Owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas 4Motion with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine get 22 MPG combined. This isn’t the highest fuel economy, but it’s a reasonable tradeoff for buyers who want space, practicality, and confidence in all weather conditions in a mid-size SUV. These drivers often need three rows for families, appreciate the Atlas’s large cargo area, and value all-wheel drive, even if it reduces fuel economy slightly.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for this Atlas. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving common for larger vehicles, and the highway number shows the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently. The eight-speed automatic transmission is important, as it selects the best gear for acceleration and fuel conservation. Drivers should adjust their expectations in heavy traffic or during aggressive driving, since this will affect fuel consumption.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas 4Motion 2.0L at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a national average fuel price. Your fuel costs may change based on your driving, the fuel you buy, and local prices. Hard acceleration, idling, and neglecting maintenance can increase this estimate.

Real-World Expectations

Real-world fuel economy often differs from EPA estimates. Driving style, terrain, weather, and tire pressure can all change the numbers you see. Owners who often haul cargo or tow trailers will likely see a drop in fuel efficiency. However, drivers who drive smoothly, maintain their vehicle, and avoid idling can often get closer to the EPA estimates. Tracking your own fuel consumption remains the best way to understand your Atlas’s MPG.

How it compares

The Atlas 4Motion 2.0L is in the middle of its class for fuel economy. A comparable Honda Pilot with all-wheel drive is around 21 MPG combined, while a Toyota Highlander with its gas engine gets about 24 MPG. The Ford Explorer, similarly equipped, might get around 23 MPG. These differences aren’t large. Buyers often choose the Atlas for its spacious interior and family features over maximizing fuel economy. You can review ATLAS MPG across all years to see the history of its fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Atlas, with its turbocharged engine, responds well to a gentle foot. Smooth acceleration helps you avoid using the turbo’s boost, saving fuel.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, hurting fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended levels, found on the sticker inside your driver’s side door.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel. If you’re waiting or stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is important in cold climates where drivers often idle to warm up the vehicle.

Reduce weight. Avoid carrying extra weight in your Atlas. Extra cargo increases the vehicle’s weight, requiring more energy to accelerate. Remove items you don’t need.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy. Set it to a reasonable speed and let the system control the throttle, preventing speed changes that happen when driving manually. You can also view all Volkswagen fuel economy data within our make and model section.