When choosing a family-friendly SUV, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot are two formidable contenders. Both offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and impressive performance. Exploring the key differences between these popular vehicles will help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas's engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The model features an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers options for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).
In comparison, the 2025 Honda Pilot sports a larger 3.5-liter V-6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It works with a 10-speed automatic transmission and also offers FWD and AWD configurations.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas's miles-per-gallon figures give it a slight edge. It achieves 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Pilot, despite its larger engine, manages to keep pace with 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway. Both SUVs offer impressive towing capacities, with the Atlas' ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds and the Pilot's from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration.
Interior Comfort and Design
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas shines when it comes to interior space. With seating for six or seven occupants and a massive 96.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, it's perfect for families in Muncy who need room for passengers and gear. The Atlas offers 41.7 inches of front legroom and 37.6 inches in the second row, ensuring comfort for you and all your passengers.
The Honda Pilot, while slightly smaller in overall cargo volume (86.5 cubic feet), can accommodate seven or eight passengers. It provides 41 inches of front legroom and an impressive 40.8 in the second row, which may be preferable if you have a family with taller teenagers. Both SUVs feature premium materials and finishes, with the Atlas leaning toward a more European-inspired design aesthetic.
Safety Ratings and Features
Both the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot have received five-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas's safety systems include the manufacturer's IQ.DRIVE suite of features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking.
The Pilot includes the Honda SENSING suite, offering similar advanced driver-assistance systems. It also features Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions.
Exterior Styling and Dimensions
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas's dimensions are length, 200.7 inches; height, 70.1 inches; width, 78.3 inches; and wheelbase, 117.3 inches. The model's bold design offers a commanding presence on the road with a wide stance and distinctive LED lighting.
The 2025 Honda Pilot measures 199.9 inches in length, 78.5 inches in width, and 70.9 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 113.8 inches. It features a more rounded design than the Atlas, focusing on aerodynamics and family-friendly aesthetics.
Both SUVs offer ample ground clearance for light off-road adventures, but the Atlas's overall presence and European-inspired styling give it a slight edge.
Ride Quality and Handling
The Volkswagen Atlas's well-tuned suspension system provides a comfortable ride and composed handling. The steering is responsive, making it easy to maneuver despite its size. Volkswagen has also put considerable effort into minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness levels, resulting in a quiet and refined driving experience.
The Honda Pilot, particularly in its TrailSport trim, offers impressive off-road capabilities without sacrificing highway comfort. Honda has tuned the Pilot's suspension to balance comfort and sportiness, making it suitable for daily commutes and weekend adventures.
While both SUVs offer comfortable rides, the Atlas may have a slight edge in refinement and highway cruising comfort.
Technology and Connectivity
The infotainment systems in both vehicles are cutting-edge. The Atlas features a six-speaker sound system and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Honda Pilot has a seven-speaker stereo system and an infotainment display that's 9 inches diagonal in most trims. Both models' setups feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
In terms of driver information, the Atlas features Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch screen that offers customizable displays and intuitive controls, while the Pilot has a user-friendly, functional 10.2-inch interface. Both SUVs boast advanced technology, but the Atlas, with its many customizable digital interfaces, may appeal more if you're a tech enthusiast.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas has a starting MSRP of $38,200, while the Honda Pilot commences at $41,595 for the 2025 model year. Both SUVs offer competitive warranty coverage: Volkswagen typically provides a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a two-year/20,000-mile carefree maintenance plan, while Honda presents a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. The Pilot has a reputation for strong resale value, but the Atlas's lower starting price point makes it the more attractive option if you're a budget-conscious buyer.
Environmental Considerations
While Volkswagen and Honda have committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact, the Atlas's slightly better fuel efficiency may result in lower emissions. Volkswagen has been making strides in electric vehicle technology with its ID series, and future iterations of the Atlas may incorporate some of these advancements. Honda has also been expanding its electrification efforts across its lineup.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot: A Summary
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot offer impressive features and capabilities, but the Atlas stands out with its spacious interior, refined driving experience, and competitive pricing. Its blend of European-inspired design, advanced technology, and family-friendly highlights make it an excellent choice for you and many other buyers.
Experience the Difference: Test Drive the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Today
To truly appreciate what the 2025 Atlas offers, visit our dealership, Ciocca Volkswagen of Williamsport, in Muncy, Pennsylvania, to experience this impressive vehicle firsthand. Our knowledgeable staff will answer any questions and help you explore the various trim levels and options. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas's performance, style, and comfort. Contact us today to schedule your test drive and discover why the Volkswagen Atlas could be the ideal SUV for your family's needs.
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