Lexus GX vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopted the same styling updates as the three-row Atlas model, featuring revamped lighting elements both front and rear. The Volkswagen logos on the grille and tailgate now illuminated in white and red respectively, a design detail inherited from the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4. This illumination was paired with a light bar connecting the daytime running lights, forming part of the standard LED headlights. These changes offered the Cross Sport a distinctly American look, which was sensible given both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport were manufactured in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and designed with the U.S. market in mind.

At the rear, the Cross Sport showcased reshaped taillights that fused into a rear light bar, which also accommodated the second illuminated VW logo. This area was the defining segment of the Cross Sport's appearance, diverging from the standard Atlas with a lower roofline, approximating the "crossover coupe" silhouette popular among German luxury brands. The Cross Sport was 5.2 inches shorter and sat lower than the standard Atlas, enhancing its unique profile.

The Cross Sport introduced new wheel designs across all trim levels for 2024. The base SE model came with 18-inch alloy wheels, while SE with Technology and SEL models boasted 20-inch wheels, with an optional black wheel package. The SEL R-Line was distinguished by a unique 20-inch wheel design and sportier styling elements, including extended side skirts and distinct front and rear bumpers, while the SEL Premium R-Line elevated this with 21-inch wheels. Unlike its three-row counterpart, the Cross Sport did not receive the rugged Peak Edition package.

Interior updates included a central touchscreen positioned upright, a newly designed center console with a storage nook below enabled by an electronic shifter. The interior trim featured standard leatherette across lower trims, with upgrades to leather seats in SEL and above, and quilted leather upholstery on the SEL Premium R-Line.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 departed significantly from the previous GX 470, adopting geometric styling approached with a more aggressive front fascia. The less pronounced, yet trademark “spindle” grille was surrounded by standard triple-beam LED headlights at the squared-off upper edge of the GX’s front end. The hood featured functional humps above each front wheel to aid drivers in off-road visibility.

The side profile was characteristically blocky, with minimal character lines maintaining horizontal paths, and a low window beltline to aid visibility. The GX wore standard running boards, with powered options available on higher trims. The 2024 GX came in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. The Luxury and Overtrail trims focused on opulence and off-roading, respectively, with distinct wheel sizes and tire types to match.

Inside, the GX moved towards minimalism with fewer physical buttons, yet retained essentials for off-road functionality. The cabin was spacious, offering comfortable accommodation for taller adults in the first and second rows, but the optional third row was cramped for adults, much like its competitor, the Land Rover Defender 110.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport transitioned to a single-engine lineup—a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, provided better performance metrics than the outgoing 3.6-liter VR6 engine. Despite a slight decrease in horsepower, the new engine delivered more torque earlier at 1,550 rpm, enhancing acceleration. The Atlas Cross Sport, though not exciting to drive due to its unsatisfactory ride quality, maintained a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (except for the base SE, which was rated at 2,000 pounds).

The 2024 Lexus GX broke from its V8 legacy, opting for a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This powertrain offered a robust 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, ensuring low-range power crucial for off-road situations. Built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with several robust Toyota and Lexus models, the 2024 GX displayed improved rigidity, enhancing stability both on-road and off-road.

Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the GX offered smooth gear shifts, bolstered by full-time four-wheel drive and an array of off-road capabilities including a locking rear differential and E-KDSS. This system adjusted the stabilizer bars for optimized wheel articulation and contact on rough terrains. During test drives, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, even though the conditions restricted extensive evaluation of its off-road systems.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport benefitted from more standard features, with the SE model introducing heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. Front seats were now ventilated as well as heated. The SEL trim featured standard heated second-row seats and leather upholstery, bringing these comforts to lower trim levels.

Interior space presented a mixed bag. While front headroom was comparable to rivals, the stylish roofline compromised rear-seat headroom, making it feel cramped for taller passengers. However, legroom was competitive, with decent measurements in the first row. Cargo space amounted to 40.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and expanded to 77.6 cubic feet when folded, surpassing many competitors but remaining close to the Honda Passport.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX featured a minimalist, sophisticated interior with crucial physical buttons retained. The GX comfortably accommodated six-footers in the first and second rows, offering 41.2 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches in the second row. The optional third row, found in Premium and Luxury models, was cramped for adults, though children could fit reasonably well.

Cargo space in the GX was generous, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row down and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. The Overtrail models offered even more, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet overall, emphasizing their utilitarian design.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came loaded with a 12-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging as standard. User experience was marred by haptic touchpads, which lacked the tactile feedback of conventional buttons. The SE with Technology trim featured six USB-C ports, with a dash cam port added for convenience. SEL models benefited from a head-up display, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard on the SEL Premium R-Line.

The 2024 Lexus GX showcased a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, and multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin. Overtrail models included additional rear USB-C ports and a 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface infotainment system supported subscription-based services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect, free for an initial three years. Drive Connect included a voice assistant for navigation and climate control, while Remote Connect offered remote vehicle access. The GX also featured an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson system on higher trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, excelling in side-impact tests. However, it received four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The 2024 model hadn't been rated by IIHS yet, but the previous model scored well in several tests. The Atlas Cross Sport's standard IQ.Drive package included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trim levels added features like predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Lexus GX improved significantly in safety, upgrading to Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist also enhanced safety by braking as necessary. While crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing, the new platform and extensive ADAS features instilled confidence in its safety capabilities.