Volkswagen Atlas vs Ford Bronco
The Volkswagen Atlas is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 25 mpg combined versus 21 mpg for the Ford Bronco, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Volkswagen Atlas leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2018–2027
Volkswagen Atlas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 57 configurations
2021–2026
Ford Bronco
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 66 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volkswagen Atlas | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 25 mpg ✓ | 21 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 22 mpg ✓ | 20 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 ✓ | $2,950 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 364 g/mi ✓ | 424 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI | SIDI & PFI, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S10), Manual 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Regular |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2018–2027 | 2021–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 57 | 66 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Atlas vs Bronco: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen Atlas or the Ford Bronco?
The Volkswagen Atlas is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 25 mpg combined versus 21 mpg for the Ford Bronco, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $500 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 $2,950 for the Ford Bronco — a difference of roughly $500 per year.
What engines do the Atlas and Bronco offer?
Volkswagen Atlas: SIDI. Ford Bronco: SIDI & PFI, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volkswagen Atlas and the Ford Bronco as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Atlas comparisons
Comparison id: volkswagen-atlas-vs-ford-bronco