Volkswagen Atlas vs. Audi Q7: Which SUV Is Better?

Two titans of German engineering square off: the Volkswagen Atlas versus the Audi Q7. Both expansive SUVs make a muscular statement while seating seven passengers in refined comfort. 

Volkswagen Atlas

Regarded as Volkswagen’s best family SUV, the fully-redesigned Atlas impresses with a roomier interior, bolder styling, and upgraded tech. New is an athletic 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine churning out 265hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, promising great acceleration. This powertrain pairs with a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission and is also available in a 4MOTION® all-wheel drive (AWD).

The interior of the Atlas balances sleek touches with ambient lighting and 30-color customizable gauges. Tri-zone climate controls, power-folding third row seats (seating up to seven people), and expansive cargo room give the Atlas incredible day-to-day flexibility. Notably, Volkswagen made active safety features like automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control standard across the lineup. Trim options include the Atlas SE, SE with Technology, Peak Edition SE with Technology, SEL, Peak Edition SEL, and the SEL Premium R-Line.

Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is a luxurious and refined SUV that offers a more upscale driving experience. It features a sleek and aerodynamic design with an iconic Audi grille and LED headlights. The interior of the Q7 is spacious and well-designed, featuring premium materials such as leather seats and built-in navigation. 

The Q7 is available with a more powerful 3.0L engine, providing a higher level of performance compared to the Atlas. However, it comes at a higher price, with a starting price between $59,500 and $90,400 for a new model, compared to the Atlas's price range of $37,725 to $52,4555. The choice between the Atlas and the Q7 ultimately depends on whether you prioritize space and affordability or a more luxurious driving experience.

When comparing the dimensions of the Audi Q7 and VW Atlas, the Volkswagen Atlas is larger than its Audi Q7 counterpart. The Atlas measures 200.7 inches in length, while the Audi Q7 stretches out to 199.3 inches. In terms of width and height, the VW Atlas also surpasses the Audi Q7, offering 78.4 inches of width and 70.1 inches of height, whereas the Audi Q7 provides 77.6 inches of width and 68.5 inches of height.

This difference in size contributes to the Atlas's more robust and boxy appearance, while the Q7 features a sleek and aerodynamic design with Audi’s iconic grille and LED headlights, contributing to its premium appearance.

Additionally, the Atlas has available hands-free easy open and close remote power rear liftgate, available illuminated front and rear VW emblem and LED taillights, and LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS).

VW Atlas interior

The Atlas prioritizes versatility and family-focused flexibility inside. Tri-zone automatic climate control lets passengers dial in customized comfort zones. Power-folding third-row seats expand cargo space when needed or accommodate extra passengers with room to spare. Plush leatherette or Nappa leather upholstery options add durability or luxury depending on trim selections. Tech-savvy features also impress, like the customizable Digital Cockpit gauge display, Fender premium audio, integrated navigation, and app connectivity.

Audi Q7 interior 

As Audi's flagship SUV, indulgence takes center stage within the lavish Q7 cabin. Available upgrades like massaging front seats, heated rear seats, leather everything, and quad-zone climate control coddle occupants in comfort. Conveniences like wireless charging, illuminated door sills and an Alcantara headliner elevate the sophistication as well. Large MMI touchscreens streamline access to navigation prompts, media playlists, and vehicle settings, while a Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System envelops passengers in crisp, concert-like audio.

The following table summarizes a few notable interior specifications.

When it comes to space, the Volkswagen Atlas has the Audi Q7 beat. It generously offers 96 cubic feet of cargo room in the back, not to mention more headroom and shoulder room all around, making it a perfect companion for all your adventures and errands.

If you're after a taste of luxury, the Audi Q7 is the one to beat. Its interior is all about opulence, with genuine leather seats and a high-tech dual-screen infotainment system. The Virtual Digital Cockpit brings a futuristic twist to your driving experience.

On the flip side, the Volkswagen Atlas takes a more practical approach without compromising on comfort or style. Its seats are draped in resilient synthetic leather, and a straightforward 6.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system keeps everything at your fingertips.  

The Volkswagen Atlas offers over 96 cu.-ft. of rear cargo room, while the Audi Q7's maximum cargo capacity is 69.6 cu.-ft. In terms of towing capacity, the Atlas can tow up to 5,000 lbs., while an available towing package for the Q7 offers an impressive towing capacity of up to 7,700 lbs., along with a tow hitch receiver and 7-pin connector. 

The following table provides a better understanding of how the fuel economy and performance of the Volkswagen Atlas and Audi Q7 compare.

VW Atlas driver assistance features

Volkswagen offers their advanced driver assistance technology-IQ.DRIVE-designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind. This technology is available in most Volkswagen vehicles and comes standard on the Volkswagen Arteon and ID.4 EV. IQ.DRIVE includes features such as Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Front Assist, Emergency Assist, and Lane Assist, all aimed at reducing stress and providing an intuitively easy ride from the highway to around town.

