The Volkswagen Atlas Has More for Your Family Than the Mid-Size SUV Competition

The mid-size SUV category of vehicles has long been a favorite of families and the outdoorsy because the models have the room, towing ability, and convenience that make them practical as a vehicle for both everyday driving tasks and vacation getaways to Lake Michigan or the UP. In this class, the Volkswagen Atlas is one model that has endeared itself to drivers around Grand Rapids, but it does have some competition.

Mid-size SUV models like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Jeep Grand Cherokee make some claims about being the best options in the class, but if you read our comparison of these models below, you'll see that the Volkswagen Atlas separates itself in a variety of ways.

The Volkswagen Atlas vs. The Toyota Highlander

• Each of these cars has three rows of seats ready to fit your family or friends, but Kentwood passengers will thank you more for buying the Volkswagen Atlas because it has much more leg and head room for the third row than the Toyota Highlander, so everyone stays comfortable.
• Not only does the Volkswagen Atlas have a larger cargo area behind the third row, but it also has a greater max cargo carrying capacity than the Toyota Highlander by over 13 cubic feet, which is great for moving day in Holland, MI.
• Both models come standard with a four-cylinder engine, but the one in the Volkswagen Atlas packs much more power while still getting better EPA-estimated fuel efficiency specs than the Toyota Highlander's.
• The Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with everything from roof rails for exterior storage to LED headlights for better visibility to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for the use of your mobile apps. None of these come standard on the Toyota Highlander.

The Volkswagen Atlas vs. The Honda Pilot

• Space is key for families whether they're heading to the hockey rink or going on a trip, and the Volkswagen Atlas has a larger cabin that fits passengers more comfortably and has a greater cargo carrying capacity than the Honda Pilot.
• Allendale car shoppers will find that both models have quite a few trim levels, and with a little digging they'll see that features like a blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, and heated seats are standard in more trims of the Volkswagen Atlas than the Honda Pilot.
• These models both offer V6 engines, and they're very similar regarding horsepower and torque, but the Volkswagen Atlas pairs its engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission that provides a smoother ride, especially when towing up to 5,000 pounds, than the 6-speed automatic transmission of the Honda Pilot.

The Volkswagen Atlas vs. The Jeep Grand Cherokee

• The Volkswagen Atlas and Jeep Grand Cherokee are close in starting price, with the Atlas holding a slight advantage, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee jumps rapidly in price if you want the extra features of higher trim levels while the Atlas doesn't jump as much in price, which makes it a better value.
• If you're looking for a third row, the Volkswagen Atlas is the only one of the two to provide it, so Wyoming, MI families can bring along more passengers. Plus, the Volkswagen Atlas has almost 30 cubic feet more of cargo room than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
• In terms of safety, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas earned the highest possible overall vehicle safety rating from the NHTSA, five stars, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee only earned four stars in this metric.

Check Out All the Other Models and Services We Offer Our Customers!

Our comparisons are just one way we strive to help car shoppers find exactly what they're looking for, so be sure to check out the Volkswagen Atlas or any of the other Volkswagen SUVs at our dealership in Grand Rapids. Looking for something smaller? Peruse our new inventory that is packed with great sedans, hatchbacks, and station wagons!

Our service doesn't stop there either as we have tools like our online finance application and deals like those on our new vehicle specials page, so be sure to check them out!