2025 GMC Acadia vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$42,900 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 GMC Acadia bursts onto the scene boasting significantly more muscle, kicking out 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, ready to tackle open roads with more eagerness than the newly refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. The Atlas, while more approachable with an MSRP of $38,200 compared to the Acadia's $42,900, offers a solid 269 hp and 273 lb-ft. Though both are substantial crossovers, the Acadia is slightly longer at 204.0 inches, promising a bit more presence, while the Atlas is marginally taller at 70.4 inches. Fuel economy is virtually tied, with the Acadia netting a slightly better 23 combined MPG versus the Atlas's 22. Buyers prioritizing sheer performance will favor the Acadia's power advantage, while those looking to save nearly $4,700 upfront and still get a spacious family hauler will gravitate toward the Atlas.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas wins for commuters due to its significantly lower starting MSRP of $38,200.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 Acadia offers superior utility with a larger maximum cargo capacity of 23 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

The Acadia delivers a genuinely punchier experience with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas provides a compelling package for nearly $4,700 less, making its 269 hp output a better immediate value proposition.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

You demand the stronger performance figures, especially the 59 extra horsepower on tap.
You require maximum interior flexibility, evidenced by its 23 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer a slightly larger footprint, measuring 204.0 inches in length.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, as it starts at $38,200.
You seek a very capable engine that still achieves 22 combined MPG.
You appreciate the slightly more upright stance provided by its 70.4-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	204.0"	200.7"
Width	79.6"	78.3"
Height	70.1"	70.4"
Wheelbase	120.9"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	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	✓	✓
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	GMC	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	12	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.4 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	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	255/65R18	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

How much more power does the 2025 GMC Acadia offer over the Atlas?

The 2025 Acadia boasts 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, giving it a distinct advantage over the Atlas's 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover is the better budget option based on MSRP?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is the clear budget winner with a starting MSRP of $38,200, undercutting the Acadia by $4,700.

Is the fuel economy noticeably different between these two FWD models?

The difference is marginal; the Acadia achieves 23 combined MPG while the Atlas is rated at 22 combined MPG, both running on regular unleaded fuel.

How do their physical dimensions compare for parking?

The Acadia is slightly longer at 204.0 inches, while the Atlas is slightly taller at 70.4 inches; however, both share similar widths around 78-80 inches.