2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV demeanor with its third-generation design. It featured a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving the front an imposing look. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite these updates, the styling felt more like an evolution than a revolution, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. The Q5 offered various trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights available on higher trims. The model was available in both standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance variant stood out with matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips, emphasizing its sporty nature. Inside, the Q5's design was detailed, with top-notch materials and standard leather seating surfaces, although some elements like the piano-black plastic around the cupholders were less practical.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas exuded an expensive look, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, which bordered on luxury crossover territory. Starting with the base SE trim, the Atlas showcased full-LED lighting, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and a sculpted silhouette. The SE with Technology added features like an illuminated logo and 20-inch alloys, while the Peak Edition introduced rugged elements and blackout trim. The SEL Premium R-Line further enhanced the exterior with power-folding side mirrors and 21-inch alloy wheels. The Pure Gray paint of the test vehicle resisted dirt well, complemented by the Titan Black upholstery. The Atlas appeared more expensive than its price suggested, with the SEL Premium R-Line starting at $56,105. Inside, the Atlas offered quilted diamond-pattern leather seats, metallic accents, and a 12-inch touchscreen, although the latter was more about form than function. Despite some functional shortcomings, the Atlas's upscale appointments and design made it stand out in its segment.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Q5's power output was competitive, offering slightly less horsepower than an Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5 nearly matched the output of a Mercedes-AMG GLC43, with a manufacturer-estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from the expected sporty feel. The air suspension, standard on the SQ5 and available on the Q5 Prestige, provided capable handling but didn't encourage aggressive driving. The Q5 offered Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes, but it was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas retained the same engine as previous models, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on lower trims and all-wheel drive available across the lineup. The engine, known for its refinement and efficiency, delivered peak torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm, providing a wide powerband. However, initial acceleration felt adequate but not eager, with a zero-to-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds for the AWD model. The Atlas settled into a competent rhythm once in motion, with smooth highway merging and minimal downshifting. The Drive Mode Select system offered various options, including Sport mode for enhanced throttle response. The Atlas achieved 22 miles per gallon during testing, slightly better than the EPA's estimate. The 4Motion AWD system performed well in rain and light snow, but the Atlas wasn't intended for serious off-roading. The maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, competitive but slightly behind some rivals. Ride quality was a concern, especially with the SEL Premium R-Line's 21-inch wheels, which transmitted vibrations and harshness on imperfect pavement.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The 2025 model gained additional cargo space, with 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row. This provided more cargo space than some rivals but less than others. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with higher trims adding features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof. The Q5 offered up to 4,400 pounds of towing capacity, surpassing some competitors.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage, with all models offering heat and ventilation up front. The seats were supportive and comfortable for long drives. The driver's seat featured 10-way power adjustment, while the passenger's seat varied by trim level. Outward visibility was excellent, aided by large side mirrors and a clear rear view. The second row offered captain's chairs that folded flat and tipped forward for easy third-row access. The third row provided decent leg support and enough legroom for taller passengers. Cargo capacity was a strong point, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 96.6 cubic feet. The Atlas offered competitive space across all three rows and ample cargo capacity.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger on the top Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models added USB-C ports and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for some functions. The digital instrument cluster had less functionality than previous versions, but an available head-up display provided useful information. The Q5 also included digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas came with a 12-inch touchscreen running the MIB3 operating system, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. The SEL Premium R-Line added a Harman Kardon audio system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. While the interface looked sharp, it required numerous presses and taps to accomplish tasks. The touch-sensitive slider controls for HVAC and volume were invisible at night, making them difficult to use. The voice control system was unreliable, so using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound, and the Digital Cockpit Pro offered configurable views.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star rating.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS for 2025. The IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features was standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Travel Assist. Emergency Assist was also included. The systems performed well during testing, with adaptive cruise control proving reliable in traffic. The SEL Premium R-Line added Park Assist, although it wasn't necessary for maneuvering the Atlas.