Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs Lexus TX

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the 2024 Lexus TX each offered distinct aesthetic experiences. The Atlas Cross Sport, for instance, shared its updated styling with the three-row Atlas, most notably featuring new lighting elements at both the front and rear. The Volkswagen logos on the grille and tailgate were illuminated in white and red, respectively, a touch borrowed from the all-electric ID.4 model. This added a stylish flair in line with its Americanized design, originating from VW’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant.

At the front, a light bar connected the daytime running lights, part of the new standard LED headlights, contributing to the vehicle's modernized, upscale appearance. The rear design boasted reshaped taillights that merged into a rear light bar, housing the second illuminated VW logo. Unlike its three-row sibling, the Cross Sport showcased a lower roofline, more akin to luxury crossover coupes from German brands, enhancing its sporty silhouette. This model also saw new wheel designs across its trims, with options ranging from 18-inch alloys on the base SE to 21-inch wheels on the SEL Premium R-Line. The interior renovations included a raised center console with a storage nook, leatherette upholstery, and incremental improvements to the VW-standard aesthetics.

Conversely, the 2024 Lexus TX brought a high-end elegance rooted in Toyota Grand Highlander DNA but polished enough to earn the Lexus badge. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, which might appeal to those deterred by previous Lexus designs. Our test model in Luxury trim sported eye-catching 22-inch silver-finished wheels that significantly bolstered its upscale presence.

Interior-wise, the TX exemplified Lexus luxury with premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated, ventilated seats in both the first and second rows. The TX’s interior featured a somber Peppercorn color scheme with black-grained trim and a panoramic glass sunroof that somewhat brightened the ambiance. Despite the lack of a massage function in the front seats, the supportive driving position and power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel provided a comfortable ride. The third-row seats were notably comfortable for adults, unlike the cramped third-row accommodations in previous Lexus models.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came equipped exclusively with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This shift marked the end of Volkswagen's use of the 3.6-liter VR6 engine in the Atlas models. This new turbo-four delivered 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, offering better torque and early power delivery at 1,550 rpm compared to the older VR6. While VW expected improved acceleration from 0-60 mph, specific figures were not available.

The Atlas Cross Sport retained a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for all models except the base SE, which was rated at 2,000 pounds. Although this performance was adequate, the engine’s unfulfilling noise-to-power ratio and the lackluster driving excitement detracted from the overall experience. Moreover, the ride quality left much to be desired, especially on the test car’s 21-inch wheels.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed that the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in 8 seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD). Despite these specs, the TX 350’s performance was mostly adequate, bolstered by a substantial torque swell that made it feel quicker.

Fuel economy for the TX 350 FWD was rated at 23 mpg in combined driving, with observed figures around 20.4 mpg during our testing. The optional AWD cost $1,600, offering better acceleration and traction, particularly in adverse weather, though it marginally reduced fuel economy figures. The TX excelled in comfort with a firm yet compliant suspension that managed road irregularities smoothly, providing a serene highway experience.

Volkswagen enhanced the Atlas Cross Sport for 2024 by adding more standard equipment across trims. The SE model featured heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. The SE with Technology trim added a power liftgate and tow hitch, while heated second-row seats and leather upholstery were standard on the SEL trim.

Headroom in the Cross Sport was competitive at the front but compromised in the rear due to its design-focused roofline. Cargo capacity stood as a strong point with 40.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet when the seats were folded down, surpassing many rivals.

The Lexus TX addressed prior criticisms with its spacious three-row seating, now capacious enough for adults. The TX 350 Luxury trim included premium semi-aniline leather with artificial suede trim, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. Despite lacking a massage function, the front seats were supportive and easily adjustable to find an optimal driving position.

Third-row seating was notably improved, catering to adult passengers with sufficient leg support and good visibility. Cargo space was reasonable, offering 20.2 cubic feet with all seats in use, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came well-equipped with tech features. Standard offerings included a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The system's intuitive layout and design were user-friendly, albeit hindered by the less responsive haptic touchpads replacing traditional buttons.

Four USB-C ports came standard, with the possibility to add two more. Additionally, higher trims like the SEL introduced a head-up display, while the SEL Premium R-Line offered a premium Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system.

The 2024 Lexus TX in our test configuration featured the optional Technology Package, which included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. This package, however, introduced much frustration with unmarked steering wheel controls that detracted from the driving experience.

Despite this, the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, bolstered by a free three-year Drive Connect subscription, adding a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked flawlessly, and the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport achieved a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with commendable scores in side-impact crash tests though received four stars in frontal and rollover evaluations. At the time of publication, the IIHS hadn't rated the 2024 model, but the structurally similar 2023 model received top scores in most tests.

Safety features were comprehensive, thanks to the standard IQ.Drive package, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Travel Assist. Higher trims like the SEL offered predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system.

The Lexus TX was outfitted with the LSS+ 3.0 suite, encompassing adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beams. The inclusion of Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering support, albeit with some operational transparency issues.

Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. Optional systems like front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and traffic jam assist enhanced safety. However, the latter only supported low-speed, hands-free driving on approved highways.