Volkswagen Atlas: Technical Specifications & Competitive Analysis

2027 Volkswagen Atlas Overview in the Midsize SUV Segment

Navigating the three-row midsize SUV segment requires a balanced assessment of cabin dimensions, passenger comfort, technology integration, and overall fuel efficiency. The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas stands as a prominent entry, competing alongside key industry rivals including the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, and Honda Pilot.

Prepared by Southern VW Greenbrier, this technical overview delivers a side-by-side comparative analysis of key dimensions, standard and optional equipment, and EPA fuel economy figures.

Turns out you can have it all,
and fit it all, in the 2027 Atlas
STANDARD AVAILABLE NOT AVAILABLE
2027 Volkswagen Atlas 2027 Kia Telluride 2027 Hyundai Palisade 2027 Subaru Ascent 2026 Honda Pilot
Fits your family
Wireless charging*
3rd row legroom 34.1″ 32.1″ 32.1″ 31.7″ 32.5″
Cargo volume (cu. ft.)**
Behind 1st row / 2nd row / 3rd row		 95.4 / 55.9 / 21.2 89.3 / 48.7 / 22.3 86.7 / 46.3 / 19.1 75.6 / 43.5 / 17.8 87 / 48.5 / 18.6
2nd row ventilated seats
Fits your style
Touchscreen size 12.9″ – 15″ 12.3″ 12.3″ 11.6″ 12.3″
Ventilated front seats
Massaging front seats
Real wood decor
Fits your wallet
MPG***
City / Highway / Combined		 FWD – (22 / 29 / 25)
AWD – (20 / 27 / 23)		 FWD – (20 / 26 / 22)
AWD – (18 / 24 / 20)		 FWD – (19 / 26 / 22)
AWD – (18 / 24 / 20)		 FWD – N/A
AWD – (19 / 26 / 22)		 FWD – (19 / 27 / 22)
AWD – (19 / 25 / 21)

Based on manufacturers’ data available at time of publication.

*Wireless charging requires compatible device.

**With seats folded.

***22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg (2027 Atlas 2.0L FWD, 8-speed automatic transmission) and 20 city/27 highway/23 combined (2027 Atlas 2.0L AWD, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition. Comparison excludes Hybrid vehicles.

Maximum cargo volume

Cubic feet behind the first row, seats folded

  • 2027 Volkswagen Atlas
    95.4 cu ft
  • 2027 Kia Telluride
    89.3 cu ft
  • 2026 Honda Pilot
    87.0 cu ft
  • 2027 Hyundai Palisade
    86.7 cu ft
  • 2027 Subaru Ascent
    75.6 cu ft

Third-row legroom

Inches of legroom for third-row passengers

  • 2027 Volkswagen Atlas
    34.1″
  • 2026 Honda Pilot
    32.5″
  • 2027 Kia Telluride
    32.1″
  • 2027 Hyundai Palisade
    32.1″
  • 2027 Subaru Ascent
    31.7″

Based on manufacturers’ data available at time of publication.

Cabin Comfort & Premium Interior

Comfort features and material selections reflect notable differences across the segment:

  • Front-Seat Amenities: The Atlas offers ventilated front seating as standard, whereas this feature is optional on all four competing models. Massaging front seats are available on the Atlas, Telluride, and Palisade, but are not offered on the Ascent or Pilot.
  • Second-Row Seat Ventilation: Available on the Atlas, Telluride, and Palisade; unavailable on the Ascent and Pilot.
  • Interior Decor Accents: Genuine wood trim comes standard on the Atlas and is available on the Palisade, while remaining unavailable on the Telluride, Ascent, and Pilot.

Infotainment & Digital Interfaces

Central touchscreen dimensions highlight variations in driver interface design:

  • Volkswagen Atlas: Features a standard display ranging from 12.9 to 15.0 inches, depending on the selected trim.
  • Competitive Comparison: The Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot come equipped with 12.3-inch screens, while the Subaru Ascent includes an 11.6-inch touchscreen.

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas vs. competitors
Model FWD AWD
2027 Volkswagen Atlas2.0L Turbo 25COMBINED22 city / 29 hwy 23COMBINED20 city / 27 hwy
2027 Kia Telluride 22COMBINED20 city / 26 hwy 20COMBINED18 city / 24 hwy
2027 Hyundai Palisade 22COMBINED19 city / 26 hwy 20COMBINED18 city / 24 hwy
2027 Subaru Ascent Not offered 22COMBINED19 city / 26 hwy
2026 Honda Pilot 22COMBINED19 city / 27 hwy 21COMBINED19 city / 25 hwy

EPA estimates for non-hybrid configurations. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

Buying Considerations

Every model in this class offers distinct advantages. For buyers seeking superior cargo capacity, generous third-row legroom, standard ventilated front seating, and top-tier fuel efficiency, the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas presents a highly compelling package.