VS
At a Glance
Power
241hp @ 4500
269hp @ 5500
Torque
295lb-ft @ 1500
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
28 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
—
2000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW X1 delivers 241hp @ 4500 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the X1 returns 28 mpg est. while the Atlas uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $41,350 for the X1 and $41,210 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
BMW X1xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle 2025 - From $41,350
Volkswagen Atlas2.0T SE 4MOTION 2026 - From $41,210
Performance
Power Output (hp)
241hp @ 4500
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
295lb-ft @ 1500
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
7
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
19 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
177.2in
200.7in
Width (in)
72.6in
78.3in
Height (in)
64.6in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
106in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3750lbs
4484lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
2000lbs
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
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Atlas
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Atlas
Fuel Economy
X1
Value
Tied
Practicality
Atlas
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Atlas
Lower starting price ($41,210)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or Atlas?
The X1 gets 28 mpg est. and the Atlas gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The X1 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 X1 or Atlas?
The X1 produces 241hp @ 4500 and 295lb-ft @ 1500 of torque while the Atlas delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Atlas is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and Atlas?
The X1 starts from $41,350 and the Atlas from $41,210, a difference of just $140, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or Atlas?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Atlas can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 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.