Volkswagen Atlas vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained its iconic design, reminiscent of the original Grand Cherokee that debuted in 1992. Its extended length did not compromise its classic style, offering a luxurious feel that was more upscale than many other midsize SUVs. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured bold aesthetics, including blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels, which enhanced its modern appeal. The interior of the upper trims was impressive, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements, although some areas like the lower dash had hard plastics. The overall look and feel were superior to lower-priced competitors, providing a classy experience for those willing to invest more.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that introduced new lighting elements, including light-up VW logos and a front light bar connecting to the LED headlights. These changes gave the Atlas a more Americanized appearance, moving away from its European roots. The rear featured a full-width light bar housing the illuminated logo, adding to its modern look. The Atlas Peak Edition brought an outdoorsy vibe with unique styling elements and model-specific colors. Inside, the Atlas received a revised center cabin design, with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist interior that contrasted with its rugged exterior. The interior aimed for an upscale feel with improved materials, although some areas still felt more suited to a base model.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine was criticized for its lackluster performance, especially in sport mode, and was deemed inadequate for the SUV's weight. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 offered a more robust 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, making it a better choice for towing, with a maximum capacity of 7,200 pounds. The chassis provided solid handling, and the air suspension allowed for smooth cornering and a comfortable ride. Jeep offered three 4WD systems, with the Grand Cherokee L excelling in off-road capabilities, although it was not intended as a serious off-roader.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas simplified its powertrain options to a single 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, part of VW's EA888 family, offered improved performance over the previous VR6, with quicker acceleration times. The Atlas prioritized comfort and efficiency over performance, with a smooth but noisy engine. The ride quality remained consistent with previous models, and the Atlas was equipped with an AWD system designed primarily for pavement. The maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with the base SE rated for 2,000 pounds. The Atlas was not designed for serious off-roading, lacking features like low range and underbody protection.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and an optional bench seat. The third row was best suited for children, and the power-folding features added convenience. The interior offered good visibility and a well-organized control layout, although some infotainment graphics were difficult to read. Cargo space was generous, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 85 cubic feet with seats folded, making it one of the largest in its class.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including ventilated front seats and a power liftgate. Seating for seven was standard, with a second-row bench that could accommodate three child seats. The interior provided competitive headroom and legroom, although second-row space was slightly less than some rivals. Cargo space was substantial, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded, surpassing most competitors except the Chevy Traverse.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with Uconnect 5 providing a user-friendly interface. The McIntosh sound system was available on upper trims, and the vehicle offered advanced tech features like night vision and Active Driving Assist. The passenger screen allowed for independent media control, and Amazon Fire TV was available for streaming.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas came with a standard 12-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, along with wireless phone charging and connectivity. The infotainment system was intuitive, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital cluster. The Atlas switched to a Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims, and the use of haptic touchpads for controls added a high-tech feel, though they were less user-friendly than traditional buttons.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover tests. Standard safety features included multiple airbags, emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, with additional options like night vision and 360-degree cameras on higher trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS had not rated the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received high scores in most tests. The Atlas included more standard driver-assist features for 2024, such as VW's IQ.Drive package, which offered a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.