2023 GMC Acadia vs 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Review
Â
|  Aspect    |  2023 GMC Acadia |  2023 Volkswagen Atlas |
| Â Fuel Efficiency | Â | Â |
|  MPG - City        |  22 MPG |  20 MPG |
| Â MPG - Highway | Â 29 MPG | Â 27 MPG |
| Â Practicality | Â | Â |
|  Seating Capacity    |  7 seats |  7 seats |
| Â Cargo Capacity | Â Spacious interior | Â Spacious interior |
| Â Drive Handling | Â Smaller turning radius | Â |
| Â Performance | Â | Â |
| Â Engine | Â Gas I4 engine | Â Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/121 engine |
| Â Smooth and responsive shifts | Â | Â |
| Â Drivetrain | Â FWD or AWD | Â FWD or AWD |
| Â Towing Capacity | Â Respectable | Â Respectable |
| Â Exterior Dimensions | Â | Â |
| Â Exterior Length | Â Shorter | Â Longer |
| Â Exterior Width | Â Slimmer | Â Wider |
| Â Exterior Design | Â Modern and appealing | Â Contemporary |
| Â Interior Comfort | Â | Â |
| Â Leg Room | Â Less | Â More |
|  Head Room    |  Ample |  Ample |
| Â Fuel Type | Â Gasoline | Â |
| Â Blind Spot Monitor | Â Advanced safety feature | Â |
| Â Warranty | Â Comprehensive | Â Comprehensive |
1. Fuel Efficiency:
MPG - City and MPG - Highway:
Both the 2023 GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Atlas prioritize fuel efficiency, offering competitive miles per gallon (MPG) ratings for city and highway driving. The exact figures may vary depending on the chosen engine configuration and trim level, but prospective buyers can generally expect a balance between city and highway fuel economy. It is a fairly good analysis that the GMC Acadia has slightly better mileage. The GMC Acadia is expected to get 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Atlas gets between 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. However, as aforementioned, these numbers may vary depending on the trim that you opt for. You can read a more detailed analysis of Atlas' fuel efficiency in our detailed guide on Atlas trims.
2. Practicality:
Seating capacity and cargo capacity:
The seating space and cargo capacity are essential factors for families and adventure enthusiasts. The GMC Acadia typically offers flexible seating capacity and arrangements, catering to various passenger needs. Essentially, the base version of the GMC Acadia has a seating capacity of 7 seats, the same as the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. Meanwhile, both the GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Atlas excel at providing a spacious interior, ensuring ample legroom and cargo capacity for an enhanced driving experience. To be specific, the 2023 GMC Acadia has front leg room of 41.0 inches and rear leg room of 39.7 inches. On the other hand, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has front and rear legroom of 41.7 and 37.6 inches, respectively.
Drive and handling:
The GMC Acadia has a smaller turning radius than the Volkswagen Atlas, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots. However, due to its much higher torque, the GMC Acadia does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Volkswagen Atlas.
3. Performance:
Engine and Transmission:
Under the hood, both the Acadia and Atlas boast powerful engine options, providing a dynamic driving experience. The transmission systems are designed to deliver smooth and responsive shifts, contributing to an overall enjoyable driving performance. The Acadia 2023 has a Gas I4 engine, while the Volkswagen Atlas boasts an intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/121 engine, powering automatic transmission.
Drivetrain and Towing Capacity:
The drivetrain options in both SUVs contribute to their versatility. Whether it's front-wheel drive (FWD) for efficient city driving or all-wheel drive (AWD) for enhanced traction in various conditions, buyers can tailor their choice to suit their preferences. Additionally, both models usually offer respectable towing capacities, making them suitable for towing trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment.
4. Exterior Dimensions:
Exterior Length and Exterior Width:
While both the 2023 GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Atlas showcase modern and appealing exteriors, they may differ in terms of length and width. These dimensions impact maneuverability, parking, and overall road presence, providing potential buyers with options that align with their spatial preferences. The GMC Acadia is much slimmer than the Volkswagen Atlas, and therefore, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. Also, the GMC Acadia is slightly shorter than the Volkswagen Atlas, which may make it easier to park.
