VS
At a Glance
Power
174hp @ 5000
269hp @ 5500
Torque
206lb-ft @ 3000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
28 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
2000lbs
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mitsubishi Outlander delivers 174hp @ 5000 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Outlander returns 28 mpg est. while the Atlas uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $39,645 for the Outlander 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
Mitsubishi OutlanderRalliart S-AWC 2026 - From $39,645
Volkswagen Atlas2.0T SE FWD 2026 - From $39,310
Performance
Power Output (hp)
174hp @ 5000
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
206lb-ft @ 3000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
CVT w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.8in
200.7in
Width (in)
84.4in
78.3in
Height (in)
68.7in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
106.5in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3962lbs
4317lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
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
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Atlas
Fuel Economy
Outlander
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mitsubishi Outlander
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Atlas
Lower starting price ($39,310)
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Outlander or Atlas?
The Outlander gets 28 mpg est. and the Atlas gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Outlander 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 Outlander or Atlas?
The Outlander produces 174hp @ 5000 and 206lb-ft @ 3000 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 Outlander and Atlas?
The Outlander starts from $39,645 and the Atlas from $39,310, a difference of just $335, 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 Outlander or Atlas?
The Outlander has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Atlas can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Outlander 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.