Compare the2023 Genesis GV80VS 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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Both the GV80 and Atlas have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The GV80 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Atlas’ child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the GV80 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Atlas doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Genesis GV80 has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Atlas doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The GV80 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Atlas doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the GV80. But it costs extra on the Atlas.

The GV80’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Atlas doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the GV80 and the Atlas have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Genesis GV80 is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	GV80	Atlas
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	24.1%	30%
Neck Stress	157 lbs.	412 lbs.
Neck Compression	25 lbs.	59 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	263	277
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	34%	39%
Neck Compression	65 lbs.	117 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Genesis GV80 is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	GV80	Atlas
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	29	57
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.5 inches
Hip Force	293 lbs.	345 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	70	144
Spine Acceleration	26 G’s	39 G’s
Hip Force	458 lbs.	527 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	41 G’s	51 G’s
Hip Force	640 lbs.	800 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the GV80 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 81 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Atlas was last a “Top Safety Pick Plus” in 2019 but no longer qualifies.

Warranty

The GV80 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The Atlas’ 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Genesis’ powertrain warranty covers the GV80 6 years and 50,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Atlas. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Atlas ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The GV80’s 7 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Atlas runs out after 100,000 miles.

Genesis pays for scheduled maintenance on the GV80 for 1 year and 16000 miles longer than Volkswagen pays for maintenance for the Atlas (3/36,000 vs. 2/20,000).

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Genesis fourth in initial quality, above the industry average. With 74 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 30th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Genesis fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 62 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 21st.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Genesis vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Genesis 19 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The GV80 2.5T’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 65 more horsepower (300 vs. 235) and 53 lbs.-ft. more torque (311 vs. 258) than the Atlas’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The GV80 2.5T’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 24 more horsepower (300 vs. 276) and 45 lbs.-ft. more torque (311 vs. 266) than the Atlas’ optional 3.6 DOHC V6. The GV80 3.5T’s standard 3.5 turbo V6 produces 99 more horsepower (375 vs. 276) and 125 lbs.-ft. more torque (391 vs. 266) than the Atlas’ optional 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Genesis GV80 is faster than the Volkswagen Atlas V6:

	GV80 2.5T	GV80 3.5T	Atlas
Zero to 60 MPH	6.1 sec	5.3 sec	7.9 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	16 sec	13.8 sec	20.2 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7 sec	6.1 sec	8.2 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.4 sec	3.1 sec	3.9 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.5 sec	4.1 sec	5.2 sec
Quarter Mile	14.6 sec	13.9 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	96 MPH	101 MPH	89 MPH
Top Speed	140 MPH	149 MPH	116 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GV80 gets better mileage than the Atlas:

			MPG
GV80
	AWD	2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/24 hwy
		3.5 turbo V6	18 city/23 hwy
Atlas
	FWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	17 city/23 hwy

The GV80 has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Atlas (21.1 vs. 18.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Genesis GV80 higher (5 out of 10) than the Volkswagen Atlas (3 to 5). This means the GV80 produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Atlas every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GV80’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Atlas:

	GV80 2.5T	GV80 3.5T	Atlas
Front Rotors	14.2 inches	14.9 inches	13.2 inches
Rear Rotors	14.2 inches	14.2 inches	12.2 inches

The GV80 stops much shorter than the Atlas:

	GV80	Atlas
70 to 0 MPH	163 feet	174 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	139 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GV80 has larger tires than the Atlas (265/40R22 vs. 245/60R18).

The GV80’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Atlas’ standard 60 series tires. The GV80’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GV80 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Atlas. The GV80’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels on the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line.

Suspension and Handling

The GV80 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Atlas’ suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The GV80 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the GV80 flat and controlled during cornering. The Atlas’ suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The GV80 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Atlas’ suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The GV80 offers an optional automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Atlas doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The GV80’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the Atlas’ (55.1% to 44.9%). This gives the GV80 more stable handling and braking.

The GV80 PRESTIGE handles at .86 G’s, while the Atlas SEL R-Line Black 4Motion pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GV80 PRESTIGE executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the Atlas SEL 4Motion (26.9 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the GV80’s turning circle is 1.2 feet tighter than the Atlas’ (39.3 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

For greater off-road capability the GV80 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Atlas 2.0T (8.1 vs. 7.1 inches), allowing the GV80 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The GV80’s minimum ground clearance is .6 inch higher than on the Atlas V6 (8.1 vs. 7.5 inches).

Chassis

The GV80 is 6 inches shorter than the Atlas, making the GV80 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the GV80 3.5T has a liquid-filled front engine mount. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The Atlas uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The GV80 Prestige uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Atlas doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the GV80 PRESTIGE is quieter than the Atlas SEL R-Line Black 4Motion (74 vs. 76 dB).

Passenger Space

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GV80’s middle and third row seats recline. The Atlas’ third row seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

Pressing a button automatically lowers the GV80’s second row seats and pressing a button automatically lowers or raises the third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Atlas doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

The GV80’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Atlas’ (6000 vs. 2000 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the GV80 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Atlas. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The GV80’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Atlas doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The GV80 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Atlas doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the GV80 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Atlas only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The GV80’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Atlas has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The GV80 has standard front air conditioned seats and offers them optionally in the second row. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Atlas doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats for the second row.

The GV80 has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Atlas SEL.

The GV80 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Atlas.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Genesis GV80 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Atlas.

The GV80’s optional Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Smart Parking Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Atlas SEL Premium’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park and it doesn’t offer remote control parking.

Recommendations

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GV80 second among upper midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Atlas isn’t in the top three.

The GV80 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” in 2021. The Atlas has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

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