Volkswagen Atlas vs BMW X3
The BMW X3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Volkswagen Atlas, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the BMW X3 leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2018–2027
Volkswagen Atlas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 57 configurations
2015–2026
BMW X3
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 47 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volkswagen Atlas | BMW X3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 25 mpg | 30 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 22 mpg | 27 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg | 33 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 ✓ | $2,600 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 364 g/mi | 204 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2018–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 57 | 47 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Atlas vs X3: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen Atlas or the BMW X3?
The BMW X3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Volkswagen Atlas, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Volkswagen Atlas runs about $2,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the BMW X3 — a difference of roughly $150 per year.
What engines do the Atlas and X3 offer?
Volkswagen Atlas: SIDI. BMW X3: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volkswagen Atlas and the BMW X3 as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Atlas comparisons
Comparison id: volkswagen-atlas-vs-bmw-x3