-up display, and the premium audio system was upgraded to Harman Kardon from Fender in the SEL Premium R-Line.

The Genesis GV70 used sections from the Hyundai parts bin, providing a simpler but effective infotainment experience. All models came with a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Lower trims got an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher trims featured a 12.3-inch unit with a nostalgic 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were also available. This system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen located within easy reach for both driver and passenger and a high-quality rotary controller on the center console.

Safety was a strong point for both vehicles. The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The 2023 structurally identical model received high but not updated moderate overlap front test scores from the IIHS. For 2024, all Cross Sport models came standard with IQ.Drive—a comprehensive suite of driver aids including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 achieved the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. NHTSA ratings were partly available, with the gasoline model receiving four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and the 2023 model earning a five-star overall safety rating. The GV70 came with a full array of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 added automated lane-change capability. Unique features like safe exit assist and a highly sensitive rear occupant alert system were also included.