Which is Better? The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas or 2019 Honda Pilot?

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The Volkswagen Atlas debuted just last year. This big, roomy, three-row SUV was an immediate hit. It's targeted against competitors such as the Honda Pilot. Overall, the Atlas bests the competition in the areas of roominess, materials quality, and passenger comfort.

Another strong selling point is the high-tech and instrumentation, something the Pilot can't quite match. Both vehicles are powered modestly and have V6 options, and both come with a slew of standard safety and security features. However, if plenty of passenger cabin space and storage capability are priorities, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas comes out a bit ahead of the Honda Pilot.

Interior Comfort

Big and roomy, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is perfect for hauling around the entire family plus a couple of bikes, camping equipment, or whatever. The second-row seat has a clever sliding system that's easy to master. Rear visibility is fantastic. The front row seats are extra-large, and there's plenty of space all around, so even the largest adults won't feel cramped. Six-footers have plenty of headroom in the third-row seating area. The 2019 Honda Pilot has a large second-row seating area, but the third row is cramped and has a very low seat height. The pass-through space between the second- and third-row seating is disappointingly small.

Material Quality

Everything about the upholstery and surfaces in the Atlas's cabin lends an air of luxury and class. Even the hard surfaces aren't all that hard, and the color schemes are quite appealing. Even the near-bottom SE trim comes with simulated leather upholstery, and the SEL Premium trim gets full leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and power front seats that are highly adjustable. The 2019 Honda Pilot base trim comes with less luxurious materials, especially in the front seating area. The EX-L trim gets leather upholstery and a power-adjustable front passenger seat, but this comes with a substantial increase in price. Also, the front seating area isn't quite as cavernous as what is found inside the Atlas.

Instrumentation

The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas base trim comes with dual-zone climate control, a 6.5-inch screen display, a rearview camera, cruise control, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration. The uplevel SE trim gets an 8-inch screen display, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded stereo system. Buyers will like the features of the SEL trim. This version comes with the famous Digital Cockpit. This includes a new display system that replaces the standard gauge cluster with a video screen with information about fuel usage, outside and inside temperature, and powertrain performance. The SEL Premium gets a 360-degree parking camera. The 2019 Honda Pilot comes with a multi-angle rearview camera and a nice audio system with auxiliary audio inputs and USB ports, but the base trim doesn't have smartphone app integration, and there's no video driver info screen available.

The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is agreeably priced, and it's one of the roomiest SUVs on the market. Test drive it today at Pohanka Volkswagen, and be sure to contact the dealer about options packages available on all trims. See how this nicely designed, family-friendly three-row matches up to the popular Honda Pilot.

All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.