Volvo XC90 vs. VW Atlas at a Glance
- The Volvo XC90 and Volkswagen Atlas are top rivals in the three-row SUV segment.
- The Volvo XC90 comes with one of two mild-hybrid powertrains and a PHEV model, delivering mostly better fuel economy than the Atlas.
- The Volkswagen Atlas is a nice SUV, but does not come close to the level of quality, refinement, and features available for the Volvo XC90.
- The VW Atlas is a safe, family-friendly model, but cannot contend with the luxury, performance options, and overall value delivered by the Volvo XC90.
Comparing the 2026 Volvo XC90 vs. Volkswagen Atlas
When you're in the market for a new ride, let our Volvo XC90 vs. VW Atlas comparison guide help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and needs.
The Volvo XC90 is a refined, well-rounded midsize SUV with room for the whole family. With its stylish looks, wealth of features, and spacious cabin, it has become a favorite among SUV drivers in our Quantrell Volvo Cars community. But it isn't alone in the three-row segment. Many consumers are beginning to consider its chief rival – the new Volkswagen Atlas.
The 2026 Volvo XC90 Vs. VW Atlas comparison highlights several similarities, including their three-row cabins and turbocharged engines. Still, the Volvo XC90 comes out on top in many key categories – especially after its incredible 2025.5 facelift. Explore our head-to-head comparison to see precisely how the Volvo XC90 SUV's reliability, performance, and features stack up against the Volkswagen Atlas. Then, if you like what you hear, contact or visit Quantrell Volvo Cars to experience this refined model in person.
Volvo XC90 vs. Volkswagen Atlas: Design & Styling
The Volvo XC90 design prioritizes clean, simple lines. Rather than sharp angles and bold flourishes, it opts for balance and minimalism. This is not to say that it does not offer a unique look – this SUV has distinctive Thor's Hammer headlights and a sleek profile that will earn you many an envious glance.
The Volkswagen Atlas design also keeps things fairly simple. The most significant difference is up front, where the Volkswagen's headlamps curve downward to partially frame its grille.
Volvo XC90 vs. Volkswagen Atlas: Trim Levels
Volvo XC90 Trims
- Volvo XC90 Core: The entry-level configuration comes standard with features like afterrun parking climate, interior high-level illumination, heated front and rear outboard seats, a four-zone climate system, Adaptive Cruise Control, and an 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen.
- Volvo XC90 Plus: The Plus equipment level comes with a 360-Degree Camera, Front and Rear Park Assist, a remote key, and a headlamp cleaner.
- Volvo XC90 Ultra: The Ultra equipment level comes with front-seat ventilation, Nappa leather upholstery, a Head-Up Display, and a Harman Kardon® premium sound system.
Volkswagen Atlas Trims
- Atlas SE: This model has leatherette upholstery, 18-inch wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats.
- Atlas SE with Technology: The second-level Atlas sports 20-inch wheels, an illuminated front lightbar, a remote start function, and Front and Rear Park Distance Control.
- Atlas Peak Edition: This mid-tier trim has unique Peak Edition styling inside and out. It also boasts a power sunroof and multicolor adjustable ambient lighting.
- Atlas SEL: SEL models are outfitted with leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and an upgraded 12-inch driver's display.
- Atlas SEL Premium R-Line: Top-tier VW Atlas SUVs have 21-inch wheels, Vienna leather seating surfaces, stainless steel pedal caps and footrests, and premium Harmon Kardon® sound systems.
Ultimately, determining whether a vehicle's amenities are right for you is a matter of personal preference. However, we find the Volvo model to be more luxuriously appointed than the VW Atlas trims, with unique designs like the crystal gear selector from Orrefors® helping to create an unforgettable experience. You can check out the Volvo XC90 interior in person at our dealership.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Volvo XC90: Performance & Specs
Knowing that your SUV promises quality performance to back up its styling and comfort is essential. The Volkswagen Atlas and Volvo XC90 both offer stout performance. However, while the Atlas is stuck with just a single powertrain, the Volvo XC90 provides a broader variety of options. In addition to the B6 powertrain listed in the chart above, which has greater horsepower and torque than the Volkswagen model, it also has two efficient powertrain choices.
Volvo XC90 Specs
The 2026 Volvo XC90 has three available powertrains. The base B5 AWD setup has a four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a mild-hybrid system, making a solid 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a standard all-wheel drive setup for all-weather traction and an automatic transmission. While it isn't the most muscular engine, it has enough punch to maneuver confidently in everyday driving situations. The B5 powertrain also yields an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)5 – giving the standard Volvo XC90 MPG superior efficiency ratings over the Volkswagen Atlas.
