Open Today Sales: 9 AM-7 PMOpen Today Service: 7:30 AM-5 PM
Two of the most practical three-row SUVs you can buy, at nearly the same starting price. The Atlas wins on space, tech and warranty; the Pilot wins on seats and trail ability.
Part of our Volkswagen Atlas research hub: trims, prices, specs, inventory and FAQs in one place.
The Pilot is the benchmark many Sacramento families shop first, and for good reason: it's roomy, reliable and holds its value. The all-new 2027 Atlas starts at almost the same price, so the decision comes down to what you value. Here are the published numbers, then an honest take on where the Honda is the better pick.
| 2027 VW Atlas | 2026 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo-4, 282 hp / 258 lb-ft | 3.5L V6, 285 hp / 262 lb-ft |
| EPA combined MPG (AWD) | 23 | 21 |
| Seating | 7 (6 with captain's chairs) | Up to 8 |
| Max cargo, seats folded (cu ft) | 95.4 | 87.0 |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 55.9 | 48.5 |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 21.2 | 18.6 |
| 3rd-row legroom | 34.1" | 32.5" |
| Largest touchscreen | 15" | 12.3" |
| Ventilated front seats | Standard | Available |
| Max towing (lb) | 5,000 | 5,000 (AWD) / 3,500 (FWD) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Green = better on that line. Figures from manufacturers' published data at time of writing; see notes below.
With the seats folded, the Atlas holds 95.4 cubic feet to the Pilot's 87.0, and it leads behind the second row (55.9 vs. 48.5) and behind the third (21.2 vs. 18.6). Third-row legroom is close but goes to the Atlas, 34.1 inches against 32.5.
The Pilot's trick is flexibility: its second-row middle seat can be removed and stowed under the cargo floor, so one SUV can run as an eight-seater or a seven-seater with a pass-through. The Atlas seats seven, or six with captain's chairs.
Horsepower is a wash — 282 for the Atlas's turbo four, 285 for the Pilot's 3.5-liter V6, with torque nearly identical. The Atlas is the more efficient of the two: EPA-rated 23 mpg combined with 4MOTION all-wheel drive versus 21 for the Pilot AWD, and up to 29 mpg highway in front-drive form.
Both tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot needs all-wheel drive to reach that figure; front-drive Pilots are rated at 3,500.
The Atlas offers a 15-inch touchscreen against the Pilot's 12.3, makes ventilated front seats standard, and adds real wood trim and massaging seats on upper trims. The Pilot's cabin is plainer but extremely practical, with smart storage throughout.
Starting prices are close: the Pilot's base trim lands within a few hundred dollars of the Atlas SE ($43,135 MSRP). Our Atlas trim guide shows what each Atlas level adds.
The Atlas doesn't win every line, and the Pilot is a strong SUV. Here's where it genuinely leads.
The Pilot seats up to eight, and its stowable second-row center seat lets it switch between a bench and a captain's-chair-style layout without a dealer order.
The Pilot TrailSport adds all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, skid plates and a torque-vectoring AWD system. There's no off-road-focused Atlas trim.
Honda covers the powertrain for 5 years/60,000 miles (Volkswagen: 4 years/50,000), and the Pilot has a long record of strong resale values.
Choose the 2027 Atlas if you want more cargo and third-row room, a bigger screen, standard ventilated seats and better fuel economy for about the same money. Choose the Pilot if you need eight seats, plan real off-road trips, or put resale reputation first.
Every new Atlas bought from Elk Grove Volkswagen includes our Knight4Life lifetime engine warranty, which covers vital engine components for as long as you own the vehicle (terms apply). It sits on top of Volkswagen's 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty and 2-year/20,000-mile Carefree scheduled maintenance.
Yes. The Atlas offers up to 95.4 cu ft of cargo space with the seats folded versus 87.0 for the Pilot, more room behind both the second and third rows, and 34.1 inches of third-row legroom versus 32.5.
The Atlas. It is EPA-rated 23 mpg combined with all-wheel drive versus 21 for the Pilot AWD. Front-drive Atlas models reach up to 29 mpg highway.
No. Every 2027 Atlas uses a 282-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which nearly matches the Pilot V6's 285 hp while using less fuel.
No. The Atlas seats seven, or six with second-row captain's chairs. The Pilot seats up to eight.
It depends on the coverage. Volkswagen's 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty is longer than Honda's 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage, while Honda's powertrain coverage runs 5 years/60,000 miles. New Atlas buyers at Elk Grove Volkswagen also get the Knight4Life lifetime engine warranty (terms apply).
At Elk Grove Volkswagen, 9776 W Stockton Blvd in Elk Grove. Call 916-460-8489 to book a time.
The best way to choose between the Atlas and the Pilot is to drive them. Book a test drive at Elk Grove Volkswagen and bring your family, your car seats and your gear.
Elk Grove Volkswagen · 9776 W Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95757 · Sales 916-460-8489 · Serving Sacramento, Stockton, Folsom & the Central Valley
Specs, features, pricing, and what's new on the all-new Atlas.
CompareTelluride, Palisade, Pilot and Ascent on one page.
TrimsSE, SE Technology, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line compared.
More head-to-heads: Atlas vs. Kia Telluride · Atlas vs. Hyundai Palisade · Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent
Comparison based on manufacturers' published specifications and competitive data available at the time of writing; features, specifications, and availability are subject to change and may vary by trim and configuration. Figures are based on preliminary manufacturer information and are subject to change. Competitor model years referenced reflect current publicly available data. Warranty terms are summaries only; see each manufacturer for complete coverage details. EPA-estimated mileage is for comparison only and will vary. Confirm all details with Elk Grove Volkswagen and the respective manufacturers. Atlas pricing shown is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the base trim and excludes destination, taxes, title, license, registration, dealer documentation fees and optional equipment; competitor pricing is described only in general terms. Knight4Life benefits are provided by Elk Grove Volkswagen, not Volkswagen of America; see dealer for terms and exclusions.
