Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot

Room for Your Whole Crew

With three rows of seats, there's room for everyone and everything inside the Volkswagen Atlas and the Honda Pilot. Each SUV features a passenger volume measuring more than 4,000 litres (141.3 cubic feet) and an available panoramic sunroof that makes the expansive space feel endless. Plus, you'll have plenty of storage inside each SUV, since each has a maximum cargo capacity of at least 2,700 litres (95.3 cubic feet).

Despite these similarities, key differences in passenger dimensions make a huge difference for riders, especially on longer trips.

In many key areas--especially up front--the Volkswagen Atlas offers more space, giving passengers extra room to stretch out and settle in for the journey.

Every Commute Becomes a Personal Retreat

Ample space is only half the ingredients needed for a comfortable commute. Passenger-focused amenities like a 3-zone climate control system and heated front seats help riders fine-tune the atmosphere to match specific requirements. While these features are standard on the Volkswagen Atlas and the Honda Pilot, it's the VW Atlas that edges ahead with these standard and available features:

• Ventilated front seats
• Quilted leather-trimmed upholstery
• 30-colour ambient lighting system

While the Pilot offers ventilated front seats, this feature is only available on select trim levels. Furthermore, massaging front seats are exclusive to the VW Atlas. With the press of a button, the cabin transforms into a 5-star spa experience, soothing tense muscles to help passengers arrive at their destination rejuvenated.

Advanced Driver Assistance

Modern advancements have made driving safer and more intuitive than ever. Intelligent driver-assistive technologies help your vehicle monitor its surroundings and alert you to potential hazards. The Volkswagen Atlas and the Honda Pilot have their own suites of advanced safety systems: IQ.DRIVE® and Honda Sensing®, respectively.

While these two suites have advantages, you'll find many comparable features that enhance awareness of surroundings. Each model has its own brand-specific version of these standard safety features:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring
• Lane Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Active Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert

Whether navigating city streets or cruising the highway, these features work behind the scenes to add confidence to every drive. Still, only the VW Atlas includes an Exit Warning System, which can keep eager passengers safely inside the vehicle until approaching vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians pass. With the VW Atlas, it's smart safety that moves with you.

Seamless Connectivity

Infotainment systems provide a range of features that keep drivers engaged and make the commute more enjoyable. Similar connective features are found inside the Volkswagen Atlas and the Honda Pilot. For example, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ make syncing a smartphone to each SUV easy. Once connected, accessing playlists, compatible apps, audiobooks, and more is a breeze.

While these features are standard in the VW Atlas and the Pilot, how they are presented can significantly impact the convenience of each commute.

In addition to its connective features, the VW Atlas offers more ways to stay informed about each commute. The 26-centimetre (10.25-inch) configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro digital display includes essential driving data delivered for your preferred viewing style. The Pilot consists of a similarly sized digital display on select trim levels but doesn't include customizable capabilities.

The Power to Move Forward

Regardless of the selected SUV, high-powered thrills come standard with the Volkswagen Atlas and the Honda Pilot. Despite their different engine sizes, the VW Atlas and the Pilot nearly keep pace, each delivering at least 260 horsepower.

While each SUV can maintain its speed, it's the VW Atlas that will likely accelerate faster, thanks to its higher torque:

• VW Atlas Torque: 273 lb-ft
• Pilot Torque: 262 lb-ft

Looking to feel engaged with every commute? Standard paddle shifters let drivers take control of the commute. Coupled with a standard Sport Mode, the VW Atlas and the Pilot deliver hair-raising performance on demand.

Go Wherever the Road Takes You

Life doesn't always move in a linear path. Sometimes, it's full of twists, turns, and the unexpected. Equipped with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the Volkswagen Atlas and the Honda Pilot are always ready for whatever comes next.

Though not every commute calls for enhanced traction. The Honda Pilot is only offered with an AWD system that is always engaged. On the other hand, the VW Atlas offers its intuitive 4MOTION® AWD system optionally, allowing you to decide if the feature is needed.

Selectable driving modes with the VW Atlas and the Honda Pilot allow you to optimize the vehicle's performance depending on different conditions. While each SUV includes a brand-specific version of an Eco Mode and Snow Mode, only the VW Atlas includes Offroad Mode. Additionally, the VW Atlas lets you create your own performance parameters with Individual Mode, another exclusive feature of this vehicle.