Lexus NX250 vs Volkswagen Atlas
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Atlas
Overview
| Spec | Lexus NX250250 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 250 | SE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2025 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Lexus NX250250 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $40,965 | $39,310 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $12,499 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $43,721 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $58,289 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 267 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Lexus NX250250 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal | 18.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Lexus NX250250 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 203 hp | 269 hp (best) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Lexus NX250250 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 46.9 cu ft | 96.6 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | 895 lbs | 1,102 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,660 lbs (best) | 4,317 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in (best) | 6.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 117.3 in (best) |
| Length | 183.5 in | 200.7 in (best) |
| Width | 73.4 in | 78.3 in (best) |
| Height | 66.1 in | 70.4 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Lexus NX250250 | 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 | Lexus NX250 | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 250 $40,965 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $39,310 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 250 $42,565 MSRP | SE $41,210 MSRP |
| 3 | 250 Premium $42,890 MSRP | SE w/Technology $43,730 MSRP |
| 4 | 250 Premium $44,490 MSRP | 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
Volkswagen Atlas267 for sale
See all
New2026 Volkswagen Atlas
2.0T SEL Premium R-Line
Opal White Pearl•Beige12 mi$53,150Lou Sobh Volkswagen of Athens
Bogart, GA
New2026 Volkswagen Atlas
2.0T SE w/Technology
Silver Mist Metallic•Titan Black I12 mi$43,014Lou Sobh Volkswagen of Athens
Bogart, GA
New2026 Volkswagen Atlas
2.0T SEL Premium R-Line
Black101 mi$52,983Lou Sobh Volkswagen of Athens
Bogart, GA
New2026 Volkswagen Atlas
2.0T SEL Premium R-Line
Opal White Pearl•Shetland Beige12 mi$53,150Lou Sobh Volkswagen of Athens
Bogart, GA
New2026 Volkswagen Atlas
2.0T SEL Premium R-Line
Opal White Pearl•Beige15 mi$53,150Lou Sobh Volkswagen of Athens
Bogart, GA
Used2025 Volkswagen Atlas
2.0T SEL
21,664 mi$35,114Kia on Atlantic
Jacksonville, FL
Lexus NX250 vs Volkswagen Atlas FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Lexus NX250 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: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas starts lower at $39,310. Live Volkswagen Atlas listings start at $12,499.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (39,310).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2025 Lexus NX250 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on horsepower in this comparison (269).
- Which has better seats: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Lexus NX250 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Atlas (5/5 NHTSA overall).