The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, equipped with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gets 23 MPG combined. That number might not set any records, but the Atlas is a spacious, three-row SUV designed to haul families and their gear in comfort. It’s a vehicle for those who prioritize practicality and interior room over outright fuel efficiency, and Volkswagen has optimized the Atlas’s efficiency within those parameters.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Atlas 2.0T achieves 20 MPG in city driving. Stop-and-go traffic is never kind to fuel economy, especially with a larger vehicle, but the Atlas’s eight-speed automatic transmission helps to make the most of the engine’s torque, minimizing the need for aggressive acceleration. The Atlas fares better on the open road, achieving 27 MPG on the highway, making it a reasonably efficient choice for longer road trips. The turbocharged engine provides ample power for confident passing and merging, even when the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo, without sacrificing highway MPG too much.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T at $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with fuel prices reflecting a national average. The actual cost will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. While $1,900 might seem like a significant expense, remember the trade-off: you’re paying for the space and utility that a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle simply can’t offer. This figure is a standardized estimate, of course. See all Volkswagen fuel economy data based on reported real-world conditions.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy can fluctuate. Factors like driving style, weather conditions, and vehicle load can all impact the MPG you actually achieve. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and carrying extra weight will all decrease fuel efficiency, while smooth driving, consistent speeds, and proper tire inflation can improve it. Terrain also plays a role; driving in hilly areas will generally result in lower MPG than driving on flat roads. Drivers can log their results at sites like Fuelly to get specific MPG trends for this model as well as for ATLAS MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T’s fuel economy lands in the middle of the pack compared to other three-row SUVs. The Toyota Highlander, with its hybrid powertrain, achieves significantly better fuel economy, with the Hybrid LE trim boasting 36 MPG combined. The Kia Telluride gets an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined, similar to the Atlas. The Honda Pilot trails slightly behind at an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined. The Ford Explorer, depending on the engine configuration, can range from 21 MPG to 24 MPG combined. Buyers should weigh these differences in fuel costs against the specific features and capabilities they need in a three-row SUV.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to fuel economy in the Atlas 2.0T. The turbocharged engine delivers its torque relatively low in the rev range, so there’s no need to bury your foot in the accelerator pedal to get moving. Instead, focus on smooth, gradual acceleration and avoid sudden bursts of speed. Use the instantaneous MPG display in the instrument cluster as a guide to monitor your driving habits and make adjustments as needed.

Maintaining a steady speed on the highway will also contribute to better fuel economy. Use cruise control when appropriate to maintain a consistent speed and minimize unnecessary acceleration and braking. Avoid using the air conditioning unless necessary, as it can significantly increase fuel consumption, especially at lower speeds. When possible, open the windows or use the ventilation system instead.

Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. You could also consider the type of tires you use, since low-rolling-resistance tires can improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing grip or handling considerably.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The Atlas has a generous cargo area, but carrying excessive weight will negatively impact fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle, such as sports equipment, tools, or other bulky items that you don’t need on a daily basis. The less weight the engine has to move, the more efficient it will be. A roof rack can be convenient, but creates terrible aerodynamic drag, so remove it when not in use.