2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

$39,035 · Crossover

$39,310 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L bursts forth with 293 horsepower, promising a robust, slightly more powerful traditional SUV experience, despite its slightly thirstier 21 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the newly sculpted 2026 Volkswagen Atlas appeals with superior utility, boasting 20.6 cu ft of cargo space—significantly more than the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft—and better efficiency at 23 MPG combined. While the Atlas commands a slightly higher MSRP at $39,310 versus the Jeep's $39,035, it sacrifices raw power, offering 269 hp compared to the Jeep's 293 hp. The Jeep's 204.9-inch length emphasizes road presence, but the Atlas is slightly shorter at 200.7 inches. For sheer driving excitement, the Jeep holds the edge in output, but the Atlas counters with a compelling blend of efficiency and cavernous utility for pragmatic drivers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas wins for daily commuting due to its superior 23 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Jeep's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2026 Atlas provides significantly more practicality for families with 20.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2025 Grand Cherokee L appeals more to driving enthusiasts by delivering 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, outpacing the Atlas.

💰 Best Value

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers 24 more horsepower for only $275 less than the Atlas, presenting better raw performance value at its base MSRP.

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if...

You prioritize brute force, benefiting from the 293 hp engine, which is 24 hp more than the Atlas.
You prefer the confidence of rear-wheel drive architecture for a traditional SUV feel.
You are looking for a slightly lower starting price point at $39,035.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

Maximum utility is crucial, as the Atlas offers a massive 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Your driving is highly focused on minimizing fuel stops, leveraging the 23 MPG combined rating.
You appreciate the strong low-end pull provided by 273 lb-ft of torque, despite having less overall horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Jeep Grand Cherokee L	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	204.9"	200.7"
Width	77.9"	78.3"
Height	71.5"	70.4"
Wheelbase	121.7"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Jeep	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
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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	293 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	Jeep	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	437.0/598.0 mi.	372.0/502.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.0 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Jeep	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	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	8.4 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	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.4 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.9 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	58.6 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Jeep	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 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas.

Which crossover handles highway cruising better regarding fuel efficiency?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas is the clear choice for highway efficiency, rated at 27 MPG Highway, slightly edging out the 2025 Grand Cherokee L’s 26 MPG Highway rating.

Is the difference in horsepower noticeable between the two vehicles?

Yes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L packs 293 hp compared to the Atlas's 269 hp, meaning the Jeep will feel more eager during acceleration bursts, whereas the Atlas relies more on its 273 lb-ft of torque.

How does the interior storage capacity compare for trips?

Families needing maximum packing volume will favor the Atlas, which offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Grand Cherokee L provides a notably smaller 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row.

Since both use an 8-speed automatic, what is the primary drivetrain difference?

The Grand Cherokee L utilizes a rear-wheel drive setup, often preferred for its dynamic handling characteristics, while the Atlas comes standard with front-wheel drive.

Is there a significant price gap between the base models?

The difference is minor; the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts at $39,035, just $275 less than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas starting at $39,310.

Which vehicle has a physically larger road presence based on dimensions?

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is significantly longer at 204.9 inches compared to the Atlas’s 200.7 inches, giving it a longer footprint on the road.