Volkswagen Atlas vs. Hyundai Palisade: Interior Comparison

Where once minivans dominated the driveways of large families, the three-row midsize SUV now reigns supreme. It’s easy to see why they’re popular nowadays—they combine the passenger and cargo space of a minivan with increased power, better performance, and stylish design. 

Which is the best three-row SUV for families, though? To find out, we decided to compare two popular SUVs: the 2024 VW Atlas and the 2024 Hyundai Palisade. 

Both are quite evenly matched in a lot of ways. They have similar powertrain specs, identical towing capacities, they’re available in either FWD or AWD, and they come at a very similar price point. 

In order to settle the score, we decided to check out the interior to see which one gives the best driver and passenger experience for shoppers near Shalimar, FL. Read on to find out what we uncovered. 

Atlas vs. Palisade Passenger Dimensions 

Both SUVs have three rows of seating, but the way they use these rows is quite different. The Atlas is rated for 7 full-sized adults, while the Palisade is rated for either 7 or 8 passengers depending on the seating configuration. 

In total, the Atlas has 154 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the Palisade has ever-so-slightly more at 155.3 cubic feet. Here are the head room and leg room specs for both: 

The Atlas has greater headroom across the board, making it the better SUV choice for taller drivers. Interestingly, the Palisade prioritizes 1st and 2nd row leg room, leaving the 3rd row cramped by comparison, while the Atlas boasts less leg room up front but best-in-class 3rd row leg room. 

Atlas vs. Palisade Cargo Dimensions 

Now, let’s check out how much carrying space both SUVs have: 

No matter which way you slice it, the Atlas has far superior cargo carrying ability, with over 10 cubic feet total space behind the 2nd and 1st rows. Despite the Palisade having a bit more leg room in the front, the Atlas is the most spacious SUV overall. 

Atlas vs. Palisade: Tech and Infotainment

All Atlas models come standard with a 12-inch floating center touch screen, which comes with standard App-Connect and 6 USB-C ports (8 available) with 45-watt fast charging. Advanced Digital Cockpit is also standard across the board, complete with a 10.25-inch configurable display and available full screen navigation. VW Car-Net is also available, allowing access to a wide range of connected services including Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Car-Net is also configurable with Amazon Alexa, further improving the hands-free experience. 

The Palisade comes standard with a 12.3-inch center touch screen display, which features standard SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as 5 standard USB-C ports. Base-level trims come with a 4.2-inch driver info display, while upper-level Palisades get a 12.3-inch digital display screen. Bluelink+ connected services and Wi-Fi are also standard. 

In terms of technology, both SUVs are pretty close, although the Atlas includes a few more standard features through its Advanced Digital Cockpit. 

Atlas vs. Palisade: Safety

Both come with a proprietary suite of driver assistance features—IQ.DRIVE for the Atlas, and SmartSense for the Palisade. 

IQ.DRIVE in the 2024 Atlas comes with the following features:

• Automatic Post-Collision Braking System 

• Intelligent Crash Response System 

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go 

• Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance) 

• Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring) 

• Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System) 

• Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor) 

• Rear Traffic Alert 

• Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency) 

SmartSense in the 2025 Palisade comes with the following features:

• Highway Driving Assist 

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection and Junction Turning 

• Blind-Spot Collision Warning 

• Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Following Assist 

• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist 

• Driver Attention Warning 

• Safe Exit Assist 

• Rear Occupant Alert 

Both the Atlas and Palisade won an IIHS Top Safety Pick award for the 2024 model year, making them two of the safest SUVs on the road. However, the Atlas has a more robust set of standard safety features, which give it the edge. 

Find a Volkswagen Atlas for Sale Near Destin 

It’s clear that the Palisade is an impressive machine, but it simply can’t compare to the Atlas in terms of its in-cabin experience. 

If you’re looking for the best three-row SUVs on the road, we have plenty of new Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models to choose from, plus plenty of manager’s specials to make sure you get the best deal. Contact us online today to check out a VW Atlas in Fort Walton Beach or give us a call at (850) 600-2671.