Exterior Design:
The exterior design of each SUV contributes to its visual appeal and aerodynamics. From sleek lines to bold grilles, both models are likely to feature contemporary designs, distinguishing them in the crowded SUV market.
5. Interior Comfort:
Leg Room and Head Room:
Interior comfort is a priority for discerning buyers, and both the Acadia and Atlas deliver in terms of legroom and headroom. Spacious interiors with ample head and legroom enhance the overall driving experience, ensuring a comfortable journey for all occupants. The GMC Acadia offers up to 12.8 ft³ with all seats in place, with a maximum of 79.0 ft³ with the second row of seats folded. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Atlas has 20.6 ft³ with the seats in place and a maximum of 79.0 ft³ with the second row of seats folded. SUVs with a third row option will have less cargo room. As for interior space, the GMC Acadia has less legroom and more second-row legroom than the Volkswagen Atlas. The GMC Acadia has 41.0 inches of front-row legroom vs. the 41.7 inches that the Volkswagen Atlas has, while the GMC Acadia also has 39.7 inches of second-row legroom in comparison to the Volkswagen Atlas's 37.6 inches.
6. Fuel Type:
Fuel:
It's essential to consider the fuel type each model utilizes. Whether it's gasoline fuel, hybrid, or alternative fuels, understanding the fuel requirements aids potential buyers in making an informed decision based on their preferences and environmental considerations.
Rear Wheel Size, Leg Room, and Passenger Volume: Prospective buyers interested in the 2023 GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Atlas should also consider key details such as rear wheel size, leg room (emphasized more than three times for greater importance), and passenger volume. The GMC Acadia offers a bit more room for passengers in the back seat than the Volkswagen Atlas. The Volkswagen Atlas will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the GMC Acadia. The 2023 GMC Acadia has front leg room of 41.0 inches and rear leg room of 39.7 inches. On the other hand, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has front and rear legroom of 41.7 and 37.6 inches, respectively. These specifications contribute to the overall driving experience and comfort, providing additional insights for those seeking a well-rounded SUV that meets their specific needs. Additionally, features like cloth seats, rear headroom, and track width further enhance the overall appeal and practicality of these models.
7. Blind Spot Monitor:
Blind spot monitoring is an advanced safety feature designed to enhance driver awareness and reduce the risk of collisions. It typically utilizes sensors, cameras, or radar technology to monitor the areas around the vehicle that may not be visible to the driver, especially in the blind spots-areas not easily seen through mirrors.
Sensor Technology:
The effectiveness of blind spot monitoring often depends on the sensor technology used. Some systems use radar sensors, while others may use cameras or a combination of both. The specific technology employed can affect the system's accuracy and performance.
Alert Mechanism:
When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the blind-spot monitoring system typically alerts the driver. This alert can be visual, such as a light in the side mirror, or auditory, such as a chime or beep. The clarity and immediacy of these alerts can vary between vehicles.
Integration with Other Safety Systems:
Modern vehicles often come equipped with a suite of safety features. The integration of blind-spot monitoring with other systems, such as lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise control, can contribute to a more comprehensive safety package.
User Experience:
User reviews and expert opinions can provide valuable insights into the user experience with blind-spot monitoring in specific models. Understanding how well the system works in real-world scenarios is crucial for potential buyers.
Customization Options:
Some vehicles allow drivers to customize the settings of the blind-spot monitoring system, such as the sensitivity of the alerts. This flexibility can enhance the overall usability of the feature.
8. Warranty:
Both vehicles have comprehensive warranty plans. GMC covers the 2023 Acadia with a 36 Months / 60,000 km comprehensive warranty, a 60 Months / 100,000 km powertrain warranty, and 60 Months / 100,000 km roadside assistance coverage. On the other hand, the
Conclusion:
The 2023 GMC Acadia and 2023 Volkswagen Atlas are two of the best SUV options. The base price of these vehicles start at similar levels, with the Volkswagen being slightly higher. Therefore, the decision to opt for one particular vehicle over the other will be determined by your personal preferences and the features that you associate a greater importance to.