Moving up to the B6 AWD adds a supercharger to the powertrain. The result is an engine that produces 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This strength increase shaves nearly a second off the 0-60 MPH acceleration of the Volvo XC90. Again, all-wheel drive is standard. The B6 drivetrain also exceeds the combined fuel efficiency of the Volkswagen Atlas AWD engine, with an EPA-estimated 23 MPG (Combined).3
Finally, there's the T8 eAWD choice for the Volvo XC90 PHEV. It's a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 455 horsepower, 523 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA-estimated 32 miles6 electric-only range for driving around town. Need we say more?
Volvo XC90 SUVs are great for road trips, commuting, and everything in between.
Volkswagen Atlas Specs
The VW Atlas specs are more limited – in both selection and capability. It offers a lone engine – a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit making 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. That's more muscle than the base engine in the Volvo XC90. However, the Volvo XC90 also comes with two other engine options that are more powerful than those of the VW Atlas. The VW Atlas MPG estimations from the EPA also leave a bit to be desired – 22 MPG (Combined)4 when driven with the AWD setup for the SE and SE with Technology models.
Unlike the Volvo XC90, all-wheel drive is not standard on the Volkswagen Atlas. It has standard front-wheel drive, with an available all-wheel drive option for improved traction and efficiency. However, the standard drivetrain only barely edges out the Volvo XC90 B6 engine in the highway category, and doesn't come near its B5 rating; the Atlas earns an EPA-estimated maximum of 20/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).7
Volvo XC90 vs. Volkswagen Atlas: Dimensions
Both the Volkswagen Atlas and the new Volvo XC90 are midsize three-row SUVs, each providing three rows of seats and room for up to seven passengers with the right cabin configuration. There are some notable differences in dimensions, however.
The Volkswagen Atlas is larger than the Volvo XC90. It's more than 5 inches longer and a half-inch taller than the Volvo XC90 – making the VW Atlas interior slightly more roomy. However, this can mean that the Volvo model will have an easier time navigating tight city traffic or finding an appropriate parking space. At the same time, the Volvo SUV still creates a spacious interior, including a total cargo capacity of 85.7 cubic feet.
Volvo XC90 vs. VW Atlas Safety Rating
Finally, if you have any questions about Volvo XC90 reliability, we have several metrics to prove its viability. The Volvo XC90 comes with several standard safety features, from Park Assist to a Blind-Spot Monitor. These sensors, alongside the Volvo SUV's incredibly high-quality construction, earned the Volvo XC90 a Top Safety Pick+ award in 2025,8 and the new model year is also expected to perform well. The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas earned the Top Safety Pick award in 2025,9 – an impressive achievement, though it's not quite on par with the Volvo XC90's safety rating.
For more questions about this award's qualifications, please give us a call at your convenience. We'd love to talk to you about how the Volvo XC90 keeps you and your family safe on the interstate and busy city streets alike.
Test-Drive the New 2026 Volvo XC90
Ready to see the new Volvo XC90 for sale? Come visit us today at Quantrell Volvo Cars. Our team will happily get you into this luxury SUV for a test drive, and discuss options for making the financing stage smooth.
When in touch, remember to ask us how you can save through our Quantrell Volvo Cars Volvo XC90 lease and finance deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the interior quality and materials compare between the Volvo XC90 and Volkswagen Atlas?
The Volvo XC90 interior has more available premium materials than the Volkswagen Atlas interior. Volvo Cars offers the Volvo XC90 with optional trim appointments, including the luxurious genuine Gray Ash wood. The Ultra trim upgrade even comes with a tailored dashboard and door top panels. While the Volkswagen Atlas has plenty of comfort, it doesn't have the same level of luxury and refinement as the Volvo XC90.
How do the cargo space and practicality compare between the Volvo XC90 and Atlas?
The Volvo XC90 towing capacity holds its own against that of the Atlas. While the Atlas has a larger cargo area, the Volvo XC90 still performs well, with a total of 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space. It even accommodates 34.6 cubic feet of cargo with the third row folded down. It also lives up to the 5,000-pound VW Atlas towing capacity when properly equipped.
How do the safety features compare between the Volvo XC90 and the Volkswagen Atlas?
The safety features of the Volvo XC90 vs. VW Atlas are fairly similar across the board. Both Volvo Cars and Volkswagen care about the safety of drivers. The Volvo XC90, however, comes standard with technologies that are not found on entry-level Atlas SUVs, including Front and Rear Park Assist. Please contact us at Quantrell Volvo Cars to learn more about the Volvo XC90 SUV's safety features.