In addition to IQ.DRIVE, Volkswagen's Driver Assistance features include Area View, Park Distance Control with Maneuver Braking, Light Assist, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and Exit Warning System, further enhancing the driving experience and safety.

With the VW app, you can conveniently access tools and information, including service reminders, scheduling, maintenance schedules, roadside assistance requests, and remote commands when activated with VW Car-Net.

Audi Q7 driver assistance features

Audi also offers a range of advanced driver assistance features designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind. The Q7 comes with a variety of these features:

• Remote Park Assist Plus allows the vehicle to be automatically maneuvered in and out of perpendicular or parallel parking spaces via the myAudi app.
• Top View Camera System provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's exterior, alerting the driver to potential obstacles and assisting with parking. 
• Adaptive Cruise Assist with Lane Guidance maintains a time-distance setting to the vehicle ahead and helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. 
• Intersection Assist uses sensors to detect cross traffic when pulling through an intersection and can intervene via brief braking to warn the driver of a potential collision. 
• Audi Side Assist with Pre Sense Rear alerts the driver if a vehicle is in the blind spot and helps detect potential rear accidents.

The Volkswagen Atlas and Audi Q7 have different reliability ratings. 

How reliable is the Volkswagen Atlas?

The Volkswagen Atlas has a mixed reliability record. According to a long-term test by Car and Driver, the Atlas was a mostly reliable vehicle, although some issues were reported, such as the airbag light coming on and a leaking bevel box, which were addressed under the generous six-year or 72,000-mile warranty.  On the other hand, some owners have reported positive experiences with the Atlas, with no issues whatsoever.

How reliable is the Audi Q7?

According to iSeeCars, the reliability rating for the Audi Q7 is 7.9 out of 10, while the Volkswagen Atlas has a reliability rating of 5.7 out of 10. This gives the Audi Q7 an advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Atlas. Additionally, the Audi Q7 has a higher overall quality score and reliability rating compared to the Volkswagen Atlas. Therefore, the Audi Q7 is considered to be more reliable than the Volkswagen Atlas.

The Volkswagen Atlas and Audi Q7 are priced differently, with the base Q7 starting at more than $20,000 above the base MSRP for the Atlas, making the Volkswagen a clear favorite for budget-conscious buyers.

The starting price (MSRP) for the Audi Q7 Premium 45 TFSI quattro is $59,500, while the Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T SE FWD starts at $37,725. The Audi Q7 offers a range of trims and configurations, with the Premium Plus 45 TFSI quattro being one of the available options. The Volkswagen Atlas also comes in various trims, including the 2.0-liter Turbo 4MOTION AWD (SEL Premium R-Line).

Additionally, the Audi Q7 is available with a 3.0L V6 engine (55 Prestige TFSI® quattro® and S line sport), while the Volkswagen Atlas comes with a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine. 

There are a few main differences between the Volkswagen Atlas and Audi Q7:

• Exterior: The Atlas has a more boxy and rugged appearance, while the Q7 is more aerodynamic and refined. The Q7 has a more upscale look with its iconic Audi grille and LED headlights, while the Atlas has a more traditional SUV front end with a more prominent grille.
• Interior: The Q7 has less interior space compared to the Atlas. The Q7 features premium materials such as leather seats, but the Volkswagen Atlas offers more space inside.
• Performance: The Atlas comes with a choice of two engines: a 2.0L turbo eight-speed automatic four-cylinder engine that produces 269 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 276 horsepower. The Audi Q7 is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged I4 that gets you 261 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces 335 horsepower. The Atlas offers better fuel economy than the Q7, with 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (2.0L engine).
• Price: The base Q7 is priced more than $20,000 above the base MSRP for the Atlas, making the Volkswagen a clear favorite for budget-conscious buyers.
• Reliability: The Audi Q7 has a higher overall quality score and reliability rating compared to the Volkswagen Atlas.

Volkswagen Atlas

For shoppers focused on maximizing seven-passenger versatility and cargo flexibility, the Volkswagen Atlas makes an outstanding choice. Passengers enjoy ample room across all three rows, with family-friendly features like tri-zone climate controls, numerous charging ports, and available captain’s chairs. Storage abounds too. Behind its third row or with all seats folded, the Atlas can securely swallow gear for road trips or Home Depot runs. Topping it off, 2.0T acceleration zips the Atlas around while high-tech safety systems watch out for you. With its budget-friendly pricing, the Atlas brings premium German engineering to mainstream families without breaking budgets.

Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 justifies its higher pricing with added luxury and technology features that enhance the three-row SUV experience. All Q7 trims accommodate seven passengers, but available upgrades exclusive to the Q7 further optimize comfort with customized amenities like heated and ventilated front seats, integrated massaging functionality and quad-zone automatic climate control allowing tailored temperature zones.

Rather than committing to just one German luxury SUV, you should consider a FINN car subscription that lets you switch between models every six to 12 months. With one monthly payment, you can drive the VW Atlas and enjoy roadside assistance, insurance, and maintenance without being tied into full ownership.