Volkswagen Atlas vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Room to Carry More

If your SUV is going to carry the whole family, plus gear for school, sports, or weekend getaways, space matters. The Volkswagen Atlas comes ready with three rows and seating for seven--offering plenty of space for everyone and everything. Meanwhile, the Jeep Grand Cherokee seats five passengers, unless you upgrade to the optional 3-row Grand Cherokee L.

With its roomier cabin from front to back and greater overall cargo flexibility, the VW Atlas feels better suited to families who need an SUV that can truly handle the demands of everyday life.

Comfort for Every Passenger

Having plenty of space is only half of what's needed to ensure a VIP riding experience for all passengers. The Volkswagen Atlas and the Jeep Grand Cherokee place mood-boosting features front and centre, such as standard heated front seats. Not only does this function keep you warm during your chilly morning ride to the office, but they also help ease back and shoulder tension, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling wholly relaxed.

While the VW Atlas and the Grand Cherokee have some similar features, a closer look reveals key differences that make one SUV more comfortable for passengers across all rows.

Both SUVs offer available leather seating, but the VW Atlas includes more upscale amenities as standard--features that are optional in the Grand Cherokee, if available at all.

Power Meets Everyday Confidence

The Volkswagen Atlas and the Jeep Grand Cherokee bring serious power to every commute. The VW Atlas is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The Grand Cherokee responds with a strong 3.6L V6 engine. Regardless of the SUV you choose, you'll find your vehicle can easily maintain its speed, thanks to at least 260 horsepower with either model.

However, getting up to speed may be a quicker and more responsive experience with the VW Atlas. This SUV delivers 273 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Grand Cherokee's 257 lb-ft of torque. This higher output comes in handy when accelerating from a traffic light and when merging with highway traffic.

Backing up each SUV is a capable 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (VW Atlas) or 4-wheel drive (Grand Cherokee) for added control when the road throws in a plot twist. While their spec sheets may seem similar, the nuances in their performances make all the difference.

Real-World Travel

Optimized fuel efficiency is a shared value among all drivers. When you drive an SUV that treats fuel like a resource, not a habit, you can enjoy more time on the road with fewer stops between destinations. When comparing efficiency, you'll notice the Volkswagen Atlas and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are nearly identical. Each offers an estimated fuel efficiency of at least 12.7 city/9.2 highway L/100 km.*

While their fuel consumption may be similar, the VW Atlas takes the lead with smart, efficient engineering. Only this model comes standard with these fuel-saving features:

• ECO driving mode: Makes automatic adjustments to how your SUV performs to help optimize every drop of fuel.
• Auto start/stop system: Disengages the engine when stopped at a traffic light or in traffic and automatically reengages the engine when you take your foot off the brake.

Taking these exclusive features into account, you may find you can travel farther distances in the VW Atlas.

Active Safety You Can Count On

Modern driver-assistance features have made the road a safer place, and the Volkswagen Atlas and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are equipped with plenty. These intelligent systems work alongside your instincts and safe driving habits to deliver extra protection. Highlighted features in both models include brand-specific versions of:

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

But only the Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with an Exit Warning System, which helps keep passengers safely in the vehicle until vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians pass. This helps prevent eager riders from opening doors into hazardous conditions. The Jeep Grand Cherokee lacks a comparable feature--neither standard nor available as an option.

That's Entertainment!

The cabins of the Volkswagen Atlas and the Jeep Grand Cherokee put entertainment in the spotlight, starting with their central touchscreen displays. The Grand Cherokee features an intuitive 25.6-centimetre (10.1-inch) display that's built into the dashboard. The VW Atlas, on the other hand, helps minimize eye strain thanks to its larger 30.5-centimetre (12-inch) display.

The VW Atlas and the Grand Cherokee prove they're ready for prime time with available premium audio systems featuring double-digit speakers for a truly immersive performance. But some standout features come standard only in the Volkswagen Atlas:

• Wireless charging
• Configurable driver display
• USB-C fast charging ports

While the Jeep Grand Cherokee features similar tech, they're offered as optional extras, or not at all.