2025 Acura ADX vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$35,000 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Acura ADX and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas often comes down to prioritizing fuel costs versus sheer capability. If saving money at the pump is top of mind, the ADX is the clear leader, offering 28 MPG combined compared to the Atlas's 22 MPG combined—a 6 MPG advantage. This efficiency comes with a lower entry price, too; the ADX starts at $35,000 while the Atlas is priced $3,200 higher at $38,200. However, if you need more muscle for highway merging or towing (where permitted), the Atlas delivers a significant 79 hp advantage with 269 hp versus the ADX's 190 hp. Interestingly, despite being significantly smaller (185.8 inches long versus 200.7 inches), the ADX offers slightly more storage space with 24.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Atlas's 20.6 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura ADX

The ADX wins on efficiency, delivering 31 MPG highway and having a lower initial MSRP.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

While the Atlas has less listed cargo space, its considerably larger footprint (70.4 inches high versus 63.8 inches) suggests superior passenger volume, even without knowing 3rd-row configurations.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas boasts 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, providing 79 more horsepower for spirited driving than the ADX.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura ADX

The ADX undercuts the Atlas by $3,200 and provides better fuel economy across the board for a lower purchase price.

Choose the Acura ADX if...

Your primary concern is keeping running costs low, highlighted by its 28 MPG combined rating.
You value a slightly lower curb price, starting $3,200 less than the larger Atlas.
You prefer a more compact vehicle, measuring 185.8 inches long for easier urban parking.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

You frequently drive with a heavy load and require maximum pulling power from 269 hp.
You need the larger physical presence suggested by its 200.7-inch length and greater height.
You prefer the standard 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura ADX	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	185.8"	200.7"
Width	72.5"	78.3"
Height	63.8"	70.4"
Wheelbase	104.5"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/31 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/434.0 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	1	—
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	38.4 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R H	245/60R18

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

How big is the difference in actual running costs between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Acura ADX gets 28 MPG combined versus the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas’s 22 MPG combined, translating to significantly fewer trips to the gas station over a year.

Is the performance gap noticeable between the 190 hp ADX and the 269 hp Atlas?

Yes, the 79 hp difference is substantial; the Atlas offers far more immediate acceleration and confidence when passing on the highway compared to the ADX.

Which vehicle is better suited for loading bulky gear?

Despite the Atlas being the larger overall vehicle, the 2025 Acura ADX lists slightly more functional cargo volume at 24.4 cu ft versus the Atlas's 20.6 cu ft.

Do both vehicles require expensive fuel?

The 2025 Acura ADX recommends premium unleaded fuel, while the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas runs efficiently on regular unleaded, which is a minor but ongoing cost difference.