Compare the2023 BMW X5VS 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The X5’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Atlas doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The BMW X5 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help 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 X5 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Atlas doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The X5’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 X5 and the Atlas have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and 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 BMW X5 is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	X5	Atlas
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	209	307
Neck Stress	308 lbs.	412 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	35%	39%
Neck Compression	91 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 BMW X5 is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	X5	Atlas
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	279 lbs.	345 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	48	144
Spine Acceleration	30 G’s	39 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	44 G’s	51 G’s
Hip Force	796 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 available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X5 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 162 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Atlas last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2019.

Warranty

The X5’s corrosion warranty is 5 years and unlimited miles longer than the Atlas’ (12/unlimited vs. 7/100,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 for 1 year and 16000 miles longer than Volkswagen pays for maintenance for the Atlas (3/36,000 vs. 2/20,000).

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X5’s reliability 17 points higher than the Atlas.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X5 third among upper midsize premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Atlas isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 65 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volkswagen is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 12 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The X5 40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 100 more horsepower (335 vs. 235) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 258) than the Atlas’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X5 40i’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 59 more horsepower (335 vs. 276) and 65 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 266) than the Atlas’ optional 3.6 DOHC V6. The X5 M50i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 247 more horsepower (523 vs. 276) and 287 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 266) than the Atlas’ optional 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the X5 40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Volkswagen Atlas V6:

	X5	Atlas
Zero to 30 MPH	1.7 sec	2.9 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	4.8 sec	7.9 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	12.5 sec	20.2 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	5.8 sec	8.2 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	2.9 sec	3.9 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	3.7 sec	5.2 sec
Quarter Mile	13.5 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	103 MPH	89 MPH
Top Speed	129 MPH	116 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the X5 gets better mileage than the Atlas:

			MPG
X5
	RWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/26 hwy
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/25 hwy
Atlas
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/25 hwy
		3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/23 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/24 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the X5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Atlas doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X5 has 3.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Atlas (21.9 vs. 18.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

The X5’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Atlas doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Atlas:

	X5 xDrive40i	X5 M Sport	Atlas
Front Rotors	13.7 inches	15.6 inches	13.2 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	14.6 inches	12.2 inches

The X5 stops much shorter than the Atlas:

	X5	Atlas
70 to 0 MPH	170 feet	174 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	127 feet	139 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X5 has larger standard tires than the Atlas (265/50R19 vs. 245/60R18). The X5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Atlas (F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 265/45R21).

The X5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Atlas’ standard 60 series tires. The X5’s optional 275/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X5 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Atlas. The X5’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels on the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the X5 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Atlas doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The X5 M50i offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Atlas doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The X5 M50i offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Volkswagen doesn’t offer an active suspension on the Atlas.

The X5 has a standard 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 X5’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.2% to 49.8%) than the Atlas’ (55.1% to 44.9%). This gives the X5 more stable handling and braking.

The X5 xDrive40i handles at .89 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 X5 xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.1 seconds quicker than the Atlas SEL 4Motion (25.8 seconds @ .75 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X5 has a 1.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Atlas 2.0T (8.7 vs. 7.1 inches), allowing the X5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X5’s minimum ground clearance is 1.2 inches higher than on the Atlas V6 (8.7 vs. 7.5 inches).

Chassis

The X5 is 6.4 inches shorter than the Atlas, making the X5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the X5 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Atlas doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the X5 xDrive40i is quieter than the Atlas SEL R-Line Black 4Motion:

	X5	Atlas
At idle	39 dB	41 dB
Full-Throttle	71 dB	76 dB
70 MPH Cruising	64 dB	68 dB

Cargo Capacity

The X5 has a much larger cargo volume than the Atlas with its rear seat up (33.9 vs. 20.6 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X5’s second row seats and pressing a button automatically lowers the X5’s optional third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Atlas doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The X5’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The Atlas’ rear cargo window doesn’t open.

Towing

The X5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Atlas’ (5952 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Volkswagen Atlas is only 5000 pounds. The X5 offers up to a 7209 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the X5 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.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Volkswagen. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 33% lower rating, Volkswagen is ranked 28th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Atlas SEL, the X5 M50i has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The X5’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Atlas doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The X5 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning 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.

The X5’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 X5 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Atlas.

The X5’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Atlas SEL Premium’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the X5 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the X5 with a number “1” insurance rate while the Atlas is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the X5 is less expensive to operate than the Atlas because it costs $27 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the X5 than the Atlas, including $1 less for a water pump and $33 less for a starter.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X5 and the Volkswagen Atlas, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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