Compare the2025 GMC YukonVS 2024 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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Both the Yukon and Atlas have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Yukon 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 Yukon 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.

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the Yukon Ultimate helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The Atlas doesn’t offer a night vision system.

The Yukon’s optional 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 Yukon 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, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available all wheel drive.

The GMC Yukon weighs 939 to 1601 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 GMC Yukon is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	Yukon	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 GMC Yukon is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	Yukon	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

GMC’s powertrain warranty covers the Yukon 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 3 times as many GMC dealers as there are Volkswagen dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Yukon’s warranty.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that GMC vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. With 40 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks GMC higher than Volkswagen.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that GMC vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen With 61 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks GMC higher than Volkswagen.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that GMC vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks GMC 3 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The Yukon’s standard 5.3 V8 produces 86 more horsepower (355 vs. 269) and 110 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 273) than the Atlas’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Yukon’s optional 6.2 V8 produces 151 more horsepower (420 vs. 269) and 187 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 273) than the Atlas’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

The Yukon’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 36 more horsepower (305 vs. 269) and 222 lbs.-ft. more torque (495 vs. 273) than the Atlas’ 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the GMC Yukon 5.3 V8 is faster than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	Yukon	Atlas
Zero to 60 MPH	7.2 sec	7.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.5 sec	15.7 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

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

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

The Yukon 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 GMC Yukon, 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 Yukon’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Atlas:

	Yukon	Yukon	Atlas
Front Rotors	13.5 inches	16.1 inches	13.2 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	13.6 inches	12.2 inches

The Yukon stops much shorter than the Atlas:

	Yukon	Atlas
60 to 0 MPH	129 feet	139 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Yukon has larger standard tires than the Atlas (275/60R20 vs. 245/60R18). The Yukon Denali’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Atlas (285/40R24 vs. 265/45R21).

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

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Yukon has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Atlas SE/Peak Edition. The Yukon Denali’s optional 24-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels on the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line.

The GMC Yukon’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 Yukon 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 Yukon 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 Yukon 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 Yukon AT4/Denali has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Atlas doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Yukon’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 Yukon is 1.4 inches wider in the front and .5 inches wider in the rear than on the Atlas.

For better maneuverability, the Yukon’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Atlas’ (39.5 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Yukon Denali Ultimate has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Atlas (7.3 vs. 6.3 inches), allowing the Yukon to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Yukon AT4 Ultimate Air Ride’s minimum ground clearance is 3.7 inches higher than on the Atlas (10 vs. 6.3 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the Yukon 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.

Passenger Space

The Yukon offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the Atlas can only carry 7.

The Yukon has 14.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Atlas (168.3 vs. 154).

The Yukon has 1 inch more front headroom, 2.8 inches more front legroom, 3.1 inches more front hip room, 4 inches more front shoulder room, 4.4 inches more rear legroom, 2.7 inches more rear hip room, 4.2 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 Yukon’s cargo area provides more volume than the Atlas.

	Yukon	Atlas
Behind Third Seat	25.5 cubic feet	20.6 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	72.5 cubic feet	55.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	121.7 cubic feet	96.6 cubic feet

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

	Yukon	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 Yukon’s 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 Yukon’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Atlas’ (7500 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Volkswagen Atlas is only 5000 pounds. The Yukon offers up to a 8200 lbs. towing capacity.

The Yukon 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 Yukon can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Atlas can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Yukon has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Atlas (1510 vs. 1091 lbs.).

The Yukon has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the Atlas (1540 vs. 1135 lbs.).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Yukon is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Atlas. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The Yukon’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 Yukon’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.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Yukon’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Atlas doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its Car-Net can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Yukon 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 Yukon’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 GMC Yukon has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Atlas SEL Premium.

Optional air conditioned front and second row seats keep the Yukon’s passengers comfortable and take the sting out of hot leather in summer. The Atlas doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats for the second row.

The Yukon Ultimate has standard massaging front and rear seats (rear massaging seats optional on Denali Ultimate). Massaging seats aren’t available in the Atlas.

The GMC Yukon has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the infotainment. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Volkswagen charges extra for Homelink® on the Atlas.

The Yukon’s 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 R-Line’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

Economic Advantages

The Yukon will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Yukon will retain 53.72% to 56.98% of its original price after five years, while the Atlas only retains 50.34% to 51.84%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Yukon is less expensive to operate than the Atlas because typical repairs cost much less on the Yukon 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 $583 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Yukon 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.

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