2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in five trim levels, with the SEL Premium R-Line standing out for its sporty appearance and comprehensive standard equipment. This model featured a chiseled, muscular design with polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels that contributed to its upscale look. The Mountain Lake Blue exterior color was particularly effective at concealing dirt, maintaining a clean appearance. Inside, the Atlas boasted a premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves, and detracted from the overall user experience.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded luxury with its Manufaktur Edition Package, which added exclusive paint colors, AMG wheels, and a host of interior upgrades. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured a Manufaktur Silicon Grey exterior, which, while not particularly special, was complemented by sporty AMG and Night styling details. Inside, the GLS offered high-quality materials and detailing, with a focus on comfort and luxury. The interior was similar to the smaller GLE-Class but with a more refined feel. Despite some body creaks on chilly mornings, the GLS provided a quiet and composed ride, with standard ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin's ambience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was powered by a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous options, offering more torque and better fuel economy. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Atlas was available with front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. Despite initial skepticism about the engine's capability in a large SUV, it proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks, especially in Sport mode. However, the Atlas's ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Fuel economy was also lackluster, with observed figures falling short of EPA ratings.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, allowed the GLS to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, with the Airmatic adaptive suspension enhancing ride quality. The GLS's powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, but Sport mode mitigated these issues. Overall, the GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The third-row seat was particularly noteworthy for its comfort, and the cargo area was expansive. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent outward visibility and a surround-view camera system for easier parking. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a climate-control panel. Access to the third row was outstanding, and storage space was commendable throughout the cabin. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available. The GLS was exceptionally comfortable, with a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, and an executive-style rear seat package. The six-passenger configuration featured power-operated second-row captain's chairs with a pass-through to the third row. While storage locations were limited, the GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Despite falling short of traditional full-size luxury SUVs in cargo capacity, the GLS offered a refined and comfortable interior.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured the VW Group's MIB3 infotainment system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. While the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it lacked a reliable native digital voice assistant. The touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less intuitive, and the voice-recognition system was inconsistent. Despite these shortcomings, the Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality. The MIB3 system's user experience was marred by glitches, making smartphone integration a more satisfying option for users.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a Burmester surround-sound system. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant capable of executing various commands. While the assistant occasionally stumbled, it generally performed well. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens, enhancing the GLS's technological offerings.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the IQ.Drive suite of driver-assistance features, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system were also standard. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick." The IQ.Drive systems were generally accurate and trustworthy, with only occasional false warnings.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLS featured a surround-view camera system and parking sensors, but rear-seat side-impact airbags were optional. The hands-on driver-assistance system required active participation from drivers, with some limitations on curvy roads. Despite these challenges, the GLS provided a smooth and refined driving experience, with easy system overrides for attentive drivers.