NEW Mazda CX-90 vs facelifted Volkswagen Atlas - Which do I buy and why? 

The CX90 interior looks so much better imo, it will age much better than the Atlas

While I generally like VW styling, I have to say that the CX-90 might be one of the best looking SUVs on the market. Mazda just has an absolutely elegant design language which is rivaled by few. Also the Mazda is RWD biased, so it might actually feel more lively while driving too

Both SUVs look great; they have an own personality. Mazda has for some decades been one of the leading design brands. Innovative, timeless, well proportioned. They show, how an Alfa Romeo should be. The CX-90 looks like a premium car. The lines are so fine; the materials and colour combinations delicious. A real "want to have car"! The Atlas has too much cheap looking plastics in the front; as Audis and BMW do too, nowadays. The fake exhaust blends are horrible! No excuses; even if Mercedes does practise this "no go"; too. Dear car brands: Stop this! However, the interior of the VW looks much better in terms of materials in comparison to what we see in their latest E-cars and Golf8.

Neither breaks any ground in styling, but I think both will age well. The interiors both look like great places to spend time. My money would go to Mazda here for the extra power and overall faith in the brand.

9:55 man started naming Honda's lol

I get wanting a bigger headlight. I think this is Mazda trying to achieve what their concept cars do. The light is almost hidden in the shadow of the body work just beaming forward. That is the subtle radical part of Mazda’s design. Not bigger features, but smaller precisely position design features.

CX90 for me, but I agree with the headlight comment. Wish the headlights and grill were more like the headlights and grill of the CX50 and 2023 CX5. Blacked out chrome would be nice as well, like the CX50 lol. The D pillar treatment in the chrome maybe something they are starting to do like Kia, hoping not though. The CX50 also has some special treatment on the D pillar as well. Nothing crazy, but it's the only chrome on vehicle

The Mazda cx 90 is perfect plus with that Toyota partnership puts my mind at ease. I want the inline 6 turbo so bad 😍

9:54 Are you feeling okay, Bembli?

I'd pick Mazda. The reliability of VW is questionable.

Inline 6 turbo and rearwheel drive already beats in design and gives it long hood sporty proportions.

I like the CX-90, but I do wish they would've made the headlights a bit more longer, they seem so short and small. Peak Mazda design language is on the current Mazda 3 hatchback. Commented before finishing the video, glad we're on the same page!

I like these new Mazda models. They now don’t look just like different sizes of the same car

My money is for the Mazda only. It has the best design in and out and the interior is just awesome. When it comes to power train and reliably Mazda has it all.

The Mazda infotainment system placement is much better. Its also why i like where Blazers have theirs. Higher up, better for eye level rather than looking down.

When the CX-50 Debuted, I was super excited and ready to see what it was about. When I test drove it, I was super underwhelmed and disappointed. I’m not making a judgment until I test drive both. So far VW Atlas has my vote! I loved the way the 2023 drove as a rental. If the CX-90 feels the same as the CX-50, I am definitely not buying it! Plus Mazda has to do better on the panoramic sunroof. It just made the experience even worse.

Overall the CX90 is a superior design and based on Mazda's reputation it should be more reliable. I'd like to see a little more sculptuing in the side profile. Thanks for the design review.

I agree that the headlights and DRLs on the CX-90 are a bit awkward looking, but the rest of the design and proportions look upscale and premium and much nicer than the Atlas, which has a more basic and utilitarian look. I've never liked the double wheel arch design on the Atlas, and the full-width light bars are already played-out. Inside the Mazda blows the VW out of the water, with the exception of third row space, which is one area where the Atlas has always been able to hang its hat.

Is that small trim piece on the side rear window of the Mazda meant to mirror the shape of the chrome trim piece on the bottom edge under the doors? They seem to have a similar shape.

I don't understand why every car, including SUVs, need a shadowline. Sports cars make sense, but SUVs are not sporty and don't need to be, chrome trim is fine and suits the class

9:55 really like all the new graphics in the new Mazda's, hey Bembli? All them new Mazda's like the Mazda CRV, the Mazda HRV, the Mazda Civic and the Mazda Accord, you say? Time for a nap buddy!

thanks for ready out the spec sheet!

I totally agree with your comment on the Mazda headlight.

Alot of people complaining about VW cause of their are underpowered. The car was build to be ‘enough’ thats why their price is lower than any other competitor

Love the side-profil of the Mazda!

Mazda by far in this one, makes me think of how it would look Escalade ESV sized. Also, they really made red paint hues visually pleasant. VW just went lazy and asked Ford for unused Explorer blueprints and to make it even worse, a 4 cylinder.

