VS
At a Glance
Power
284hp @ 6400
269hp @ 5500
Torque
259lb-ft @ 4800
273lb-ft @ 1600
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/213cc
2.0 L/121cc
Choosing between the Nissan Pathfinder and the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 while the Volkswagen Atlas produces 269hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $37,500 for the Pathfinder 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
284hp @ 6400
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
259lb-ft @ 4800
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/213cc
2.0 L/121cc
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21 (Est)mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
197.7in
200.7in
Width (in)
77.9in
78.3in
Height (in)
70.9in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
114.2in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4334lbs
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Pathfinder
Practicality
Atlas
Pros & Cons
Nissan Pathfinder
Lower starting price ($37,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Atlas
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Pathfinder or Atlas?
The Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque while the Atlas delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Pathfinder and Atlas?
The Pathfinder starts from $37,500 and the Atlas from $49,620. The Pathfinder is cheaper by $12,120 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pathfinder or Atlas?
The Pathfinder 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 Pathfinder 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.