With a combined 23 MPG, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0L 4-cyl’s fuel economy is simply a reality, not a selling point. It’s what you get for needing its roomy three-row seating, large cargo area, and family-friendly design. Buyers likely prioritize practicality and space, accepting the fuel consumption as part of the Atlas’ usability.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2023 Atlas 2.0L reflect how it performs in different driving conditions. The 21 MPG city rating reflects urban driving, where the Atlas’ weight and the engine working harder to accelerate use more fuel. On the highway, the Atlas does a bit better, reaching 25 MPG. This is because the engine keeps a more regular pace, and the automatic transmission shifts to higher gears, saving fuel. However, even on the highway, the car’s shape and size limit how much you can save.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0L 4-cyl at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average gas price. Your driving habits, local gas prices, and even the weather can change how much you spend on gas. This $1,900 gives you a way to compare the Atlas’ costs with other cars in its class. The ATLAS MPG across all years varies, so checking the history helps track cost changes.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA ratings are a standard, what you get in the real world can be different. Driving style, road conditions, and how much you’re carrying can change your numbers. Driving fast, braking a lot, and carrying heavy loads will use more gas. Driving smoothly, keeping a steady speed, and keeping your tires inflated can help you get closer to the EPA numbers. The 2.0L turbo engine will use more fuel when the vehicle is full of people and cargo, since it needs to work harder to drive.

How it compares

Compared to other three-row SUVs, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0L’s fuel economy is about average. A Toyota Highlander Hybrid, for instance, gets much better mileage at 36 MPG combined, but it costs more. A Honda Pilot, with its V6 engine, gets around 22 MPG combined, depending on the model. The Ford Explorer, with its EcoBoost engine, may get similar or slightly better mileage depending on how it’s set up, showing buyers accept some fuel use to get the Atlas’ size and flexibility. Buyers consider these points when deciding what’s right for them. You can view all Volkswagen fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive smoothly and don’t speed up too fast. The turbocharged 2.0L engine in the Atlas works well when you use the gas pedal gently. Ease into the accelerator and keep a steady speed to save gas, and try not to brake hard to keep your momentum.

Keep your tires inflated. Low tires make the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and fill them to the level on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Don’t idle. Letting the engine run while stopped uses gas without helping. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines start quickly and easily, saving fuel.

Carry less weight. Extra weight in your car uses more fuel. Take out anything you don’t need from the cargo area, and remove items from the roof if you have a carrier. Every extra pound adds to the engine’s work.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a steady speed, which can save gas on long drives. Try not to change your speed often to get the most from cruise control. Watch the road and traffic, and turn off cruise control when you need to.