Compare the2023 Volvo XC90VS 2023 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
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/12/21

For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Volvo XC90 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Volkswagen Atlas doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row seat belts.

The XC90’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.

For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Volvo XC90 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Volkswagen Atlas doesn’t offer height-adjustable middle seat belts.

Both the XC90 and Atlas have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The XC90 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.

The Volvo XC90 offers an optional built in child booster seat. It’s more crash worthy than an added child seat because of its direct attachment to the seat. Volkswagen doesn’t offer the convenience and security of a built-in child booster seat in the Atlas. Their owners must carry a heavy booster seat in and out of the vehicle; XC90 owners can just fold their built-in child seat up or down.

The Volvo XC90 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.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the XC90 deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The XC90’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Atlas’ side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The XC90 has a standard Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WHIPS allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. At the same time the pretensioning seatbelts fire, removing slack from the belts. The Atlas doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the XC90. But it costs extra on the Atlas.

The XC90’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 XC90 and the Atlas have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, 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 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 Volvo XC90 is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	XC90	Atlas
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	137	307
Neck Injury Risk	27%	30%
Neck Stress	252 lbs.	412 lbs.
Neck Compression	18 lbs.	59 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	217	277
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	31%	39%
Neck Compression	25 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 Volvo XC90 is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	XC90	Atlas
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	51	57
Hip Force	255 lbs.	345 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	94	144
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	14 inches
HIC	209	279
Spine Acceleration	29 G’s	51 G’s
Hip Force	383 lbs.	800 lbs.

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

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the XC90 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 29 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Atlas was last a “Top Safety Pick Plus” in 2019 but no longer qualifies.

Warranty

The XC90’s corrosion warranty is 5 years and unlimited miles longer than the Atlas’ (12/unlimited vs. 7/100,000).

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC90 for 1 year and 16000 miles longer than Volkswagen pays for maintenance for the Atlas (3/36,000 vs. 2/20,000).

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the XC90 has a standard 800-amp battery. The Atlas’ 680-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the XC90 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the XC90’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Atlas’ battery is in the hot engine compartment.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Volvo vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Volvo 9 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The XC90 has more powerful engines than the Atlas:

	Horsepower	Torque
XC90 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	247 HP	258 lbs.-ft.
XC90 B6 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid	295 HP	310 lbs.-ft.
XC90 T8 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid	455 HP	523 lbs.-ft.
Atlas 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	235 HP	258 lbs.-ft.
Atlas 3.6 DOHC V6	276 HP	266 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Car and Driver the XC90 B6 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder is faster than the Volkswagen Atlas V6:

	XC90	Atlas
Zero to 30 MPH	2.3 sec	2.9 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6 sec	7.9 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	15.5 sec	20.2 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7.1 sec	8.2 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.4 sec	3.9 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.6 sec	5.2 sec
Quarter Mile	14.6 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97 MPH	89 MPH
Top Speed	132 MPH	116 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the XC90 running on electricity gets better mileage than the Atlas:

			MPGe
XC90
	AWD	Extended Range Electric Motor	64 city/68 hwy
		T8 Electric Motor	58 city/53 hwy
Atlas
			MPG
	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

On the EPA test cycle the XC90 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Atlas:

			MPG
XC90
	AWD	2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl. Hybrid	26 city/28 hwy
		Extended Range 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl. Hybrid	25 city/27 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/28 hwy
		2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl.	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

The XC90 can travel with zero emissions for 18 to 36 miles (dependent on model). The Atlas can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the XC90’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Atlas doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The XC90 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.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volvo XC90 higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Volkswagen Atlas (3 to 5). This means the XC90 produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Atlas every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XC90’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Atlas:

	XC90 B5/B6	XC90 T8 Plus	Atlas
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	14.4 inches	13.2 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	13.4 inches	12.2 inches

The XC90 stops much shorter than the Atlas:

	XC90	Atlas
70 to 0 MPH	167 feet	174 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	113 feet	139 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XC90’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Atlas (275/45R20 vs. 265/45R21).

The XC90’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 XC90’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XC90 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Atlas. The XC90’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels on the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line.

Suspension and Handling

The XC90 offers an available 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 XC90 Ultimate has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The XC90’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.

The XC90’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.7% to 48.3%) than the Atlas’ (55.1% to 44.9%). This gives the XC90 more stable handling and braking.

The XC90 B6 Core handles at .85 G’s, while the Atlas SEL 4Motion pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The XC90 B6 Core executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the Atlas SEL 4Motion (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the XC90’s turning circle is .8 feet tighter than the Atlas’ (39.7 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

For greater off-road capability the XC90 has a 1.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Atlas 2.0T (8.8 vs. 7.1 inches), allowing the XC90 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The XC90 w/Air Suspension’s minimum ground clearance is 2.4 inches higher than on the Atlas V6 (9.9 vs. 7.5 inches).

Chassis

The XC90 is 5.7 inches shorter than the Atlas, making the XC90 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the XC90 B6 Core is quieter than the Atlas SEL R-Line Black 4Motion (71 vs. 76 dB).

Passenger Space

The front step up height for the XC90 is 2.2 inches lower than the Atlas (15.8” vs. 18”). The XC90’s rear step up height is 2 inches lower than the Atlas’ (16” vs. 18”).

Cargo Capacity

The XC90 has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The Atlas doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

A control in the cargo area automatically lowers or raises the XC90’s optional third row seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The Atlas doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Payload and Towing

The XC90’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Atlas’ (4000 vs. 2000 pounds).

Standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) on the XC90 uses the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control 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 XC90 has a higher standard payload capacity than the Atlas (1210 vs. 1113 lbs.).

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Atlas SEL, the XC90 Ultimate has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The XC90’s standard Easy Ingress and Egress Seat 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 XC90 offers an optional 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 XC90 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.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XC90 offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Atlas doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The XC90’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 XC90 Ultimate 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 Volvo XC90 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Atlas.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the XC90 is less expensive to operate than the Atlas because it costs $37 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the XC90 than the Atlas, including $356 less for a muffler, $107 less for a starter, $102 less for fuel injection, $158 less for front struts, $871 less for a timing belt/chain and $61 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

The Car Book by Jack Gillis recommends the Volvo XC90, based on economy, maintenance, safety and complaint levels.

Motor Trend selected the XC90 as their 2016 Sport Utility of the Year. The Atlas has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the XC90 as the 2016 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The Atlas has never been chosen.

See Available Inventory