2021 GMC Acadia vs. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 GMC Acadia and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 GMC Acadia and the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas.
When we compare the 2021 GMC Acadia's and the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas's specifications and ratings, the 2021 GMC Acadia has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 GMC Acadia's and the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is a better car than the 2021 GMC Acadia.
Pricing: A used 2021 GMC Acadia ranges from $24,373 to $37,992 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is priced between $23,043 to $36,553.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 GMC Acadia loses 50.2 percent of its value and the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas loses 48.2 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas retains 1.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 GMC Acadia.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the GMC Acadia is 8.5 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Atlas' quality rating is 7.4 out of 10. This results in the GMC Acadia being ranked 12 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Volkswagen Atlas being ranked 26 out of 39. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the GMC Acadia is ranked 14 and the Volkswagen Atlas is ranked 20. The GMC Acadia is also ranked 19 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Volkswagen Atlas is ranked 44 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the GMC Acadia is 8.4 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Atlas the reliability rating is 5.7 out of 10. This gives the GMC Acadia an advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Atlas.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 GMC Acadia’s base engine makes 193 horsepower, and the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas base engine makes 235 horsepower. The Acadia is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles. The Atlas is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. This gives the 2021 GMC Acadia the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has the advantage of offering more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 GMC Acadia has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has higher safety ratings than the 2021 GMC Acadia, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.88 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,545
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$30,487
Price Range:
$24,373 - $37,992
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
621
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
55,111
# Good or Great Deals:
252
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$29,305
Price Range:
$23,043 - $36,553
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,183
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
51,163
# Good or Great Deals:
593
GMC Acadia Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
9.8 / 10
Volkswagen Atlas Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
5.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 GMC Acadia
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
26.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
21.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
GMC Acadia Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 16Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 28Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 30Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
58 out of / 59Ranking
62 out of / 67Volkswagen Atlas Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 28Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 59Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
60 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 GMC Acadia Trim Levels
AT4, Denali, SL, SLE, SLT
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SEL 4Motion, SEL Premium 4Motion, V6 SE, V6 SE 4Motion, V6 SE R-Line, V6 SE R-Line 4Motion, V6 SEL, V6 SEL 4Motion, V6 SEL Premium 4Motion, V6 SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion, V6 SEL R-Line, V6 SEL R-Line 4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.88 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
188 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
399 / 513 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 24 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
391 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
12.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
156.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Cargo Space:
20.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
96.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
174.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3923 lbs
Width:
75.4 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
193.4 inches
Wheelbase:
112.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4248 lbs
Width:
78.4 inches
Height:
70.1 inches
Length:
200.7 inches
Wheelbase:
117.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
White
Summit White
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
White
Pure White
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Tourmaline Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
