19 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas if you choose the reliable 3.6L V6 engine. This isn’t going to win any awards for less gas usage, but that’s not the main thing Atlas buyers care about: they want space, practicality, and confidence in all weather more than saving on fuel. These buyers are okay with fuel economy that’s just okay in exchange for the Atlas’s huge inside and how it drives.

City and highway performance

The EPA says the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L V6 gets 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how much more fuel you burn when you’re stopping and going, where the Atlas’s weight and big engine need more fuel to get moving from a stop. The highway number is better, but still shows that even when you’re cruising, the Atlas’s shape and weight mean it takes a good amount of energy to keep up speed.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L V6 is $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year at the national average fuel price. Remember that what you actually spend on fuel will change depending on how you drive, how much you drive each year, and the fuel prices where you live. If you mostly drive short trips in the city, you’ll probably spend more than this, while if you take long highway trips often, you might spend a little less. For more on fuel costs, you can see all Volkswagen fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a good starting point, but what you get in the real world can be different. Driving hard, taking lots of short trips, and carrying heavy loads will all make your fuel economy worse. But, accelerating gently, driving at steady speeds on the highway, and keeping up with maintenance can help you get close to or even a little better than the EPA numbers.

Owners have reported highway numbers close to 24-25 MPG during long road trips, but you need to drive carefully and have good conditions to get that. The EPA estimates are a good start, but drivers should watch their own fuel use to see what they’re really getting; you can also see ATLAS MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L V6 is about in the middle when it comes to fuel economy for three-row SUVs. The Honda Pilot, with its 3.5L V6, gets a little better at 22 MPG combined. The Toyota Highlander V6 also does a bit better than the Atlas, with a combined EPA rating of 23 MPG. Some others, like the Ford Explorer with the 2.3L EcoBoost (24 MPG combined) or the new Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (36 MPG combined) offer much better fuel economy.

But someone buying an Atlas might want the V6’s smoother power and bigger interior more than the small fuel savings you get with some of these other SUVs, especially the base models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerating gently is important to saving gas in the Atlas. The 3.6L V6 has plenty of power, but pushing hard on the gas pedal will quickly use up your fuel. Instead, accelerate slowly and let the automatic transmission shift through the gears in a smooth manner.

Keep a steady speed on the highway while keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Don’t speed up and slow down all the time. Driving at a constant speed allows the engine to run more efficiently.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Tires that don’t have enough air create more rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to what’s recommended. This will also make the car handle better.

Take out extra weight. Carrying extra stuff in the Atlas makes it heavier, which lowers fuel efficiency. Take out things you don’t need, like sports gear or tools, to make the load lighter.

Regular maintenance is critical for getting the best fuel economy. Make sure your engine is tuned properly, your air filter is clean, and your fluids are at the right levels. An engine that’s taken care of runs better, saving you money on gas.