Dose the vw have mildehybrid system

Did he compare 2023 atlas or 2024 atlas here?

As long as it’s possible to through stage 1 ecu tune on that VW 2.0 e888 engine you are in for a bunch of torque and 350hp

Those VWs are slow as heck. But the room is so nice.

lol of course Mazda. VW is not even in the same class as Mazda.

One thing I noticed on the CX90…Where’s the full door?! 😂 I wonder if that trim piece you’re questioning by the rear door is where the EV charging port is?🤔 Edit: never mind, I went back and watch the video. I seen the door while it’s driving.😂

The issue with the smoothness of the side of the Mazda is that makes it easy to collect dents when cars parked next to it opens their door. The little oddness at the corner of the window reminds me of a similar styling faux pas with the Kia Sorento. Totally useless, and not really stylish or distinctive. It just looks like a piece of cheap plastic stuck on for good measure. The Atlas looks much more off-road rugged. Although its not an off-road vehicle. The Atlas also has fake exhaust. For its much more fake overall.

9:53 what?? CRV HRV Accord? 😳🫤

We shopped both these vehicles in 2021. Except it was Mazda CX 9 , and last styling version of the VW. The VW drove like a huge and slow vehicle and the ride quality was disgraceful. As for comparing the interiors of these two vehicles; again VW should be ashamed with the product they are producing. It’s is just a sloppy mess inside with wasted space and uncomfortable seats and hard plastics everywhere. The seats are just a sloppy wide uncomfortable place to sit, no support at all to help comfortably support your body, the leather material feels like a bad rubber. It’s just a gross vehicle sadly over all. The ride quality of the Mazda is excellent even after now having 40,000 miles. I was very surprised by its handling and ride quality, did not expect that. It also drives like a much smaller vehicle than it is, and it’s turn radius has to be the best it it’s sector. The turn radius is important factor, to me. It is very tight turn radius which again was very surprised and enjoy very much. Excellent tire size with 265 width, and 50 or 60 sidewall I forget. Either way, it’s important to have a nice wide tire like the Mazda offers and little thicker side wall to help add to better ride quality, without it diminishing look stylistically. Tire size is very important. The cameras in the Mazda, if not the best in the entire automotive industry, are in the top two. Very clear and intelligently positioned, and purposeful cameras. Still rides and handles better than our fully equipped Lincoln Corsair Reserve that was purchased brand new as well in 2021. I suggest go with the Mazda every time. As for the interior of the Mazda, the seats are comfortable with good bolstering to hold you comfortably in place and the leather is a nicer quality leather than the VW. Nice materials and design language throughout the Mazda, with good use of space. Comfortably, inviting and relaxing place to spend extended periods of time and enjoy. The one thing I wish Mazda would do is start integrating touch screen capability. I understand Mazda believes it’s safer to not utilize touchscreen, but I feel it is safer when using them because the function is easier, smoother, takes less time with eyes off road using touch screen than having to always use their rotary dial in order to use the center counsel interface. In my opinion VW should be embarrassed and ashamed of the vehicles they make. I do agree, the headlight design is a bit awkward on the CX90 and that is unfortunate. I would have designed it differently. Over all Mazda makes an excellent vehicle and priced nicely as well. I would definitely go with the Mazda over VW every time. God bless, have a great day!

I'm a VW guy but I must say that Mazda just looks stunning and I would go with CX-90 over Atlas without a doubt.

Mazda for sure. Reliability will be way better and design is unique. VW design is nice but bland.

The mazda is subtle, not simplistic. The VW is simplistic. But then all off the lines and cheap plastic even ruin what could be a sturdy looking car.

Any day Atlas....

Mazda needs to update the outside and interior, it looks like from 2017.

I don't like SUVs...but if I had to buy one, I would buy the Bronco (not sport) because it is the only good looking modern SUV IMHO

I like my 2019 Atlas S model 2wd. Styling updates are nice but I want to know about the mechanics of the 2024 before biting I have the 3rd gen EA888 4cyl in mine (flawless) and the 24 would be the 5th gen. . They increased power and now say a#5000 tow rating , fine tell me what they did mechanically to change that. I don't buy on fluff I want to know substance. A 3 VW family and all are very reliable but we do the maintenance. Most people either do late or minimal maintenance and then cry when there vehicle pukes out on them. The Mazda 6cyl is a new engine to them and it's always best to wait a couple of years to work any bugs out. The VW like I said earlier is a 5th generation of that motor and is basically a detuned GTI motor and capable of reliable tweeks to 400hp. Atlas is not the vehicle for that much power and does very well with it's 4 cylinder even fully loaded on trips. VW seems to understate MPG's I average 27 overall and have hit 31 driving easy. Driving more aggressively I'll get 26/26

Touareg is direct competitor to the Mazda CX-90.

