VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
269hp @ 5500
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
25 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
—
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Rdx returns 25 mpg est. while the Atlas uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $41,300 for the Rdx and $54,630 for the Atlas. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Acura RdxFWD w/Technology Package 2021 - From $41,300
Volkswagen Atlas2.0T SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION 2026 - From $54,630
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
186.7in
200.7in
Width (in)
74.8in
78.3in
Height (in)
65.7in
70.4in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3790lbs
4636lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Acura Rdx
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Rdx
Fuel Economy
Rdx
Value
Rdx
Practicality
Atlas
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Better fuel economy (25 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($41,300)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Atlas
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Atlas?
The Rdx gets 25 mpg est. and the Atlas gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Rdx is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Rdx or Atlas?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Atlas delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Atlas?
The Rdx starts from $41,300 and the Atlas from $54,630. The Rdx is cheaper by $13,330 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rdx or Atlas?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Atlas can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx or the Atlas?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.