Lexus NX vs Volkswagen Atlas
The Lexus NX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 40 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Volkswagen Atlas, a 15 mpg advantage and costs about $550 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Lexus NX leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Lexus NX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 58 configurations
2018–2027
Volkswagen Atlas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 57 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Lexus NX | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 40 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 42 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 38 mpg ✓ | 29 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,900 ✓ | $2,450 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 87 g/mi ✓ | 364 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5 | SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Regular, Premium and Electricity | Regular |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2018–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 58 | 57 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
NX vs Atlas: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Lexus NX or the Volkswagen Atlas?
The Lexus NX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 40 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Volkswagen Atlas, a 15 mpg advantage and costs about $550 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Lexus NX runs about $1,900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,450 for the Volkswagen Atlas — a difference of roughly $550 per year.
What engines do the NX and Atlas offer?
Lexus NX: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5. Volkswagen Atlas: SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Lexus NX and the Volkswagen Atlas as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More NX comparisons
Comparison id: lexus-nx-vs-volkswagen-atlas