Volkswagen Atlas
25 MPG The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is EPA-rated at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 600 gallons, $1920 a year in fuel, or $0.128 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2018–2027 run it averages 22 MPG, improving by 3 MPG over 10 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.120 | $1200 | $1800 | $2400 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.128 | $1280 | $1920 | $2560 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.140 | $1400 | $2100 | $2800 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.180 | $1800 | $2700 | $3600 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $2500 | 364 | 1 |
| 2026 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 390 | 1 |
| 2025 | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2850 | 402 | 1 |
| 2024 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 393 | 1 |
| 2023 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 24.5 | $2900 | 416 | 2 |
| 2022 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 24.5 | $2900 | 416 | 2 |
| 2021 | 20.5 MPG | 19 | 23.5 | $3075 | 431 | 2 |
| 2020 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 23.5 | $3075 | 435 | 2 |
| 2019 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 25 | $3075 | 424 | 2 |
| 2018 | 22 MPG | 20 | 25.5 | $2850 | 407 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 74 small sport utility vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Volkswagen Atlas ranks 45 on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Buick Envision FWD (26), Cadillac XT4 FWD (26), GMC Terrain FWD (26), Infiniti QX50 (26), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2WD (26).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 364 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Atlas get?
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is rated at 25 MPG combined by the EPA — 22 city and 29 highway. Across all 10 model years in the database it averages 22 MPG, ranging from 19 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Atlas cost in fuel per year?
At 25 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 600 gallons — roughly $1920 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.128 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2027 model is $2500.
Has the Volkswagen Atlas become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 22 MPG in 2018 to 25 in 2027 — an improvement of 3 MPG, or 14% across 10 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Atlas efficient for its class?
It ranks 45 of 74 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG. That is 9.8 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.