Compare the2023 Chevrolet TahoeVS 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

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

Safety

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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 Tahoe 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 Tahoe (except LS with front bench seat) 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.

Both the Tahoe 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, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The Chevrolet Tahoe weighs 861 to 1649 pounds more than the Volkswagen Atlas. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

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

	Tahoe	Atlas
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	146	307
Neck Injury Risk	23%	30%
Neck Stress	312 lbs.	412 lbs.
Neck Compression	51 lbs.	59 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	233	277
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.7 inches
Neck Compression	66 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 Chevrolet Tahoe is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	Tahoe	Atlas
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	25	57
Hip Force	118 lbs.	345 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	88	144
Spine Acceleration	24 G’s	39 G’s
Hip Force	248 lbs.	527 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	239	279
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	51 G’s
Hip Force	764 lbs.	800 lbs.

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

Warranty

Chevrolet’s powertrain warranty covers the Tahoe 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Atlas. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Atlas ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 5 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Volkswagen dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Tahoe’s warranty.

Reliability

The Tahoe has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Atlas doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Tahoe has a standard 730-amp battery (850 Diesel). The Atlas’ 680-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Tahoe first among large 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 Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 83 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 long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 21 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 Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet 7 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The Tahoe’s standard 5.3 V8 produces 120 more horsepower (355 vs. 235) and 125 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 258) than the Atlas’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Tahoe’s 5.3 V8 produces 79 more horsepower (355 vs. 276) and 117 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 266) than the Atlas’ optional 3.6 DOHC V6. The Tahoe’s optional 6.2 V8 produces 144 more horsepower (420 vs. 276) and 194 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 266) than the Atlas’ optional 3.6 DOHC V6.

The Tahoe’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 42 more horsepower (277 vs. 235) and 202 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 258) than the Atlas’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Tahoe’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 1 more horsepower (277 vs. 276) and 194 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 266) than the Atlas’ optional 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3 V8 is faster than the Volkswagen Atlas V6:

	Tahoe	Atlas
Zero to 60 MPH	7.5 sec	7.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.8 sec	16 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPG
Tahoe
	RWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Diesel	21 city/28 hwy
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Diesel	20 city/26 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

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Tahoe V8’s fuel efficiency. The Atlas doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Tahoe has 5.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Atlas (24 vs. 18.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Tahoe has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Atlas doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Chevrolet Tahoe, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Atlas.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	Tahoe	Atlas
Front Rotors	13.5 inches	13.2 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	12.2 inches

The Tahoe stops shorter than the Atlas:

	Tahoe	Atlas
60 to 0 MPH	134 feet	139 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Tahoe has larger standard tires than the Atlas (265/65R18 vs. 245/60R18). The Tahoe’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Atlas (275/50R22 vs. 265/45R21).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Tahoe offers optional 22-inch wheels. The Atlas’ largest wheels are only 21-inches.

The Chevrolet Tahoe’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Volkswagen Atlas only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Tahoe has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Atlas doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Tahoe has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Atlas; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

The Tahoe 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 Tahoe Z71/High Country has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Tahoe’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Atlas doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Tahoe’s wheelbase is 3.6 inches longer than on the Atlas (120.9 inches vs. 117.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Tahoe is 1.5 inches wider in the front and .7 inches wider in the rear than on the Atlas.

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

For better maneuverability, the Tahoe’s turning circle is 2.4 feet tighter than the Atlas’ (38.1 feet vs. 40.5 feet). The Tahoe w/20-22 inch wheels’ turning circle is .8 feet tighter than the Atlas’ (39.7 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Tahoe has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Atlas 2.0T (8 vs. 7.1 inches), allowing the Tahoe to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Tahoe Z71 Air Ride’s minimum ground clearance is 2.5 inches higher than on the Atlas V6 (10 vs. 7.5 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the Tahoe (except Diesel) 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 while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the Tahoe Z71 4x4 is quieter than the Atlas SEL R-Line Black 4Motion (66 vs. 68 dB).

Passenger Space

The Tahoe offers optional seating for 9 passengers; the Atlas can only carry 7.

The Tahoe has 14.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Atlas (168.3 vs. 153.7).

The Tahoe has 1 inch more front headroom, 2.8 inches more front legroom, 3.3 inches more front hip room, 4.5 inches more front shoulder room, 4.4 inches more rear legroom, 3.3 inches more rear hip room, 4 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.2 inches more third row legroom, 4.3 inches more third row hip room and 7.8 inches more third row shoulder room than the Atlas.

Cargo Capacity

The Tahoe’s cargo area provides more volume than the Atlas.

	Tahoe	Atlas
Behind Third Seat	25.5 cubic feet	20.6 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	72.6 cubic feet	55.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	122.9 cubic feet	96.8 cubic feet

The Tahoe’s cargo area is larger than the Atlas’ in almost every dimension:

	Tahoe	Atlas
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	24”/54”/89.5”	23.8”/53”/85”
Max Width	49.5”	61.6”
Min Width	49.4”	45”
Height	36.5”	37.5”

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the Tahoe’s (not available on LS) optional second row seats and pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Atlas doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Payload and Towing

The Tahoe’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Atlas’ (7700 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Volkswagen Atlas is only 5000 pounds. The Tahoe offers up to a 8400 lbs. towing capacity.

The Tahoe 4WD with optional equipment can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Tahoe can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Atlas can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Tahoe uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Atlas doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Tahoe has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Atlas (1746 vs. 1113 lbs.).

The Tahoe has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the Atlas (1834 vs. 1113 lbs.).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Tahoe 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 Tahoe LT/RST/Z71/Premier/High Country’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Atlas doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Tahoe’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Atlas does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Tahoe (except LS/LT/RST/Z71) offers an available heads-up display that projects speed, 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.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Tahoe 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 Tahoe LT/RST/Z71/Premier/High Country’s standard rear view mirror and optional 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 Tahoe Premier/High Country’s optional Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist 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

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Tahoe is less expensive to operate than the Atlas because typical repairs cost much less on the Tahoe than the Atlas, including $250 less for a water pump, $31 less for front brake pads, $419 less for a starter, $153 less for fuel injection, $278 less for front struts, $168 less for a timing belt/chain and $713 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Tahoe second among large 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 Chevrolet Tahoe outsold the Volkswagen Atlas by 876 units during 2020.