2026 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot was available in Canada in several trims, including Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Black Edition. The Black Edition, which was evaluated in the U.S., featured distinctive black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and black badges. Inside, it boasted black leather seats with red perforation accents, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. The exterior offered several paint colours to contrast with the black detailing, enhancing its suburban appeal. While the Pilot's interior was thoughtfully designed with quality materials, the digital driver display and infotainment system appeared dated, lacking a significant "wow factor" despite competitive technology.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, particularly in the Execline trim, exuded a sense of luxury with its full-LED lighting, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and sculpted silhouette. The Peak Edition added rugged elements like all-terrain tires and blackout trim pieces. The Execline featured 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels and R-Line design elements. Inside, the Atlas impressed with quilted diamond-pattern leather seats, metallic accents, and a 12-inch touchscreen. However, the infotainment system was more about form than function, with frustrating controls. Despite some functional shortcomings, the Atlas's upscale design and appointments made it stand out in its segment.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Pilot to tow up to 2,268 kilograms. It featured multiple driving modes, including Normal, Econ, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand. The Pilot's AWD system offered torque vectoring and up to 18.5 centimetres of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capability. However, the transmission sometimes felt slow to downshift, and fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 14.1 L/100 km during testing.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas used a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Atlas offered a smooth driving experience with a wide power band. It featured a Drive Mode Select system with Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow options. The Atlas achieved 10.7 L/100 km during testing, slightly better than its official rating. The 4Motion AWD system performed well in various conditions, but the ride quality suffered due to the Execline's large wheels, transmitting vibrations on rough surfaces.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, offering three rows of comfortable seats and thoughtful storage solutions. However, the front passenger seat's limited adjustment options were a drawback. The second-row seats were roomy, with smartphone holders and drink holders for convenience. The third row was habitable for adults, and the Pilot offered ample cargo space, with up to 3,219 litres available with both rear rows folded.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas provided excellent interior space, accommodating adults and luggage comfortably. The Execline's front seats were heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage functions. The second row featured captain's chairs, allowing easy access to the third row. The Atlas offered competitive cargo capacity, with 583 litres behind the third row and up to 2,735 litres with all seats folded. Its spacious interior made it a strong choice for families.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the wireless CarPlay function was problematic, and the voice recognition system was unreliable. The Pilot's technology met basic expectations but lacked standout features.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas came with a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. However, the MIB3 system was frustrating to use, with complex menus and touch-sensitive controls that were difficult to operate at night. Despite its attractive design, the Atlas's tech prioritized form over function.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was equipped with Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control system had issues in traffic, and the lane-centring assist affected steering feel. Despite these concerns, the Pilot earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. It featured Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. The systems performed reliably during testing, and the Execline trim added Park Assist for added convenience.