Compare the new Volkswagen Atlas vs Other Vehicles
The New Volkswagen Atlas vs. the Competition
Spacious, Confident, and Ready for Every Family
The Volkswagen Atlas has earned its reputation as one of the most versatile three-row SUVs available today. With a roomy cabin, nearly 97 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, a refined turbocharged engine, and intuitive technology, it checks boxes that families demand most. But how does it compare to segment leaders like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Jeep Grand Cherokee? At Betten Volkswagen, we've put the Atlas head-to-head with its top rivals so you can see where it excels in warranty coverage, technology, performance, driving range, and price.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has built its name on reliability and efficiency, but it comes with trade-offs. The Highlander's cabin is noticeably tighter than the Atlas, especially in the third row. Adults can fit comfortably in the back of the Atlas, while the Highlander's rear seats are more suitable for children. Cargo space is also more generous in the Atlas, which expands to nearly 97 cubic feet with the seats folded compared to the Highlander's 84 cubic feet. For families with lots of gear or multiple passengers, that difference matters.
Both SUVs use turbocharged four-cylinder engines, with the Highlander producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the Atlas offers 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. On paper, the Toyota appears stronger in torque, but real-world driving often favors the Atlas due to its broader, more composed power delivery and smooth eight-speed transmission. Both can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but the Atlas feels more balanced under load thanks to its wide stance and chassis tuning around Grand Rapids.
Warranty coverage gives Volkswagen the edge. The Atlas comes standard with four years or 50,000 miles of limited coverage and two years of complimentary maintenance. Toyota offers only three years or 36,000 miles of limited coverage, with no included service. Technology follows a similar pattern. The Highlander offers a large touchscreen on upper trims, but the Atlas equips its Digital Cockpit and IQ.DRIVE suite across the lineup. With a starting price of $39,310, the Atlas also matches the Highlander's entry cost while delivering more usable space and longer coverage.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is another long-time favorite among three-row SUVs, known for its strong V6 engine and family-friendly layout. It produces 285 horsepower and provides smooth acceleration, but its 3.5-liter engine sacrifices efficiency compared to the Atlas's turbocharged four-cylinder. The Atlas balances 269 horsepower with higher fuel economy, achieving up to 27 mpg on the highway compared to the Pilot's 26 mpg. Range also favors Volkswagen, which can cover around 400 miles on a tank, ensuring fewer stops on long trips around Kentwood.
In terms of size, the Atlas again proves to be roomier. Third-row legroom is generous, giving adults genuine comfort, whereas the Pilot's third row, while usable, is tighter. Cargo capacity in the Pilot peaks at 87 cubic feet, still short of the Atlas's nearly 97. When it comes to loading up camping gear, strollers, or luggage for Allendale vacations, the Atlas consistently provides more flexibility near Wyoming, MI.
Technology inside the Pilot is solid but more conservative than Volkswagen's. The Atlas features a standard digital cockpit with customizable information, large touchscreens, wireless smartphone integration, and available upgrades like a head-up display and Fender audio. Honda's system is straightforward, but lacks the same level of customization and premium options unless buyers move into higher trims. Warranty coverage also tips in Volkswagen's favor, with four years or 50,000 miles compared to Honda's three years or 36,000 miles. Pricing again positions the Atlas competitively, starting at $39,310, while many of the Pilot's most desirable features are locked behind trims that climb significantly higher.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a mix of ruggedness and luxury, but its lineup is more fragmented, and its value proposition changes depending on configuration. The standard two-row Grand Cherokee cannot match the Atlas for family practicality. Buyers seeking three rows must step into the Grand Cherokee L, which increases price considerably and still falls short of the Atlas's cargo volume. With nearly 97 cubic feet of cargo space, the Atlas remains one of the roomiest vehicles in its class.
Performance in the Grand Cherokee varies, with a base 293-horsepower V6, optional V8, and a plug-in hybrid available. While this variety is appealing, higher trims and engines quickly drive up costs. The Atlas keeps things simple and consistent with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It pairs well with Volkswagen's eight-speed automatic and offers towing of up to 5,000 pounds. For most families, this level of performance covers daily needs without the added expense of Jeep's larger engines.
On technology, Jeep equips Uconnect with crisp graphics and multiple screen options, but many advanced features come only on premium trims. The Atlas provides digital instrumentation and the IQ.DRIVE suite across its lineup, making advanced driver assistance standard rather than optional. Warranty coverage is similar between the two, though Volkswagen still offers complimentary maintenance that Jeep does not. Price again favors the Atlas, starting at $39,310, while the Grand Cherokee often demands more for comparable equipment and three-row versatility.
Learn More at Betten Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Atlas delivers the right mix of capability, comfort, and value for families who demand more from their SUV. Visit Betten Volkswagen serving Holland to experience it in person, explore available trims and options, and schedule a test drive. Our team is ready to guide you through financing and leasing opportunities, showing you why the Atlas is the smart choice among three-row SUVs today.
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