Honda Pilot vs. Volkswagen Atlas: Which Is More Fuel-Efficient?


January 10, 2024
Automotive
Editorial


Here’s something to celebrate in 2024: Experts expect gas prices to be lower this year than the last. They even predict U.S. motorists to spend around $32 billion less on fuel.

That’s fantastic news, but you could save even more if you drive a more fuel-efficient ride. This is even more crucial if you’re considering buying a vehicle like an SUV. Remember: The heavier a car is, the more fuel it needs to run.

To help you get started, we created this guide comparing the Honda Pilot vs. Volkswagen Atlas, two popular SUV models, and their MPG rating. Read on to discover which of these two has a higher fuel efficiency rating to help you make the right choice.

2024 Honda Pilot vs. Volkswagen Atlas MPG Rating

MPG, or miles per gallon, is the total distance a vehicle can travel on a gallon of fuel. It’s also the primary measurement of an automobile’s fuel economy.

The higher the MPG rating is, the better a vehicle’s fuel economy. For the same reason, it’s more fuel-efficient than a car with a lower MPG rating. This also means a vehicle with a higher MPG rating uses less fuel per mile.

Here’s how the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas does in terms of its MPG rating, according to FuelEconomy.gov:

  • 20 MPG in the city
  • 27 MPG on the highway
  • 23 MPG combined city and highway

As for the 2024 Honda Pilot, here are its MPG ratings listed on the FuelEconomy.gov site:

  • 19 MPG in the city
  • 25 MPG on the highway
  • 21 MPG combined city and highway

Those figures show that with the Atlas, you can get more miles out of the same amount of fuel as you would with the Pilot.

Other Crucial Differences Between the Pilot and Atlas

The 2024 Honda Pilot is an eight-seater SUV. On the other hand, up to seven people can comfortably fit in the Volkswagen Atlas.

That capacity can also make a difference between the two SUVs’ fuel consumption. If you pack both of them to their capacity, the Atlas will still be lighter. Therefore, it’ll still use less gas.

Let’s not forget that, typically, more fuel-efficient vehicles produce fewer air pollutants. This has to do with them burning less gas. So, the less fuel they consume, the lower their pollutant emission levels.

Also, remember that fossil fuel combustion generates greenhouse gases (GHGs). GHGs are among the primary contributors to global warming and climate change.

So, the more fuel-efficient your next car is, the more eco-friendly a choice it is. Since the Volkswagen Atlas bests the Honda Pilot in this regard, it’s the greener option.

Time to Make Your Choice

As you learned in this Honda Pilot vs. Volkswagen Atlas comparison guide, the latter is more fuel-efficient. So, it can save you more on gas top-ups while emitting fewer air pollutants and GHGs. The final decision still depends on you, but if you want your next ride to help you save on fuel, consider going for the Atlas.

Ready for more vehicle shopping guides or the latest on Volkswagen and Honda models? Then, be sure to check out our most recent blog posts!