Volkswagen Atlas vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 29 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Volkswagen Atlas, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2018–2027
Volkswagen Atlas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 57 configurations
2016–2027
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volkswagen Atlas | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 25 mpg | 29 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 22 mpg | 26 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 | 84 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd, Automatic (S9) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Premium, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2018–2027 | 2016–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 57 | 72 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Atlas vs GLC-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen Atlas or the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 29 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Volkswagen Atlas, a 4 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class — a difference of roughly $150 per year.
What engines do the Atlas and GLC-Class offer?
Volkswagen Atlas: SIDI. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volkswagen Atlas and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: volkswagen-atlas-vs-mercedes-benz-glc-class