Buyers have tons of options in the ever-growing world of midsize 3-row SUVs. It’s become America’s preferred way of transporting families, combining some of the practicality of a minivan with the more rugged aesthetics of an SUV. Today, we’re looking at two strong contenders in this class; the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.
Here’s how these competitive family SUVs compare.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is simply one of our favorite midsize 3-row SUVs. Its technology is advanced and easy to use, the Hyundai warranty is unbeatable, and it even gets pretty luxurious in the Calligraphy trims. Notably, this is the final model year for this generation of the Palisade. An all-new model with a hybrid option is on the way for 2026.
Hyundai Palisade Highlights
Class-leading warranty: The Hyundai Palisade gives families peace of mind with the best warranty coverage in this class. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Excellent resale value: The Hyundai Palisade is toward the top of its class when it comes to resale value. The Volkswagen Atlas is below average in this metric. Better resale value means more money in your pocket when it’s time to sell or trade-in.
Luxurious upper trims: The Calligraphy trims of the Hyundai Palisade make it look and feel like a more expensive luxury SUV. Its premium features include Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, heated third-row seats, Harman Kardon audio, and an Ergo Motion driver’s seat borrowed from the Genesis luxury brand.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Palisade models for sale near you.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is one of the roomier and more family-oriented 3-row SUVs in this competitive segment. We’ve ridden in the third row, and it’s actually a pretty comfortable place to be, plus, there’s plenty of cargo room to boot. The cabin is also pretty upscale for its price point, with a little European flair.
Volkswagen Atlas Highlights
Bigger third row: The Volkswagen Atlas has one of the biggest third rows in its class; it’s roomier than the way back of the Hyundai Palisade. If you’ll have tall passengers in the third row regularly, they’ll thank you for choosing the Volkswagen.
More cargo space: In addition to more third-row space, the roomy Atlas also has more cargo room than the Palisade. This is true behind the third row and when all of the back seats are folded down. This makes the Atlas ready to bring the whole family on a Costco run.
Digital Cockpit Pro: Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro has long been one of our favorite digital gauge clusters in the business. This available 10.25-inch screen is highly customizable, has beautiful graphics, and is pretty easy to use.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Atlas models for sale near you.
Similarities
These both fit in the midsize SUV class, have standard 3-row seating, and are similar in price and fuel economy. They also both earn the honor of the IIHS Top Safety Pick award.
Pricing
New 2025 Hyundai Palisade Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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$38,695
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TBD
|
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$41,445
|
TBD
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|||
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$44,545
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TBD
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$46,045
|
TBD
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$50,095
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TBD
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$52,495
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TBD
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$55,995
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TBD
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New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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$39,625
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TBD
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$41,525
|
TBD
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$43,730
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TBD
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$45,630
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TBD
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$48,080
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TBD
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$49,625
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TBD
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$54,630
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TBD
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles and New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.8-liter 6-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 pounds | 2,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 269 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed w/shiftronic | automatic, 8-speed w/tiptronic |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg | 20 city/26 highway/21 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 117.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.7 inches | 200.7 inches |
| Width | N/A | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 68.9 inches | 70.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.7 feet | 41.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.7 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.1 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.8 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.1 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 42.4 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 31.4 inches | 33.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.2 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 60.8 inches | 60.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 55.2 inches | 54.9 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 18.0 feet | 20.6 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 45.8 feet | 55.5 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 86.4 feet | 96.6 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Atlas is great if you want maximum third-row space and cargo room in a midsize SUV. However, for most families, the Hyundai Palisade is a more well-rounded package. Both SUVs are priced well and get the same fuel economy, but the Palisade offers a little more bang for the buck by having among the best resale value and warranty coverage in its class. It also boasts a pleasant and practical interior that gets fancier than you might expect for a Hyundai.