
Volkswagen Tiguan Vs. Atlas: Performance, Trims, MPG, & Other Specs

Jacksonville, Florida, drivers and families seeking a new Volkswagen SUV will want to see our Volkswagen Atlas vs. Volkswagen Tiguan comparison. These two new SUVs for sale from Volkswagen offer several similarities but plenty of differences, so a VW Atlas vs. VW Tiguan comparison can be illuminating before booking a test drive and selecting your preferred next vehicle.
Read on to see how the two siblings stack up against each other, and don't hesitate to reach out to our Volkswagen dealer in Jacksonville, FL, for more details or answers to your questions about either of these SUV models.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Comparison: Performance & Engine Specs
A key difference between the new Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan lies in their powertrain performance. The new VW Tiguan midsize SUV is offered with one engine, a 184-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Its eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic mode ensures efficient operation while providing manual-shifting capabilities. The Tiguan boasts an EPA-estimated 23/30 MPG rating (City/Highway).1
The new VW Atlas is packed with power, no matter which of its two robust powertrains you select. The first engine option is the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing 258 pound-feet of torque and 235 horsepower (achieved with premium fuel). With its bigger size, you’ll still enjoy an EPA-estimated 21/25 MPG rating (City/Highway).1
For even more power under the hood, consider a new Volkswagen Atlas for sale equipped with the available 3.6-liter V-6 engine. With 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, the new VW Atlas V-6 models deliver premium performance and capability.
Like the Tiguan SUV, the new VW Atlas features Tiptronic mode so you can shift manually and take control of your drive. Handling in all weather conditions and road surfaces is enhanced with the available 4MOTION all-wheel drive (AWD) system, also available on the new Volkswagen Tiguan for sale.
The Atlas SUV's 4MOTION with Active Control boasts four AWD modes to suit your current driving situation, including a snow mode, on-road mode, off-road mode, and off-road custom mode.
Both of these VW SUVs are capable and versatile, so which will you choose? Continue our Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan head-to-head matchup to find your ideal new VW option.

Trims, Interior, & Tech Features
While the new Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan are midsize SUVs, they can differ in seating capacity. The new VW Atlas features standard three-row seating for up to seven occupants, as does the new VW Tiguan. However, Atlas SUV shoppers can choose from two cabin configurations, one with seven seats and the other featuring second-row captain's chairs for a total seating capacity of six.
The Volkswagen Tiguan offers a choice of two-row or three-row seating. VW Tiguan seating capacity is up to seven, or five when the two-row version is selected. Like the Atlas SUV, it boasts a roomy cabin for its occupants and generous cargo capacity behind the seats, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
Select from the following trim levels when shopping for a new VW Atlas SUV:
- Atlas SE
- Atlas SE with Technology
- Atlas SEL
- Atlas SEL R-Line Black
- Atlas SEL Premium R-Line
Thinking about trading up to a Tiguan? Then see this new VW SUV in the following available trims:
- Tiguan S
- Tiguan SE
- Tiguan SE R-Line Black
- Tiguan SEL R-Line
Both of these Volkswagen SUVs now come standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch digital instrument display, plus plenty of other tech gadgets to keep you informed, entertained, and in control.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Comparison: By the Numbers
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SE | 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SE | |
---|---|---|
Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 184 | 235 |
Torque | 221 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Est EPA MPG (city/hwy) | 23/301 | 21/251 |
Length | 186.1 in | 200.7 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 78.3 in |
Seats | 5 or 7 | 6 or 7 |
Towing Capacity (when properly equipped) | up to 1,500 lbs | up to 2,000 lbs |

VW SUV Safety & Driver Assist Systems
The Tiguan and Atlas both boast the latest driver assist and safety technologies. These VW SUVs feature standard safety tech like Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), plus a Blind Spot Monitor to provide alerts and even automatically adjust to changing traffic conditions if you fail to react to its warnings.
The automaker's IQ.DRIVE is also available on the VW Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and includes technologies like:
- Travel Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Active Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Traffic Alert
- Emergency Assist
- Lane Assist
Secure a New VW Atlas or Tiguan in Jacksonville, FL
Now that you know how the Volkswagen Atlas vs. Volkswagen Tiguan matchup shakes out, you can select your favorite VW SUV. No matter which model you prefer, you can see our VW Tiguan lease specials or VW Atlas offers to obtain your next vehicle with affordable monthly payments.
Contact our VW dealership in Jacksonville, FL, for further assistance with your SUV search or a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VW Atlas the same as VW Tiguan?
The VW Atlas and VW Tiguan are two distinct SUV models within the new Volkswagen lineup. Although they are both midsize SUVs, they are different models with different designs and seating capacities. The larger Volkswagen Atlas offers six- or seven-passenger seating with its three-row cabin. The VW Tiguan provides a choice of a two-row or three-row interior.
What is better, the VW Atlas or Tiguan?
Neither of these Volkswagen SUVs is better than the other, but they do offer drivers and families different takes on the SUV driving experience. If you're looking to maximize your passenger space and seating capacity, see the larger three-row VW Atlas. However, if you're after a midsize SUV with two-row seating and generous cargo capacity, consider the VW Tiguan.
Does the VW Tiguan get better gas mileage than the Atlas?
The Volkswagen Tiguan provides better EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings than the VW Atlas. The Tiguan's elevated MPG ratings are largely due to it being smaller and lighter than the Atlas and featuring a less-powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine. However, the more powerful VW Atlas SUV is not far behind the Tiguan in city and highway fuel economy ratings.
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1EPA estimates only. Your results will vary.