Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Atlas
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Atlas
Overview
| Spec | Audi Q3S line | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S line | SE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi Q3S line | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $44,400 | $39,310 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $28,999 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $28,999 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $28,999 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi Q3S line | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 23 MPG |
| City MPG | 22 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 16.4 gal | 18.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Audi Q3S line | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 269 hp (best) |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi Q3S line | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 50 cu ft | 96.6 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | 970 lbs | 1,102 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,935 lbs (best) | 4,317 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 6.3 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 105.6 in | 117.3 in (best) |
| Length | 178.4 in | 200.7 in (best) |
| Width | 73.2 in | 78.3 in (best) |
| Height | 64.1 in | 70.4 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi Q3S line | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 2 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi Q3 | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S line $44,400 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $39,310 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | — | SE $41,210 MSRP |
| 3 | — | SE w/Technology $43,730 MSRP |
| 4 | — | SE w/Technology $45,630 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Peak Edition $48,060 MSRP |
| 6 | — | SEL $49,620 MSRP |
| 7 | — | SEL Premium R-Line $54,630 MSRP |
Live inventory
Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Atlas FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Audi Q3 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2027 Audi Q3 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas starts lower at $39,310. Live Volkswagen Atlas listings start at $28,999.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Audi Q3 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (39,310).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Audi Q3 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2027 Audi Q3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (25).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Audi Q3 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on horsepower in this comparison (269).
- Which has better seats: 2027 Audi Q3 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2027 Audi Q3 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Atlas (5/5 NHTSA overall).