Volkswagen Atlas vs Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Volkswagen Atlas, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $250 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Mitsubishi Outlander leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2018–2027
Volkswagen Atlas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 57 configurations
2015–2027
Mitsubishi Outlander
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 88 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volkswagen Atlas | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 25 mpg | 28 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 22 mpg | 27 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg | 32 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 | $2,200 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 364 g/mi | 97 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI | 2.4, 2.0, PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity, Premium |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2018–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 57 | 88 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Atlas vs Outlander: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen Atlas or the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Mitsubishi Outlander is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Volkswagen Atlas, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $250 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mitsubishi Outlander runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,450 for the Volkswagen Atlas — a difference of roughly $250 per year.
What engines do the Atlas and Outlander offer?
Volkswagen Atlas: SIDI. Mitsubishi Outlander: 2.4, 2.0, PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volkswagen Atlas and the Mitsubishi Outlander as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Atlas comparisons
Comparison id: volkswagen-atlas-vs-mitsubishi-outlander