2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Its Competition

2020 Volkswagen Atlas
Andrew Ganz Andrew Ganz Senior Editor

With the arrival of redesigned three-row crossover SUVs from Ford and Toyota, the VW Atlas is starting to look dated.

The new Ford Explorer has a new chassis and wide range of underhood options, while the Toyota Highlander boasts compact car-like fuel economy in hybrid guise.

Both are worth spots at the top of your buying list.

The Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot offer fewer choices but both generally hit the sweet spot in terms of utility, value, and safety.

The spacious Chevrolet Traverse has proper SUV looks, but we wish its maker would widen active safety tech availability.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas2020 Volkswagen Atlas
2020 Chevrolet Traverse2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2020 Ford Explorer ST - First Drive - Portland OR, June 20192020 Ford Explorer
2020 Honda Pilot2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Subaru Ascent2020 Subaru Ascent
2020 Toyota Highlander XLE2020 Toyota Highlander
Quick Specs
5.8
Space comes before pace with the roomy 2020 Volkswagen Atlas.
5.8
The 2020 Chevy Traverse is a three-row family mainstay with plentiful interior space.
7.0
The 2020 Ford Explorer rediscovers its capable, outdoorsy side without becoming trucklike in any other respect.
6.3
The 2020 Honda Pilot is a three-row family crossover at the top of its class.
6.8
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is nearly as rational a family hauler as a minivan.
7.2
The 2020 Toyota Highlander puts practicality above all else, but handling and styling make worthwhile cameos.
MSRP From     
$31,545$29,800$32,765$31,650$31,995$34,600
Gas Mileage     
16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Gas V6Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded V-6Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded V-6
EPA Class     
Small SUV 2WDSport Utility VehiclesStandard SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WDStandard SUV 4WDSmall SUV 2WD
Style Name     
2.0T S FWDFWD 4-Door LBase RWDLX 2WD8-PassengerL FWD (GS)
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll WheelFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
587888
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
Automatic w/ODAutomaticAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Chevrolet Traverse2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Ford Explorer2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Honda Pilot2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Subaru Ascent2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2020 Toyota Highlander