2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Vs. Atlas: Comprehensive SUV Comparison
What Distinguishes Volkswagen Atlas vs. Volkswagen Tiguan SUVs?
- The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is the larger SUV, offering a consistent three rows.
- Meanwhile, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan can seat five people across two rows in its AWD versions and seven people across three rows in its FWD models.
- The Volkswagen Atlas is the more powerful of these two vehicles, delivering 85 more horsepower, but the Volkswagen Tiguan is the more fuel-efficient option.
- The Volkswagen Atlas has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- The Volkswagen Tiguan is the more affordable SUV, while the Volkswagen Atlas offers a higher level of standard luxuries.
2024 VW Atlas vs. VW Tiguan Performance & Specs
For most people, the decision between our Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan models comes down to what size vehicle they're looking for. The VW Tiguan has a special place in our lineup, being a rare compact SUV with up to three rows. As a result, it's great for people who frequent cities where maneuverability is a priority and parking space is limited. The Volkswagen Atlas is a more spacious, midsize model that also has some extra power behind it. To help you more clearly see how these vehicles compare to one another, our team at Wallace Volkswagen of Johnson City has compiled this chart:
| Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Atlas Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2024 Volkswagen Atlas | |
| 2.0L TSI turbo | Engine | 2.0L TSI turbo |
| 184 | Horsepower | 269 |
| 221 lb-ft | Torque | 273 lb-ft |
| FWD or 4MOTION AWD | Drivetrain | FWD or 4MOTION AWD |
| 8-speed automatic | Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| 24 / 31 / 271 | Max. EPA-est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 20 / 27 / 232 |
| 1,500 lbs3 | Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs3 |
| 186.1 in | Length | 200.7 in |
| 72.4 in | Body Width | 78.3 in |
| 5-7 | Seating Capacity | 6-7 |
| 39.6 / 39.1 / 33.8 in | Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) w/o Sunroof | 41.3 / 40.4 / 38.3 in |
| 40.2 / 36.6 / 27.9 in | Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 41.7 / 37.6 / 33.7 in |
| 12 / 33 / 65.3 cu ft | Cargo Room (Behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st Row) | 20.6 / 55.5 / 96.6 cu ft |
To see how these models stack up against other three-row competitors, contact our staff members or review some of our other comparison pages, like this one detailing the difference between VW Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent SUVs.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan MPG Ratings
As you can see, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan for sale excels in fuel efficiency. Even with available 4MOTION AWD, it can get an EPA-estimated 22/29 MPG (City/Highway).4 The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas with 4MOTION AWD offers up to a still-eager 19/26 MPG (City/Highway).5
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Tiguan Trim Levels
Our new VW Atlas inventory is populated by the following 2024 models:
- SE
- SE with Technology
- Peak Edition SE with Technology
- SEL
- Peak Edition SEL
- SEL Premium R-Line
You may also encounter incoming 2025 models. These share mostly familiar names, though the 2025 model year excludes the Peak Edition SEL.
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan can also come in several different forms:
- S
- SE
- Wolfsburg Edition
- SE R-Line Black
- SEL R-Line
What's in a name, though? We'll dive into what features are contained within these trim levels in the next two sections.
VW Atlas vs. VW Tiguan Infotainment & Tech
The Volkswagen Tiguan is comfortable for passengers and user-friendly for the driver, with standard features ranging from heated front seats to an 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument display. The Volkswagen Atlas takes this comfort up a few notches, with heated and ventilated front seats on every trim and a 10.25-inch fully configurable Digital Cockpit Pro display.
| Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Atlas Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2024 Volkswagen Atlas | |
| Standard cloth / Available V-Tex leatherette or leather | Upholstery | Standard V-Tex leatherette / Available leather |
| Dual-zone | Climate Control | Three-zone |
| Standard | Heated First-Row Seating | Standard heated & ventilated |
| Available | Heated Steering Wheel | Standard |
| 6- or 9-speaker | Sound System | 6- or 12-speaker |
| 8-in Volkswagen Digital Cockpit | Instrument Display | 10.25-inch fully configurable Digital Cockpit Pro |
If there are certain amenities of prime importance to you, let our team know so that we can pair you with an SUV that satisfies your requirements. We can also tell you more about the 2025 models that are or will soon be available in our showroom to determine if one of those suits your goals and preferences better.
Atlas vs. Tiguan Safety & Driver Assistance Features
Both the Volkswagen Atlas and the Volkswagen Tiguan have standard IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance features, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: This semi-autonomous driving feature helps adjust your speed so you can keep an even, safe pace behind the cars ahead of you on the highway.
- Travel Assist: This feature provides steering support and speed adjustment, working in concert with Adaptive Cruise Control.
- Active Blind Spot Monitor: Feel more confident driving when you have these sensors checking your blind spots for other vehicles and providing counter-steering help to prevent potential accidents.
- Rear Traffic Alert: When you're backing out of a driver's space, this feature can alert you to cars or pedestrians in your path and apply the brakes if necessary.
- Front Assist: If your car sees an object up ahead of you and predicts an accident, this technology can engage the brakes before contact.
- Lane Assist: This technology will warn you if you're inadvertently steering out of your lane.
- Emergency Assist: While preventing accidents is the number one priority, sometimes mishaps do happen. This feature can help minimize damage and contact emergency services on your behalf.
As impressive as these features are, they are not the only safety systems you have to rely on with your Volkswagen SUV. Our team would love to show these added features off in person. We can also tell you more about the qualifications that make the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas an IIHS Top Safety Pick.6
Test-Drive VW Tiguan & VW Atlas Models at Wallace Volkswagen of Johnson City
Are you interested in taking us up on one of our VW Tiguan or VW Atlas deals? Stop by our location in Johnson City to get a personalized tour of one or multiple of our engaging SUVs. We can also help you build a version of these vehicles in the color and with the accessories that matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV offers more space for families: the Volkswagen Atlas or Tiguan?
The Volkswagen Atlas offers more space for families. In addition to 1.5 inches more front-row legroom, an inch more second-row legroom, and a notable 5.8 inches of additional third-row legroom, the midsize Volkswagen Atlas also contains more potential cargo space with 20.6 cubic feet available behind the third-row seats and a maximum of 96.6 cubic feet.
Which SUV offers better third-row seating options?
While both the Volkswagen Atlas and the VW Tiguan offer third-row seating options, the VW Tiguan only comes with these extra seats if you select a front-wheel-drive model. The available 4MOTION AWD system has five seats. Therefore, we recommend the Volkswagen Atlas if you're looking for a third row and 4MOTION AWD. Your family will also enjoy substantially more third-row legroom.
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan more fuel-efficient than the Atlas?
Yes, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is more fuel-efficient than the 2024 VW Atlas. Its 184-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, combined with standard FWD in the S trim, will net you an EPA-estimated 24/31 MPG (City/Highway).1 In contrast, the Volkswagen Atlas – with its 269-horsepower engine – can deliver up to an EPA-estimated 20/27 MPG (City/Highway).2
Discover More VW Model Comparisons
| VW Atlas Vs. Subaru Ascent | VW Jetta Vs. Toyota Corolla | VW Taos Vs. Chevy Trax |
| VW Taos Vs. Toyota RAV4 | VW Tiguan Vs. Toyota RAV4 |
124 city/31 highway/27 combined mpg 2024 Tiguan 2.0L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
220 city/27 highway/23 mpg (2024 Atlas 2.0L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
3Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0L engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.
422 city/29 highway/24 combined mpg (2024 Tiguan 4MOTION 2.0L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
519 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg (2024 Atlas 4MOTION 2.0L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volkswagen/atlas-4-door-suv/2024