2026 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its 2024 facelift, retained a distinctive design that set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights that gave it a wide stance. The side glass tapered sharply inward, creating a unique, albeit somewhat awkward, proportion, especially in the GLE Coupe models. Despite not being the most visually appealing model in the lineup, the GLE's styling adhered closely to Mercedes' brand identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. For 2025, Mercedes introduced new paint colors and interior options, allowing buyers to personalize their GLEs further. The interior, with its Yacht Blue Nappa leather upholstery, chunky air vents, and 64-color ambient lighting, exuded an upscale and special feel, making it a standout in terms of luxury and personalization.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, exuded an air of luxury, bordering on the territory of high-end crossovers. Starting from the base SE trim, the Atlas showcased full-LED lighting, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and a sculpted silhouette that aged gracefully since its 2018 debut. The SE with Technology trim added an illuminated logo, a light bar, and 20-inch alloys, while the Peak Edition introduced rugged bumpers and blackout trim pieces. The SEL Premium R-Line further enhanced the exterior with power-folding side mirrors and 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Inside, the Atlas featured quilted diamond-pattern leather seats, metallic accents, and a 12-inch touchscreen, although the interface was more about form than function. Despite its upscale appearance, the Atlas was priced competitively, offering a more affordable option compared to luxury rivals like the BMW X5.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG performance models. The lineup began with the GLE 350, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering an EPA-rated 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, producing 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models offered even more power, with the latter reaching 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas continued to use the same engine as its predecessors, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Atlas offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The engine, a refined iteration of Volkswagen's EA888 powerplant, provided a wide and usable powerband, with peak torque arriving at 1,600 rpm. While the Atlas didn't feel particularly quick from a stop, it settled into a competent rhythm once in motion. Volkswagen claimed a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds for the AWD Atlas. The Drive Mode Select system offered various driving modes, enhancing throttle response and gear holding in Sport mode. 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, although it wasn't designed for serious off-roading. The Atlas's ride quality, however, was compromised by its large wheels, transmitting vibrations and harshness into the cabin.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although Mercedes didn't publish third-row space specs. The GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row space than most rivals, with three inches more legroom compared to the BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. Cargo space behind the second row was 33.3 cubic feet, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The GLE's center console provided reasonable small-item storage, and its maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds matched the Audi Q7, although other competitors could tow similar weights.

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 Atlas models offering heat and ventilation up front. The driver's seat featured 10-way power adjustment, while the passenger's seat varied by trim. Outward visibility was excellent, aided by large side mirrors and a clear rear view. The second row, with captain's chairs, allowed easy access to the third row, which provided decent leg support. Cargo capacity was a strong point, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 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, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a center-console touchpad and steering-wheel controls, could be confusing, but the voice recognition system was effective. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional settings, including drive modes and damper firmness adjustments. Some GLE models had an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running VW's 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 360-degree camera system. While the interface looked sharp, it required numerous presses and taps, and the touch-sensitive slider controls were invisible at night. The voice control system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto the preferred options. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and the Digital Cockpit Pro offered configurable views.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, although some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and cross-traffic functionality. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.

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. Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features was standard across all trims, 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 could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The SEL Premium R-Line added Park Assist, although the Atlas was easy to maneuver without it.