2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

$38,495 · Crossover

$39,310 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas lies in fuel economy, with the Atlas achieving an EPA-estimated 23 combined MPG versus the Durango's 20 combined MPG. Performance figures show the Durango possessing a notable 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque advantage over the Atlas's 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Financially, the Durango holds a slight $815 MSRP advantage, starting at $38,495 compared to the Atlas's $39,310. For utility, the Atlas offers superior storage with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet. The drivetrain configuration also diverges significantly: the Durango utilizes RWD standard, while the Atlas employs FWD, despite both using an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, offering 23 combined MPG versus the Durango's 20 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas

Families benefit more from the Atlas's larger maximum cargo capacity of 20.6 cubic feet compared to the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

The 2025 Dodge Durango appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its greater horsepower output of 295 hp and standard RWD configuration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango presents slightly better initial value with a lower base MSRP of $38,495 compared to the Atlas's $39,310.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

Maximum power is prioritized, as the Durango provides 295 horsepower.
Rear-Wheel Drive architecture is preferred over Front-Wheel Drive for handling characteristics.
A lower starting price point of $38,495 is essential for the budget.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

Fuel efficiency is a primary concern, as the Atlas achieves 23 combined MPG.
Maximum utility space is required, indicated by the 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Slightly higher torque figures (273 lb-ft) are valued over peak horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	200.8"	200.7"
Width	75.8"	78.3"
Height	72.1"	70.4"
Wheelbase	119.8"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	372.0/502.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	2	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas.

Which vehicle is more powerful in base trim?

The 2025 Dodge Durango is the more powerful option, boasting 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque from its standard engine. In comparison, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas produces 269 horsepower but generates more torque at 273 lb-ft.

How does the cargo space compare between the Durango and the Atlas?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas offers significantly more practical storage space, measuring 20.6 cubic feet, which is over 3 cubic feet more than the 2025 Dodge Durango's 17.2 cubic feet.

Is there a major difference in fuel economy for daily driving?

Yes, the Atlas shows an edge in efficiency, achieving 23 combined MPG (20 city/27 highway). The Durango is rated at 20 combined MPG (18 city/25 highway).

What is the difference in drivetrain layout for these crossovers?

A key mechanical divergence is the standard drive type: the Durango uses Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), while the Atlas uses Front Wheel Drive (FWD). Both utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How closely matched are the base MSRPs of the two vehicles?

The pricing is very close, with the Durango starting at $38,495 and the Atlas just slightly higher at $39,310. This results in a $815 initial price difference.

Which vehicle is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?

While both are nearly identical in length (200.8 inches vs. 200.7 inches), the 2026 Atlas is substantially wider at 78.3 inches compared to the Durango's 75.8 inches, though the Durango is taller.