90 hands down.

The trend of putting little teeny 4 cylinder engines in cars as big as boats is objectionable. I pick the Mazda. Anyone can feel free to pay for the Boatwagon Atlas or any car like it, as long as they are using their own money, or the money of a sponsor, otherwise it never happened.

Front door of cx90 is really small

Biggest reason to pick the Atlas is if you actually plan to use the car as a 3 row. Otherwise it doesn’t hold a candle to Mazda in any other department except for maybe style. Performance, luxury, features, reliability, driving dynamics, etc are all in favor of Mazda

didnt like the back of the cx90 its very off for me

VW already looking outdated, as if they reintroduced an old model lol. The Mazda is a clear evolution, looking mature and fresh.

CX-90 it's all new design and al new chasis+engine+transmission ingeniere. CX-90 has central knob command so... it's safer.

Bembli: Hater of unnecessary art

I’m getting an atlas drove the Mazda great car but too Lux and a lot more expensive not a lot of storage bins in the Mazda.

All Mazdas look too similar these days. Not bad looking, just need more differentiation from model to model.

Mazda is prettier and VW is more handsome. In this case, I would choose pretty over handsome

Atlas has the worst interior in the segment. I’d even prefer the Pilot’s interior over that of Atlas because the Pilot is more ergonomical

Not all Japanese cars look the same 🤣

Personally would take the Atlas here. Both look good but Mazda's rear proportions throws me off. Looks a tad wonky. They did something similar with the Mazda 3 hatchback

Mazda

Mazda all the way 🇨🇦

Just buy a Toyota Grand highlander if you care about reliability, resale and space in 3rd row. If you have money and only need 2 rows then Mazda cx 90.

Front of Atlas looks Ford’ish and I never liked those fenders either

CX-90 hands down. Strong Inline 6 rear wheel drive configuration optional PHEV for economy minded folks. Mazda looks better and more sophisticated of the two. VW 4 cylinder engine is an insult for the brand moreover, VW notoriously known for poor quality, expensive service and not as reliable as Mazda.

Can’t get past the Atlas’ bland styling and it has less power. I guess if you want a cheaper, bigger car go for the Atlas……

The Mazda looks premium. The VW doesn't and that is done on purpose.

Beauty and the beast. Well the beast is a sheep in wolfskin.

Atlas is a mechanical nightmare

Mazda still looks as lower cost copy of BMW, VW looks too squared and VW needs the V6 back

3rd!

CX-90 😏

In an alternate universe maybe the 11th gen Mazda Accord still has the 2.0T 😜 Seriously Mazda, you have to put this engine in a new Mazda 6!

NoT eNuF rAnDoM gReEn LiNEs dRaW mOaR rAnDoM gReEn LiNEsSsSsSs

Such a shame VW went with this super not ergonomic all touch screens and non physical interfaces otherwise I Atlas could be a lease choice , if VW credit would not jack up buy out at the end of the lease I could give it a shot for 3 yrs lease , other that that Mazda is sooo much nicer designed and built but it is super new so I would lease only at least for first few years of CX90 .

❤

Bro, it looks like bmw, and you say you haven’t seen it 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

These two vehicle are not supposed to compare, why? CX-90 is rear wheel based vehicle, the stance, proportion is fundamentally different to the FWD based vehicle. Atlas should be compared with Pilot, Grand Highlander, Pathfinder, Traverse etc.

They aren't rivals

mazda je japanski alfa romeo bez ijedne oštre linije fantastično,atlas kopija tuarega

I personally think that Mazda's design don't work with some cars like big luxury SUV CX-90. Completely empty side, because they just can't slap a lot of curvy bodywork on the car like they did in Mazda CX-30 and Mazda 3. Front grille is completely common to brand so it seems kinda out of place with this lines equipped on a very flat (literally) front-end of the car. There's huge potential to work with proportions or with car fixture's design and location.

The older Atlas design was much better -- more distinct looking, imo,

Oo

The CX90 would look better with the VW Rim's.

I'm sorry but I just hate mazda rear-ends

🙄🙄 lord another one. At this point they all starting to look alike. Sheepeople....

European ofc. Ofc support European people! Atlas❤

13 minutes of this video, only to hear his decision solely made based on engine not design lol

100%mazda no doubts

Mazda