Dodge Durango vs Volkswagen Atlas

In production since 2011, the Durango exits stage left following the 2025 model year. For its final run down the Detroit assembly line, Dodge cuts the lineup in half, dropping the SXT, Citadel, and SRT 392 versions while retaining the GT, R/T, and SRT Hellcat. Dodge will sell the Durango in a series of special edition models, including an R/T 20th Anniversary Edition and three “Last Call” Hellcats: Silver Bullet, Hammerhead, and Brass Monkey.

Verdict: Though the Durango is now 15 years old, it has aged remarkably well and remains a likable if flawed midsize three-row SUV. However, time waits for no vehicle, and the Dodge Durango has reached the end of its road. For now.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas continues as VW’s American-market three-row SUV (a two-row Atlas Cross Sport is also available, but we’ll cover that separately), largely unchanged from its substantial 2024 refresh. For 2026, Volkswagen adds a factory-installed HomeLink rearview mirror to all but the base Atlas SE trim level–hardly groundbreaking stuff. What remains, however, is a vehicle that impresses with its upscale appearance and a genuinely spacious interior. A stiff ride and poorly executed technology will fight and frustrate you every step of the way, but the Atlas will nonetheless make you look good.

Verdict: The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas delivers on its core promise of style and space at a non-luxury price point. If you can tolerate its subpar ride quality and maddening infotainment system—or if you simply plan to rely on Apple CarPlay and ignore the native tech—this handsome three-row SUV offers compelling value for shoppers prioritizing looks and space.