Volkswagen Atlas Vs. Honda Pilot | Interior, Size, Specs

Welcome to our Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot comparison, where we'll review how the midsize Atlas SUV stands against the full-size Honda model by looking at their trims, features, specifications, and technologies. Both three-row models are impressive, but if you're on the hunt for a sport-ute that has more cargo space and better access to high-end amenities, the VW Atlas is for you. Visit our Tom Wood Volkswagen team to see the vehicle that we think takes the crown in this showdown!

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot Quick Comparison

Honda Pilot vs. Volkswagen Atlas Trims & Interior Features

The first stop on our tour through the VW Atlas vs. Honda Pilot review is the trim levels available and the many interior features each offers. We'll start with a look at the Volkswagen Atlas, which is configured in five thoughtfully designed trim levels:

• 2025 Volkswagen Atlas SE
• 2025 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology
• 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition
• 2025 Volkswagen Atlas SEL
• 2025 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line

The Volkswagen Atlas interior is well-equipped on every trim level – the entry-level SE offers excellent standard amenities to start things off. Climb inside, and you'll enjoy V-Tex leatherette seating, Climatronic three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 12-inch touchscreen center display.

Even more luxurious features are available on higher Volkswagen Atlas trims, such as remote start, a hands-free power liftgate, a power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, a Head-Up Display, and a Harman Kardon® sound system.

We'll see below that the Honda Pilot struggles to keep up with the impressive offerings in the Atlas. First, the Honda Pilot trims are:

• 2025 Honda Pilot Sport
• 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
• 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport
• 2025 Honda Pilot Touring
• 2025 Honda Pilot Elite
• 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition

The Pilot falls short compared to the standard appointments of the Atlas; for example, the base model doesn't come with ventilated front seating. In fact, ventilated seating is only available in the two top trims of the Honda Pilot. Additionally, the Honda Pilot comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, which pales in comparison to the 12-inch variety on the VW Atlas.

Although less luxurious, the Honda Pilot interior does have some appealing amenities in the lineup, like available leather upholstery, a Bose® audio system, a wireless phone charger, and a heated steering wheel – you just have to climb the trim ladder to access them. On top of that, the VW Atlas has a lower starting MSRP compared to the Honda Pilot, so you get an overall better value when you choose the Atlas.

2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot Technology

We mentioned a few technology features already, but let's dive a bit deeper into what these two SUVs have on tap. In terms of 2025 Volkswagen Atlas technology, you'll have access to these standard and available options:

• 12-inch center display
• Multi-color Digital Cockpit Pro
• Head-Up Display
• Discover Pro navigation
• Harman Kardon® sound system
• Overhead View Camera
• Wireless charging
• USB-C ports

Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot comes with the following as either standard or available:

• 9-inch touchscreen display
• Bose® sound system
• Head-Up Display
• Multiview Camera System
• Wireless charging
• USB-C ports

Although the Honda Pilot has some tech amenities similar to those of the VW Atlas, the VW SUV tends to include them earlier in the lineup and offers more for enhanced utility. For example, wireless charging comes standard on the entry-level model, and you get eight USB-C ports on the second trim vs. only five on the Pilot. The VW model also has a larger 12-inch touchscreen display as standard than the available 9-inch one in the Honda model.

2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot Seating

The Honda Pilot seating capacity varies depending on the trim level you choose. The Sport, EX-L, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition models seat up to eight passengers, whereas the TrailSport has capacity for only seven.

The Volkswagen Atlas seating capacity is more consistent, with every trim in the collection equipped with seats for up to seven passengers; however, most editions can be customized with second-row captain's chairs for a six-person layout. Either way, these configurations give your second-row occupants more personal space.

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot Specs

We've finally arrived at one of the most significant parts of our Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot comparison: specifications. The two SUVs in our battle are comfortable, house three rows of seating, and have several trims. We already saw that the Atlas comes better equipped across its lineup, but what about the power that motivates each model?

The Volkswagen Atlas has a smaller engine and outputs marginally fewer horsepower than the Honda Pilot. However, the VW Atlas does have more torque.

These VW Atlas specs are thanks to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood. This turbocharged beast produces 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The Honda Pilot specs are similar but come from a different powertrain setup: a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.

Both vehicles come with standard FWD, although AWD is available. A point in favor of the Volkswagen Atlas lies in MPG. Its standard configuration offers an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),³ while the Honda Pilot manages an EPA-estimated 19/27/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)⁵ at its best.

With higher fuel economy and more impressive torque, the VW Atlas pulls ahead in the realm of performance and efficiency.

