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Unveiled: the epic duel between gmc acadia vs volkswagen atlas

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Acadia’s turbocharged engine offers 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
  • The Acadia features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Bose premium audio system, and a 360-degree camera system.
  • The Acadia offers a powerful V6 engine, a spacious interior, and a host of technology features.

In the realm of midsize SUVs, the GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Atlas stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, impressive capabilities, and advanced technologies. However, discerning buyers may wonder which one emerges victorious in a head-to-head comparison. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of the GMC Acadia vs Atlas debate, providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Power

Under the hood, the GMC Acadia offers a choice of three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offers a 3.6-liter V6 as an upgrade.

In terms of horsepower, the Acadia’s V6 engine delivers 310 horsepower, while the Atlas’s V6 offers 276 horsepower. However, the Atlas’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 235 horsepower, which is comparable to the Acadia’s 252 horsepower turbocharged engine.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is a crucial consideration for SUV buyers. The GMC Acadia’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine boasts an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The 3.6-liter V6 engine returns 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Acadia’s turbocharged engine offers 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The Volkswagen Atlas‘s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The 3.6-liter V6 engine returns 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Atlas offer spacious interiors with ample seating and cargo capacity. The Acadia’s standard seating configuration accommodates up to seven passengers, while the Atlas can seat up to eight.

In terms of cargo space, the Acadia offers 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, 41.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 79 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The Atlas provides 19.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 96.8 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

Technology and Features

The GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Atlas come equipped with a wide range of technology features. The Acadia features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Bose premium audio system, and a 360-degree camera system.

The Atlas offers a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Fender premium audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both the GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Atlas. Both vehicles have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Acadia comes standard with a suite of safety features, including forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Atlas offers similar safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The GMC Acadia is available in five trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Premium. Prices range from $34,995 for the SLE trim to $51,995 for the Denali Premium trim.

The Volkswagen Atlas is available in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. Prices range from $32,565 for the S trim to $49,190 for the SEL Premium trim.

Verdict: The Best SUV for Your Needs

The GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Atlas are both excellent choices for midsize SUV buyers. The Acadia offers a powerful V6 engine, a spacious interior, and a host of technology features. The Atlas, on the other hand, boasts impressive fuel economy, ample cargo space, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.

Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the factors discussed in this comparison, and take the time to test drive both vehicles before making a decision.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The GMC Acadia with the 3.6-liter V6 engine has a more powerful engine than the Volkswagen Atlas with the 3.6-liter V6 engine.

Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Volkswagen Atlas with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has better fuel economy than the GMC Acadia with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Volkswagen Atlas has more cargo space than the GMC Acadia.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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