2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Nissan Pathfinder

Full-size SUVs are found in many local driveways, designed to accommodate modern families to an eye for style.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Nissan Pathfinder often feature prominently on drivers’ wish lists, both offering a long list of must-have features beloved by those transporting precious cargo.

Read on to determine which vehicle is the best fit for your family, then stop by your local Charleston area car dealership for a test drive!

 

Features

VW Atlas

Nissan Pathfinder

MSRP*

$35,150 to $52,340

$35,200 to $50,070

MPG – City

18 – 21 MPG

20 – 21 MPG

MPG – Hwy

23 – 25 MPG

23 – 27 MPG

Seating Capacity

6 – 7 seats

7 – 8 seats

Cargo Space

96.8 ft3

80.5 ft3

Transmission

235 – 276 hp

284 – 295 hp

Engine

235-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)

284-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)

Horsepower

235 hp @ 4,500 rpm

284 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Towing Capacity

2,000 – 5,000 lbs

3,500 – 6,000 lbs

Fuel Tank Capacity

18.6 gallons

N/A

 

Ready to get behind the wheel of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas? Get to Low Country Volkswagen to discover all the new VW Atlas has to offer – from it’s comfy cabin to it’s powerful performance. Check out our inventory of new cars for sale, right here in Mount Pleasant, SC!

Base 2023 Volkswagen Atlas models start at $35,150 MSRP, ringing up just slightly below the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, which sports a price tag of $35,200. Once you’ve selected the model that meets your needs, we’ll personalize a finance or lease offer to ensure it fits your budget too. Our finance specialists understand that a new vehicle is a major investment, so we’ve eliminated any hassle and stress. Essentially, we’ve put the fun back in car buying!

Due to popular demand, our team has pitted the VW Atlas against the Nissan Pathfinder to see which model reigns supreme. Read on for comparison details, then, get in touch to schedule your test drive at Low Country Volkswagen, your hometown Volkswagen dealership!

Comfort and Space


While some SUVs are full-size in name only, both the Atlas and Pathfinder offer comfort-focused cabins with ample space for both cargo and crew. Backseat passengers will enjoy a roomier ride in the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, with more head- and legroom. The Nissan Pathfinder comes out on top for front seat accommodations, though, providing more space for drivers and their co-pilots.

As far as seating capacity is concerned, the Nissan Pathfinder offers seven or eight seats, depending on configuration – opposed to the six or seven found in the Atlas. But this VW model makes up for it in cargo capacity, with nearly 20 more cubic feet available for stowing gear.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas’s specious interior also comes equipped with the following:

  • Sleek, sophisticated styling with a light beige interior option
  • Convenient door panel storage
  • Expansive panoramic moonroof
  • Comfortable, reviewer-preferred seating
  • Optional second-row captain’s chairs with clear pass-through to rear row
  • 20% more legroom than the Pathfinder
  • Tri-zone climate control with accessible, third-row air vents
  • Liftgate to access 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space (cutouts included); max 96.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded

The verdict on cabin comfort? The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is better equipped to keep your whole crew happy on the road ahead!

Technology

2023 VW Atlas Tech

Check out these innovative features that put the latest tech at the tips of your fingers:

  • Keyless access
  • Available wireless charging
  • Available remote engine start
  • Touchscreen navigation system
  • VW Digital Cockpit Pro
  • Available SiriusXM with 360L
  • App-Connect⁠14 capabilities

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Tech

The Nissan Pathfinder boasts some exciting technology too, so determine which features are most important to your family to help you choose which model matches your needs!

  • Digital dashboard with 12.3″ widescreen (customizable digital gauges included)
  • Head-Up Display projecting key data like speed, navigation, and more on the windshield
  • Easy-to-read 9” touch-screen display

Exterior Design

Volkswagen designers know that sophistication never goes out of style. Boldly designed to make an impact upon arrival, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas stands out in any crowd. To contrast the Atlas’s clean lines and streamlined silhouette, the Nissan Pathfinder is more ruggedly designed. It’s more sculpted styling hints at it’s off-road abilities, so when it comes to choosing the right ride, this category comes down to personal preference!

Performance

If towing capacity is a consideration, there’s no question which model wins. The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas outperforms the Nissan Pathfinder when it comes to hauling heavy loads, but the two virtually tie in terms of horsepower and torque.

Color Options

Both the 2023 VW Atlas and 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offer a wide variety of color options to suit drivers’ unique style!

2023 VW Atlas Colors

  • Tourmaline Blue Metallic
  • Aurora Red Metallic
  • Platinum Gray Metallic
  • Pyrite Silver Metallic
  • Deep Black Pearl
  • Pure White
  • Opal White Pearl

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Colors

  • Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
  • Obsidian Green Pearl
  • Baja Storm Metallic
  • Boulder Gray Pearl
  • Gun Metallic
  • Pearl White TriCoat
  • Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
  • Obsidian Green Pearl
  • Deep Ocean Blue Pearl
  • Baja Storm Metallic
  • Super Black
  • Boulder Gray Pearl
  • Gun Metallic
  • Glacier White
  • Pearl White TriCoat
  • Brilliant Silver Metallic

Overview: Highlights of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Nissan Pathfinder

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Advantages

  • Roomy interior optimizing cargo space and backseat riders’ comfort
  • Diverse powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use infotainment system
  • Refined, responsive handling

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Advantages

  • Stylishly designed interior
  • Balanced, smooth ride and agile handling
  • Long list of standard tech and infotainment features

Volkswagen ​​Atlas vs Nissan Pathfinder: The Right Fit for Your Family


Now that we’ve compared both models inside and out, it’s time to decide which three-row SUV comes out on top!

While some categories had a clear winner, others will be based on your personal taste – so the choice is yours!

But keep in mind that the Atlas offers more cargo space and towing capacity, at a slightly lower cost! Plus, our already affordable prices are made even more budget-friendly with our Volkswagen deals!

Here at Low Country Volkswagen, our team is happy to answer any questions you may have – and to share which trim levels we currently have in stock!

Conveniently located in Mount Pleasant, SC, we welcome local customers from Daniel Island, James Island, North Charleston, Hanahan, Charleston, SC, and beyond. No other Volkswagen dealership near you beats our standard of service, so give us a call or visit us today!

Interested in the New VW, Shop Now at Low Country Volkswagen!

All New Volkswagens | VW Specials | Helpful Resources | Financing | Visit Us


Disclaimer by Low Country Volkswagen:

Low Country Volkswagen believes the information and specifications in this website to be correct at the time of publishing.

Model specifications provided may vary based on selected trim, pricing, options, and installed accessories. Specifications, standard features, options, fabrics, accessories, and colors are subject to change without notice.

Images of vehicles are for illustrative purposes only. Please see the dealer for details and availability.

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