Compare the2025 Volkswagen AtlasVS 2025 Genesis GV80

Compared to metal, the Atlas’ plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Genesis GV80 has a metal gas tank.

Both the Atlas and the GV80 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, lane departure warning systems, 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 Volkswagen Atlas is safer than the Genesis GV80:

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 Volkswagen Atlas is safer than the Genesis GV80:

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

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Atlas is .4% to 3.3% less likely to roll over than the GV80.

There are almost 3 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Genesis dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Atlas’ warranty.

The Volkswagen Atlas’ engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the GV80’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

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

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Atlas uses regular unleaded gasoline. The GV80 2.5T requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Atlas stops shorter than the GV80:

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Atlas is 1.1 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than on the GV80.

The Atlas 4Motion handles at .84 G’s, while the GV80 Advanced pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Atlas has 14 cubic feet more passenger volume than the GV80 (154 vs. 140).

The Atlas has 1.1 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom, 1.3 inches more front shoulder room, 2 inches more rear headroom, 2.3 inches more rear shoulder room, 4 inches more third row headroom, 3.4 inches more third row legroom and 1.7 inches more third row shoulder room than the GV80.

The Atlas’ cargo area provides more volume than the GV80.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Atlas easier. The Atlas’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.7 inches, while the GV80’s liftover is 31.7 inches.

The Atlas’ cargo area is larger than the GV80’s in every dimension:

The Atlas has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The GV80 doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

Standard trailer stability control on the Atlas uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The GV80 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

If the windows are left open on the Atlas the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the GV80 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Atlas SEL to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The GV80 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Atlas’ headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the GV80’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Atlas offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The GV80 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The Atlas also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The Atlas is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The GV80 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Volkswagen Atlas outsold the Genesis GV80 by almost five to one during 2023.