Volkswagen Atlas vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L - Top Comparisons
Purchasing a new car can be challenging, and choosing the one which will give you the biggest bang for your buck can be a tough call to make. Greenville, SC, drivers have many different needs, and one car certainly does not fit all requirements. While some South Carolina residents need a vehicle which can maximize horsepower and cargo capacity, others seek a car with strong fuel economy and passenger volume.Â
One popular vehicle type among Spartanburg, SC, drivers is the three-row family SUV. Versatile and strong, the best three-row SUV is as comfortable on off-road trail courses as it is on suburban streets. Three-row SUVs have more passenger and cargo volume than many other vehicles on the roads today. They also sport key adventure features such as off-road optimized drive modes and advanced 4x4 systems. As a result, this automotive market segment is quite competitive, with lots of exciting options for South Carolina families.
Two very popular three-row SUV models in Asheville, NC, are the Volkswagen Atlas and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Which three-row SUV is best for Henderson, NC, families? Which one offers the best functions, utility and options for Greer, SC, buyers, the Volkswagen Atlas or the Jeep Grand Cherokee L? Let's take a look at the facts.
At Benson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we are proud of our long experience serving drivers and families from South Carolina, western North Carolina and beyond. Our large inventory and years of service to our community have helped us understand the needs of the modern South Carolina family. Let us use our expertise to get you into your next car, truck or SUV.
VW Atlas vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L - Basics
Performance
Jeep understands that the term "performance" has different meanings to different South Carolina car shoppers. Thus, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L lineup is made with flexibility and individual preferences in mind. With two engines and three 4x4 systems available, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L slate provides Greenville families with the choices they need to find the perfect three-row SUV.Â
Most Grand Cherokee L models come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine making 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine provides Anderson families a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. Greer-area drivers needing additional pulling power can opt for the 5.7-liter V8 with its 357 horsepower, 390 pound-feet of torque and its 7,200 pound towing capacity.
The Volkswagen Atlas, by contrast, only offers one engine. The 2-liter 4-cylinder engine on the Atlas only produces 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. And the Volkswagen Atlas can only offer drivers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. One 4x4 system, controlled through the central touchscreen, is available on the Atlas.
VW Atlas vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L - Comparison
Passenger and Cargo Space
South Carolina drivers looking for their next family SUV understand that interior space is a critical feature. Both the Volkswagen Atlas and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L come standard with three rows of interior seating and a high volume of space for both passengers and cargo.Â
Yet for busy Greenville families, the ability to quickly transition between carrying passengers and hauling cargo is often a must. In response to this need, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasts the ability to automatically lower or raise the second and third row seats with the press of a button, making the switch between passengers and cargo a, well, press of a button. While the second row of seats on the Atlas offers tilt-and slide capability, no trim on the Volkswagen offers a power-folding third row.Â
Drivers seeking a smaller vehicle can choose from the two-row model lineup sibling for each SUV. In the Jeep lineup, this option is the standard Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is marketed for drivers seeking a five-person seating capacity on their VW SUV. Except for the obvious space differences, the two-row variants of each are largely similar to their three-row counterparts, with similar technologies, design and feature offerings.Â
Safety
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasts three main safety and driver assistance features: standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and standard adaptive cruise control. The Volkswagen Atlas offers forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking as standard, as well as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. However, adaptive cruise control is not standard on all Volkswagen Atlas trims.
Of course, this is far from the complete list of safety features on each model. Automakers offer many other useful and exciting technologies to enhance the safety of vehicle occupants. Additional standard and available safety and driver assist features on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L which are not available on the Volkswagen Atlas are below:
Back seat check reminder every time the vehicle is turned off
Standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags
Available passive front night vision system
Drowsy/inattentive driver monitor and alert.
With more cutting-edge standard safety features included on every model, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L proves its dedication to ensuring the safety of Greenville families. And this dedication extends to its comprehensive manufacturer warranty coverage.
The automaker warranty on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is stronger than the factory-provided coverage on the Volkswagen Atlas. While VW offers one extra year of overall vehicle coverage, Jeep has longer powertrain coverage to protect the most important (and expensive!) parts of the SUV. Furthermore, Jeep offers an extra year of complimentary scheduled maintenance compared to the Volkswagen.
Design and Technology
Jeep SUVs are widely considered some of the most exquisitely designed cars on the market today, and today's Grand Cherokee L is no different. Materials such as open-pore wood and quilted leather seat materials are available on top trims, giving the Jeep Grand Cherokee L a true luxury feel. While the most recent Volkswagen Atlas has improved its styling somewhat, it is still a far more utilitarian vehicle without some of Jeep's premium refinements.
Technology offerings are a key feature of any modern vehicle, especially one built to carry a large number of passengers. Apple and Android connectivity are standard on both vehicles, while a SiriusXM trial comes with vehicle purchase. Yet while the Atlas keeps its screens and entertainment options confined to the front of the car, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L model lineup includes an available integrated rear seat entertainment system.
The Volkswagen Atlas runs key infotainment features through a 12-inch touchscreen, which is larger than either the 8.4-inch standard or the 10.1-inch available model on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. However, the Jeep continues to offer Anderson drivers the ability to operate key infotainment, audio and comfort features through handy buttons and knobs. As the Atlas does not have these options available, it is sensitive to errant hand gestures or motions, with the result that the screen becomes a distraction once the driver's desired function seemingly disappears without a trace.
Conclusion
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the best three-row SUV for South Carolina families. It has the legroom and cargo space Greer families need while providing the power Asheville customers require to venture off road. Though the Volkswagen Atlas is still popular, it is unable to provide the perfect mix of luxury, convenience and practicality available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
To learn more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and all the options available, and to test drive a vehicle, stop by Benson CDJR in Greer, SC. Our team can use our years of experience in the Upstate to help you find the perfect car, truck or SUV for your lifestyle. And for a different take on three-row family convenience, check out the iconic Chrysler Pacifica minivan.Â
Benson CDJR is excited to help Anderson, SC, families find their next great vehicle. Our extensive new, used and certified pre-owned lineup provides our customers with an unparalleled level of choice in their car shopping. Our friendly, expert finance professionals are dedicated to helping you find ways to make your next vehicle purchase one you can actually afford. And our service team is there to help when problems arise throughout the lifespan of your new three-row SUV. Give us a call at (864) 662-9850, visit our website, or stop in and see us at 415 W Wade Hampton Blvd in Greer. We are happy to help you and answer any questions you may have!
