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2023 Honda Pilot vs 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Side-by-side EPA, NHTSA, and recall data. Winners highlighted in green when one car clearly leads.

Quick read
  • Best EPA combined MPG goes to the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas at 23 MPG.
  • Best highway MPG goes to the 2023 Honda Pilot at 27 MPG.
Vehicle comparison: EPA fuel economy, NHTSA safety, recalls
 
Car 1
2023 Honda Pilot
Car 2
2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Engine & efficiency

Cylinders64
Displacement3.5L2L
DriveFront-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel typeRegular GasolineRegular Gasoline

EPA fuel economy

City MPG1921
Highway MPG2725
Combined MPG2223
Annual fuel cost (EPA)$3050$2950
CO2 tailpipe402g/mi387g/mi

NHTSA safety ratings

Overall5/ 55/ 5
Frontal crash4/ 54/ 5
Side crash5/ 55/ 5
Rollover4/ 54/ 5
Stability controlStandardStandard

Recalls, complaints, investigations

Recalls (NHTSA)55
Complaints filed107109
Open investigations21
2023 Honda Pilot recalls
  1. STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
  2. SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
  3. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
  4. + 2 more on file at NHTSA.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas recalls
  1. AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
  2. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 model year Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Certain brake lines may leak at the threaded connections.
  3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
  4. + 2 more on file at NHTSA.

Sources: US DOT NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov) for safety ratings, recalls, and complaints. US EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov for engine, fuel economy, and emissions data. Both are free public datasets, updated by the federal agencies that own them.

Real listings, four marketplaces

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Real listings, four marketplaces

Shop real 2023 Volkswagen Atlas listings

These links open a pre-filtered search on each marketplace. Compare prices and inventory in one tab each, then come back. The verdict above tells you what to ask the seller before you commit.

Outbound links may pay MotorJudge a commission via affiliate networks. Prices, availability, and dealer policies live on each marketplace. We do not control their inventory.

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