2025 BMW X1 vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$41,350 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW X1 and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas lies in fuel economy, where the X1 delivers a superior Combined MPG of 28 compared to the Atlas’s 22 MPG, translating to substantial long-term operating cost savings. However, the Atlas counters with a $3,150 lower starting MSRP of $38,200. Performance is slightly tilted toward the Atlas, boasting 269 hp against the X1's 241 hp, though the X1 generates higher torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Atlas’s 273 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Atlas is considerably larger at 200.7 inches in length, compared to the X1's 177.2 inches. Conversely, the X1’s transmission is a 7-speed automated manual, whereas the Atlas utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X1

The BMW X1 wins for commuters due to its 28 MPG combined efficiency and premium AWD system.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas is superior for families due to its substantially larger 200.7-inch length and greater overall volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X1

The BMW X1 earns the enthusiast nod by offering 295 lb-ft of torque and a sportier 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas offers superior value, starting at $38,200, which is $3,150 less than the X1.

Choose the BMW X1 if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the X1 achieves 28 MPG combined versus the Atlas’s 22 MPG.
You prefer a vehicle with higher torque output (295 lb-ft) for quicker off-the-line response.
You require the standard all-wheel drive system offered on the X1.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

You need maximum physical space, evidenced by the Atlas’s 200.7-inch length and 70.4-inch height.
Cost is the primary concern, as the Atlas has a $3,150 lower base MSRP.
You prefer running the engine on regular unleaded fuel instead of the X1’s recommended premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X1	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	177.2"	200.7"
Width	72.6"	78.3"
Height	64.6"	70.4"
Wheelbase	106.0"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 4500 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/33 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/471.9 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.7 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	42.1 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	61.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	58.4 in.
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	60.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	58.6 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X1 and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

What is the main performance difference between the 2025 X1 and Atlas?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas produces more peak horsepower at 269 hp compared to the BMW X1’s 241 hp. However, the X1 offers superior torque delivery with 295 lb-ft versus the Atlas’s 273 lb-ft.

How do these two crossovers compare in size and utility?

The Atlas is significantly larger, measuring 200.7 inches long versus the X1’s 177.2 inches in length, and it also features a wider 78.3-inch body. Despite its smaller exterior footprint, the X1 oddly lists greater maximum cargo capacity at 25.7 cu ft compared to the Atlas’s 20.6 cu ft.

Which vehicle has a lower running cost based on fuel?

The 2025 BMW X1 will have lower regular running costs due to its efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined, significantly outpacing the Atlas's 22 MPG combined rating.