Whether you’re looking for a family vehicle or just want extra room for your next adventure, there’s no shortage of mid-size SUVs on the market right now. But if your top choice right now is a 2024 Honda Pilot: stop! After you read our comparison of the Honda Pilot vs VW Atlas 2024 models, decide for yourself which is the top-performing, mid-size SUV.
2024 Honda Pilot: Features & specs
We’re living in an exciting time for mid-size SUVs, as there are so many strong options on the market. The Honda Pilot certainly meets those baseline standards but doesn’t really stand out from the crowd.
The Pilot’s 285-hp V-6 engine is perfectly fine. Most buyers, however, find themselves needing to upgrade their trim level just to have the features they want—the base trim for the Pilot is pretty bare-bones.
In terms of new features for 2024, the Pilot offers no noteworthy updates.
Engine & performance
The 2024 Honda Pilot sports a 3.5-L V-6 engine that offers 285-hp and 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel drive is optional.
Towing & payload
If you add all-wheel drive to the 2024 Pilot, its maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. For front-wheel drive, that drops to 3,500.
Fuel economy
According to the EPA, the 2024 Honda Pilot’s fuel economy is 19 mpg city and 27 highway.
Interior features
The interior of the Pilot meets most of the standard expectations users have surrounding functionality and comfort. All models seat up to eight passengers, but the EX-L trim has the option of replacing the middle bench with captain’s chairs. The Touring and Elite trims can remove the middle seat and store it when not needed. The Pilot also includes reasonable storage space.
Infotainment & connectivity
The 2024 Honda Pilot includes a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster as standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. There’s the option to size up the touchscreen to 9.0-in, and the gauge cluster to 10.2-in. The high-end trims come equipped with a 12-speaker Bose setup.
Safety features
Standard safety features on the Pilot include:
- Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlamps
Warranty & maintenance
There’s nothing special about the Pilot’s warranty: limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles, and powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles. Honda also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.
2024 VW Atlas: Features & specs
Now let’s dive into the 2024 VW Atlas, which offers a powerful turbocharged engine, a spacious interior, storage space, and a range of trim levels that allow you to customize the vehicle to your specific needs.
In terms of new, 2024-specific features, the Atlas has received a stylish makeover and host of new standard equipment. There’s an updated front fascia and new headlights, updated wheel designs across the whole lineup, and the standard turbocharged inline-four powertrain. Other standard features for 2024 are a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats, as well as a standard 12.0-inch infotainment screen.
Engine & performance
The 2024 VW Atlas offers the same engine across all trims: a 2.0-L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but there’s the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive. With this powertrain, the Atlas can hit an impressive 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is faster than the previous V-6 option.
Towing capacity
The VW Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Unlike the Pilot, you don’t have to install the all-wheel drive to reach this max towing capacity.
Fuel economy
According to the EPA, the standard fuel economy for the Atlas is 20 mpg city and 27 highway, although this varies based on drivetrain customizations.
Interior Features
The 2024 VW Atlas has a very practical setup—straightforward controls, plenty of cupholders, and a third row that comfortably seats adults. There are also plenty of storage nooks to stow smaller items, and the interior easily fits four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 38 behind the first.
Infotainment & connectivity
The VW Atlas comes standard with a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include a six-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging, and six USB ports.
Safety features
The VW Atlas includes a range of safety features that rival virtually all their competitors. These include:
- Forward-collision warning
- Automated emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-centering
Warranty & maintenance
Volkswagen offers an impressive limited warranty covering four years or 50,000 miles. Additionally, the powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000, and complimentary maintenance covers two years or 20,000 miles.
Honda Pilot vs VW Atlas 2024: Go with the Volkswagen
If you’re still on the fence, here’s our final comparison of the Honda Pilot vs VW Atlas 2024 models:
- Engine and performance. The VW Atlas features a turbocharged, 2.0-L four-cylinder under the hood, while the Honda Pilot only features a standard V6.
- Towing capacity. Both makes and models offer a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
- Interior features. Both vehicles include ample seating and storage for whatever you need.
- Infotainment. The Atlas features a standard 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display, compared with the standard 7.0-in and max 9.0-in for the Pilot.
- Safety features. The VW Atlas features a wider range of safety features, which can offer greater peace of mind whether you’re driving around town or going on a longer adventure.
- Price. Both SUVs are comparable in terms of price, with an MSRP between $37-38K.
As you can see the Atlas edges out the Pilot in key areas, including safety features. As such, we highly recommend moving forward with the Atlas. And if you’re in the Rockford, IL, area and need someone to help you choose the right one for your needs, reach out to Lou Bachrodt Volkswagen today.
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