20 MPG combined doesn’t place the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L among the most fuel-efficient vehicles, but many Atlas buyers likely considered this when buying. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for hypermiling; it’s bought to haul kids, cargo, and often, both. The Atlas is for families who want space and practicality over saving gas. People buy the Atlas for its comfortable ride, large cargo capacity, and the availability of a usable third row, and the MPG is a trade-off they’re willing to make for these features.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L at 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the inefficiency of stop-and-go driving, where the Atlas’s naturally aspirated V6 works harder to get its size moving. The highway figure is better, as the eight-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. While the 24 MPG highway rating is achievable under ideal conditions, expect a slight dip if you’re regularly battling headwinds or maintaining higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L is $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This $2,200 figure offers a way to compare fuel expenses across different vehicles; however, your personal fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and local fuel prices, factors that could either decrease or increase the amount spent each year. This number should be considered a starting point to budget accordingly.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard, real-world MPG often differs. Atlas drivers often report figures around the EPA combined estimate, perhaps a little lower in areas with heavy traffic or hilly terrain. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will also hurt fuel economy. Consider the EPA numbers a best-case scenario and adjust your expectations based on your driving. Keep in mind that ATLAS MPG across all years can vary, but the basic formula for usage remains the same.

How it compares

The 20 MPG combined rating of the Atlas 3.6L is roughly in the middle of the three-row SUV segment. For example, the Honda Pilot, in its front-wheel-drive configuration, gets a slightly better 22 MPG combined. The Toyota Highlander V6 also gets better fuel economy, up to 24 MPG combined. On the slightly less efficient end, a V6-powered Ford Explorer delivers a combined 20 MPG. These small differences often don’t change the minds of buyers who want the Atlas’s strengths, like its spacious third row and comfort. It’s not a fuel economy leader, but it doesn’t lag dramatically behind either. If you are curious, you can find all Volkswagen fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Even with a naturally aspirated V6, you can improve your Atlas’s fuel efficiency. Avoid fast acceleration and braking. The Atlas responds well to smooth driving, which can reduce fuel use. Watch traffic and maintain a steady speed when possible.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burning more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels (usually on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb).

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo strains the engine, hurting fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the vehicle, especially heavy objects. Even a couple hundred pounds can make a difference.

Minimize idling. Modern engines, including the Atlas’s V6, don’t need long warm-up periods. Idling wastes fuel and increases emissions. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel efficiency. Cruise control reduces changes in throttle, improving your gas mileage on longer trips. It is especially helpful in areas with consistent terrain, but it will be less useful in mountainous regions.