2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$36,400 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas often boils down to whether you prioritize usable power or sheer interior space. If highway efficiency and a bit more muscle matter to you, the Pathfinder starts slightly lower at an MSRP of $36,400 and boasts 284 horsepower. However, if your priority is hauling gear, the Atlas provides significantly more room, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row. Both are competent crossovers, running on regular unleaded fuel with similar MPG figures—the Pathfinder achieving 23 combined versus the Atlas's 22 combined. While the Pathfinder has a slight edge in power output (284 hp vs. 269 hp), the Atlas counters with superior low-end pulling power thanks to 273 lb-ft of torque, making this a tight battle between slightly peppier performance and much greater utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined MPG rating of 23 compared to the Atlas's 22.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is the clear winner for families needing maximum storage, offering 20.6 cu ft of cargo space versus only 16.6 cu ft in the Pathfinder.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

Enthusiasts will prefer the Pathfinder for its higher peak horsepower rating of 284 hp, giving it a slight performance edge.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder offers better overall value starting at a lower MSRP of $36,400 while delivering more horsepower.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

You need the best possible fuel economy, as the Pathfinder achieves 27 highway MPG versus the Atlas's 26 highway MPG.
You prefer a higher peak horsepower rating, as the Pathfinder offers 284 hp compared to the Atlas's 269 hp.
You are aiming for the lowest entry price, as the Pathfinder starts at $36,400 versus the Atlas's $38,200.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

You prioritize maximum cargo hauling capacity, where the Atlas offers a substantial 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row.
You value greater low-end pulling capability, as the Atlas generates 273 lb-ft of torque, beating the Pathfinder’s 259 lb-ft.
You prefer a slightly longer vehicle for stability, as the Atlas is 200.7 inches long compared to the Pathfinder's 197.7 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Pathfinder	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	197.7"	200.7"
Width	77.9"	78.3"
Height	70.9"	70.4"
Wheelbase	114.2"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	284 hp @ 6400 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	259 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Nissan	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	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)	370.0/499.5 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	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	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	8.0 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	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	1	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	42.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	58.3 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.5 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/60R18	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

Which SUV has more useful passenger or cargo room?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is the clear interior space leader. It provides a generous 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, which is significantly more than the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder’s 16.6 cubic feet.

How do the engine performance figures compare between the Pathfinder and Atlas?

The Pathfinder leads in pure horsepower, delivering 284 hp compared to the Atlas's 269 hp. However, the Atlas pulls ahead in torque with 273 lb-ft available, versus 259 lb-ft in the Nissan.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy?

The differences are minor, but the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder holds a slight advantage, achieving 23 combined MPG (20 city/27 highway). The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas rates at 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway).

What is the price difference between the base models?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the more affordable option with an MSRP starting at $36,400. The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas begins slightly higher at $38,200.

Do both crossovers require the same type of fuel?

Yes, happily, both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas utilize regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable for budget-conscious owners.

Are their transmissions very different?

The Pathfinder utilizes a more responsive 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Atlas uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for managing its power delivery.