VS
At a Glance
Power
295hp @ 6400
269hp @ 5500
Torque
260lb-ft @ 4000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
20 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
6200lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.6 L/220ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Dodge Durango and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Dodge Durango delivers 295hp @ 6400 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Durango returns 20 mpg est. while the Atlas uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $40,995 for the Durango 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
Dodge DurangoGT Plus AWD 2026 - From $40,995
Volkswagen Atlas2.0T SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION 2026 - From $54,630
Performance
Power Output (hp)
295hp @ 6400
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
260lb-ft @ 4000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.6 L/220ci
2.0 L/121ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
24.6gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.8in
200.7in
Width (in)
75.8in
78.3in
Height (in)
72.9in
70.4in
Wheelbase (in)
119.8in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4986lbs
4636lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
6200lbs
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
Dodge Durango
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Durango
Fuel Economy
Atlas
Value
Durango
Practicality
Durango
Pros & Cons
Dodge Durango
Lower starting price ($40,995)
Higher towing capacity (6200lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Volkswagen Atlas
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Durango or Atlas?
The Durango gets 20 mpg est. and the Atlas gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Atlas 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 Durango or Atlas?
The Durango produces 295hp @ 6400 and 260lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Atlas delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Durango is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Durango and Atlas?
The Durango starts from $40,995 and the Atlas from $54,630. The Durango is cheaper by $13,635 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Durango or Atlas?
The Durango has a braked towing capacity of 6200lbs and the Atlas can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Durango 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.