Lexus RX vs Volkswagen Atlas
The Lexus RX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Volkswagen Atlas, a 11 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Lexus RX leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Lexus RX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 59 configurations
2018–2027
Volkswagen Atlas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 57 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Lexus RX | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 37 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 34 mpg ✓ | 29 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,100 ✓ | $2,450 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 89 g/mi ✓ | 364 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5 | SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Regular | Regular |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2018–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 59 | 57 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
RX vs Atlas: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Lexus RX or the Volkswagen Atlas?
The Lexus RX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Volkswagen Atlas, a 11 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Lexus RX runs about $2,100 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,450 for the Volkswagen Atlas — a difference of roughly $350 per year.
What engines do the RX and Atlas offer?
Lexus RX: SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5. Volkswagen Atlas: SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Lexus RX and the Volkswagen Atlas as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More RX comparisons
Comparison id: lexus-rx-vs-volkswagen-atlas