VS
At a Glance
Power
287hp @ 6400
269hp @ 5500
Torque
260lb-ft @ 5000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
21 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
2000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Palisade and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Palisade delivers 287hp @ 6400 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Palisade returns 21 mpg est. while the Atlas uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $47,300 for the Palisade 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
Hyundai PalisadeSEL Premium 8P AWD 2026 - From $47,300
Volkswagen Atlas2.0T SE 4MOTION 2026 - From $41,210
Performance
Power Output (hp)
287hp @ 6400
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
260lb-ft @ 5000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
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.)
21 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18mpg
19 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
199.2in
200.7in
Width (in)
78in
78.3in
Height (in)
69.5in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
116.9in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4575lbs
4484lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Palisade
Fuel Economy
Atlas
Value
Atlas
Practicality
Palisade
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Palisade
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (21 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Atlas
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($41,210)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Palisade or Atlas?
The Palisade gets 21 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 Palisade or Atlas?
The Palisade produces 287hp @ 6400 and 260lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Atlas delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Palisade is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Palisade and Atlas?
The Palisade starts from $47,300 and the Atlas from $41,210. The Atlas is cheaper by $6,090 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Palisade or Atlas?
The Palisade has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Atlas can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Palisade 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.