Honda Pilot vs. VW Atlas Towing Capacity

At first glance, the maximum towing capacities between these two models are the same: 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. But as you take a closer look, you'll find that the Atlas still has a slight edge over the Honda SUV with its ability to tow 5,000 pounds properly equipped with either FWD or AWD. The Honda Pilot towing capacity can only reach 3,500 pounds when equipped with FWD, giving the VW model a point for having a higher towing capacity from the get-go.

This towing strength should be good news for those with an adventurous spirit – you'll be able to bring along a pair of jet skis, a small trailer with your essentials, or a teardrop camper for your next road trip or camping excursion.

If you need help learning how to properly attach your towed items to your Volkswagen Atlas, contact our Tom Wood Volkswagen experts. We can ensure you get the right components and accessories and provide tips for safe towing.

Honda Pilot vs. Volkswagen Atlas Size & Exterior Dimensions

Looking at the Volkswagen Atlas size vs. the Honda Pilot size, we see two very similar frames. The Volkswagen model is slightly longer but narrower than the Honda Pilot. The Honda SUV does have a little more height, but only about half an inch to around 1.5 inches, depending on the trim. Here are the exterior VW Atlas dimensions:

• Length: 200.7 inches
• Width: 78.3 inches
• Height: 70.4 inches

The exterior Honda Pilot dimensions are as follows:

• Length: 199.9-200.2 inches
• Width: 78.5 inches
• Height: 70.9-72 inches

Although the Honda Pilot is slightly wider and taller, these measurements likely make this SUV a bit more challenging to maneuver in parking lots and narrow streets.

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot Interior Dimensions

We find the VW Atlas coming out on top – once again – for interior space. Here are the values you can expect from every row of the stylish VW model:

• Headroom (First/Second/Third Row): 41.3 inches/40.4 inches/38.3 inches
• Legroom (First/Second/Third Row): 41.7 inches/37.6 inches/33.7 inches
• Shoulder room (First/Second/Third Row): 61.5 inches/60.5 inches/54.9 inches
• Hip room (First/Second/Third Row): 58.4 inches/58.6 inches/45.1 inches

Models with a sunroof have slightly different headroom, offering 40.1 inches in the first row and 39.5 inches in the second row – the third row remains the same.

Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot struggles to keep pace with the VW Atlas in several crucial areas. It lags in front- and second-row headroom, first- and third-row legroom, and hip room for the two rear rows. Here are the Honda Pilot interior dimensions at a glance:

• Maximum Headroom (First/Second/Third Row): 40.5 inches/40.2 inches/39.3 inches
• Legroom (First/Second/Third Row): 41.0 inches/40.8 inches/32.5 inches
• Shoulder room (First/Second/Third Row): 61.9 inches/61.7 inches/59.5 inches
• Hip room (First/Second/Third Row): 58.4 inches/57.4 inches/44.6 inches

The Honda Pilot headroom values differ for the TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims, which come with a power moonroof. These models have 39.1 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.2 inches in the second row, while the third row remains the same.

If you want to see the model that accommodates adults' longer legs in the third row, giving you and your family more longevity as the kids grow, we'll happily show you the new Volkswagen Atlas for sale.

Honda Pilot vs. VW Atlas Cargo Space

One of the most important parts about shopping for a sport utility vehicle is determining if the one you're interested in has enough cargo space to accommodate your lifestyle. Thankfully, neither model in our review disappoints in this sector. However, the Volkswagen Atlas cargo space is the more impressive of the two, offering these measurements:

• Behind the rear row: 20.6 cubic feet
• Behind the second row: 55.5 cubic feet
• Behind the front row: 96.6 cubic feet

The Honda Pilot cargo space values are:

• Behind the rear row: 18.6 cubic feet
• Behind the second row: 48.5 cubic feet
• Behind the front row: 87 cubic feet

These numbers simply don't measure up to those of the Volkswagen Atlas, meaning the VW model is better suited for hauling gear, moving furniture, and family road trips.

Contact us to see if our parts department has a roof cargo box carrier in stock, as this accessory provides even more utility and space for your items.

Who Wins Our Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot Comparison?

The rivalry in our Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot competition has been intense, but it's clear that the Volkswagen Atlas dominates the Honda Pilot in several essential categories, making it the final winner. Visit our Volkswagen dealer in Indianapolis, IN, to get your in-person look at this three-row SUV today.

Our team can also go over current Volkswagen Atlas lease deals, which can help you save on monthly payments for several years with this well-appointed SUV.

Learn More About the Volkswagen Atlas

¹Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter Turbo engine engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner's Manual for details.

²Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

³20 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg (2025 Atlas FWD, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

⁴19 city/26 highway/21 combined mpg (2025 Atlas AWD, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

⁵Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.

⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/VOLKSWAGEN/ATLAS/SUV/FWD

⁷Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/HONDA/PILOT/SUV/FWD

⁸Reference 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/2025

⁹Reference 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/honda/pilot-4-door-suv/2025