2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot and VW Atlas are in close competition for nearly all categories. Under the hood, the VW Atlas creates less horsepower but more torque than the Honda SUV. They tow the same and have the same 22 MPG (Combined).^2,3 However, the cabin of the Pilot begins to reveal some tight dimensions that may dissuade larger families. For example, the Pilot only provides 32.5 inches of third-row legroom – 1.2 inches less than the Atlas. And the Pilot can only overcome the Atlas in cargo space if you use SAE Plus rulings, which can be less stable.

Once you look at standard features, the VW Atlas takes the battle handily. Enjoy a 12-inch central touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette seating surfaces, and wireless charging – all on the base SE trim. To get the same luxury in a Honda, you'll need to upgrade several levels. The Pilot starts at a higher price than the VW Atlas, which can quickly increase costs if you're looking for the same level of convenience.

The pair are even in terms of safety, both being Top Safety Picks from the IIHS^11,12 with standard systems like Adaptive Cruise Control. However, the Volkswagen SUV takes fewer upgrades to get Park Assist functionality with its Front and Rear Park Distance Control.

2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander

The highlight of the Toyota Highlander is the engine – but that's all. After its lower-horsepower standard powertrain, the Highlander suffers from spotty towing capacity – with its hybrid engines granting just 3,500-pound limits. It's also the shortest SUV on this list, reaching just 194.9 inches. The Atlas, at 200.7 inches, gives you a much more commanding presence on the road, alongside 12.3 additional cubic feet of overall cargo space and 5.7 inches of rear-row legroom. The smaller third row of the Highlander reduces your family's enjoyment and the versatility of your SUV.

In terms of standard and available features, the Highlander fails to keep up with the Atlas. If you want leatherette seating instead of fabric, you'll want to test-drive the VW SUV. Prefer ventilated seats? The Atlas has them standard, while the Highlander requires a limited trim upgrade. Safety is the main similarity between these two three-row SUVs, with both earning 2024 Top Safety Pick awards from the IIHS¹¹ thanks to their standard Adaptive Cruise Control and available 360-Degree Camera Systems.

2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Kia Telluride

The 3.8-liter V-6 engine of the Kia Telluride might look flashy on the surface, yet it still provides 11 fewer pound-feet of torque than the VW Atlas. The 5,500-pound towing capacity, when properly equipped, is only on the highest Telluride level, the SX Prestige X-Pro – all other levels share the 5,000-pound limit of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. The Kia Telluride provides a spacious interior – for everyone except the third-row passenger, who needs to deal with 31.4 inches of legroom while they could relax with 33.7 inches in the Atlas.

The Kia SUV does have some incredible available features, like ventilated front seats as soon as its third-level EX trim. However, the VW Atlas continues to impress with standard ventilated seats, as well as available massage front seats – unavailable for the Kia Telluride. They are rated the same on reliability, according to RepairPal,^11,16 and both vehicles come with exceptional standard driver assistance, like Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning.

2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent

Finally, the Subaru Ascent is designed to be a capable cruiser but fails to provide the overall storage and passenger space that could make it the perfect companion for larger families. At a length of 196.8 inches, the third-row passenger takes the blow, giving your sixth and seventh passengers two fewer inches of legroom compared to the Atlas. More importantly, if you fold the rows down, the Ascent has 21 fewer cubic feet of maximum cargo space compared to the VW Atlas.

Considering the price of the Subaru Ascent, which is higher than you'll see at your local Berkshire County VW finance center in Berkshire County, MA, for the Atlas, you'd want the features to be very competitive between these two models. But, the Subaru Ascent requires you to purchase the fifth upgrade level to get ventilated seats (standard for the VW Atlas). The Ascent never gets the massage seats available on the VW Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, nor does it get anything like the Head-Up Display on the Atlas SEL.

Test the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas for Yourself at Volkswagen Pittsfield in Berkshire County, MA

The spacious cargo area, potent engine specs, and revolutionary line-up of standard and available convenience functionality are what sets , apart. Once you sit behind any of the five trim levels, you'll experience state-of-the-art automotive technology perfect for any growing family. We invite you to compare this test drive to any other three-row SUV in our used lot or another dealership – the differences will make themselves clear.

Maybe you just need two rows of technological advancements. If so, you can still ride in an Atlas! Compare the VW Atlas to the VW Atlas Cross Sport to find your family's preferred size.

Choose your favorite model, then explore our Volkswagen Atlas lease deals in Pittsfield, MA, to see how easy it is to bring home more elevated versions of this pristine three-row sport-ute. We'll help you find the paint customization, technology, and add-ons to bring your family three rows of fun for years to come.

¹Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner's Manual for details.

²20 city/26 highway mpg (2025 VW Atlas 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

³Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.

⁴Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

⁵EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.

⁶Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

⁷Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

⁸Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.

⁹Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.

¹⁰Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.

¹¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks/2024

¹²Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks

¹³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://repairpal.com/honda/pilot

¹⁴Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://repairpal.com/volkswagen/atlas

¹⁵Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://repairpal.com/toyota/highlander

¹⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://repairpal.com/kia/telluride

¹⁷Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://repairpal.com/subaru/ascent