VS
At a Glance
Power
175hp @ 5800
269hp @ 5500
Torque
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
26 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
—
2000lbs
Engine
1.5L/90ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the GMC Terrain and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The GMC Terrain delivers 175hp @ 5800 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Terrain returns 26 mpg est. while the Atlas uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $39,300 for the Terrain and $39,310 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
GMC TerrainAWD 4dr AT4 2026 - From $39,300
Volkswagen Atlas2.0T SE FWD 2026 - From $39,310
Performance
Power Output (hp)
175hp @ 5800
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5L/90ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24 (2025)mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28 (2025)mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
181in
200.7in
Width (in)
74.5in
78.3in
Height (in)
66.16in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
107.48in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3598lbs
4317lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
2000lbs
Safety
ABS
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ 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
Terrain
Value
Tied
Practicality
Atlas
Pros & Cons
GMC Terrain
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($39,300)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Atlas
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Terrain or Atlas?
The Terrain gets 26 mpg est. and the Atlas gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Terrain 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 Terrain or Atlas?
The Terrain produces 175hp @ 5800 and 203lb-ft @ 2000-4000 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 Terrain and Atlas?
The Terrain starts from $39,300 and the Atlas from $39,310, a difference of just $10, 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 Terrain or Atlas?
The Terrain 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 Terrain 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.