VS
At a Glance
Power
275hp @ 5700
269hp @ 5500
Torque
315lb-ft @ 3400
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
20 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Ford Bronco and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Bronco delivers 275hp @ 5700 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Bronco returns 20 mpg est. while the Atlas uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $48,190 for the Bronco and $49,620 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
Ford BroncoOuter Banks 4 Door 4x4 2026 - From $48,190
Volkswagen Atlas2.0T SEL 4MOTION 2026 - From $49,620
Performance
Power Output (hp)
275hp @ 5700
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
315lb-ft @ 3400
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/121ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
22mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
20.8gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189.4in
200.7in
Width (in)
75.9in
78.3in
Height (in)
73in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
116.1in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4580lbs
4636lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Bronco
Fuel Economy
Atlas
Value
Bronco
Practicality
Atlas
Pros & Cons
Ford Bronco
Lower starting price ($48,190)
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Volkswagen Atlas
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Bronco or Atlas?
The Bronco 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 Bronco or Atlas?
The Bronco produces 275hp @ 5700 and 315lb-ft @ 3400 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 Bronco and Atlas?
The Bronco starts from $48,190 and the Atlas from $49,620. The Bronco is cheaper by $1,430 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Bronco or Atlas?
The Bronco has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Atlas can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Bronco 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.