Volkswagen Atlas vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Volkswagen Atlas and the Jeep Grand Cherokee offer multiple trims, but their standard lineups set the stage for things to come. The VW Atlas comes ready with three rows and seating for seven—perfect for your full company. Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee seats five across two rows, unless you upgrade to the 3-row Grand Cherokee L. This opening act already reveals key differences in how each SUV supports your crew.

Both SUVs offer available leather seating, but the VW Atlas includes more upscale amenities as standard—features that are optional in the Grand Cherokee, if available at all.

To compare interior space fairly, it’s important to match 3-row SUVs against each other—no understudies allowed.

The VW Atlas takes center stage with a roomier cabin from front to back, offering first-class seating for all and generous space behind the curtain for everyone’s props, bags, and gear.

Both cabins put the driver in the spotlight with ergonomic design and 10.25-inch digital displays—like the Digital Cockpit Pro in the Volkswagen—to showcase key info like navigation, driving data, and vehicle status. Each SUV also hits its mark by offering a supporting app: myVW with Car-Net® and Jeep Connect let you start the engine, lock or unlock doors, check the owner’s manual, and find your vehicle in a crowded parking garage or lot after the final curtain call.

Both models prove they’re ready for prime time with available premium audio systems featuring double-digit speakers for a truly immersive performance. But some standout features come standard only in the Volkswagen Atlas:

• Wireless charging
• Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 4 devices
• 6 USB ports

While the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers similar tech, it’s all behind the curtain as optional extras. And when it comes to the main screen, the VW Atlas steals the spotlight once again with its standard 12-inch touchscreen—compared to the Grand Cherokee’s 10.1-inch display—ensuring the Volkswagen continues to have top billing.

At their core, both SUVs bring serious potential to the scene. The VW Atlas opens with confidence, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine—one of the most advanced ever engineered by Volkswagen. The Grand Cherokee responds with a strong V6, and both engines deliver over 260 horsepower. However, the Volkswagen pulls ahead in torque, delivering 273 lb-ft compared to the Jeep’s 260 lb-ft.

Backing them up is a capable supporting cast. Both SUVs feature a refined 8-speed automatic transmission and offer available all-wheel drive for added control when the road throws in a plot twist. While their spec sheets may seem similar, the nuances in their performances make all the difference.

Every driver values fewer fuel stops and more time on the road. A fuel-efficient SUV lets the journey unfold uninterrupted—saving time, stretching the adventure, and decreasing unscheduled intermissions. Auto start/stop technology plays a supporting role here, especially in city driving with frequent pauses at traffic lights or in stop-and-go scenes.

When it comes to gas-powered options, the VW Atlas takes the lead with smart, efficient engineering. Its front-wheel drive version earns an EPA-estimated 20 city/26 highway MPG rating, edging out the Grand Cherokee’s 19 city/26 highway rating.^* The show must go on, and the VW Atlas lets you continue it with fewer breaks between acts.

Modern driver-assistance features have made the road a safer place, and both the VW Atlas and the Grand Cherokee are equipped with plenty. These intelligent systems work alongside your instincts and safe driving habits to deliver extra protection. Highlighted features in both models include brand-specific versions of:

• Adaptive Cruise Control Stop and Go
• Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking)
• Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor)
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System)
• And more!

But only the Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which helps prevent or lessen the impact of secondary collisions after the initial impact. It also includes an Intelligent Crash Response System that can shut off the fuel pump, unlock the doors, and activate the hazard lights automatically in the event of an accident. The Jeep Grand Cherokee lacks a comparable feature—neither standard nor available as an option.

With well-engineered design and advanced safety suites, the Volkswagen Atlas and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are slated for stardom—in this case, five stars. Two respected automotive safety organizations—the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—recognize standout performances each year.

For the latest model year, both SUVs earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA, along with the title of 2024 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK. With accolades from both government and independent reviewers, you can feel confident behind the wheel of the VW Atlas or the Grand Cherokee.