VS
At a Glance
Power
416hp @ 6750
269hp @ 5500
Torque
369lb-ft @ 5000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
22 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz Glc Class and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mercedes-Benz Glc Class delivers 416hp @ 6750 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Glc Class returns 22 mpg est. while the Atlas uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $49,550 for the Glc Class 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
Mercedes-Benz Glc ClassAMG GLC 43 4MATIC SUV 2026 - From $49,550
Volkswagen Atlas2.0T SEL 4MOTION 2026 - From $49,620
Performance
Power Output (hp)
416hp @ 6750
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
369lb-ft @ 5000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.4gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187in
200.7in
Width (in)
75.6in
78.3in
Height (in)
64.4in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
113.7in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4553lbs
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
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Glc Class
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
Atlas
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz Glc Class
Lower starting price ($49,550)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Atlas
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Glc Class or Atlas?
The Glc Class gets 22 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 Glc Class or Atlas?
The Glc Class produces 416hp @ 6750 and 369lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Atlas delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Glc Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Glc Class and Atlas?
The Glc Class starts from $49,550 and the Atlas from $49,620, a difference of just $70, 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 Glc Class or Atlas?
The Glc Class 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 Glc Class 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.