2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$45,100 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Buick Enclave bursts onto the scene with a robust 328 hp, offering noticeably more get-up-and-go than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp. While the Atlas Cross Sport counters with supreme utility, boasting a massive 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft, the Buick leans into premium power. Both machines manage an identical 23 MPG combined, relying on regular unleaded fuel for their efficient cruising. The primary separation isn't efficiency, but cost; the Atlas Cross Sport saves buyers $6,800 right off the bat with an MSRP of $38,300 against the Enclave's $45,100. Despite the significant power difference favoring the Enclave, the Atlas Cross Sport remains dimensionally substantial at 195.6 inches long, while the more powerful Buick stretches to 207.6 inches, creating a compelling dynamic between dynamic output and pragmatic space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its significantly lower $38,300 MSRP compared to the Enclave's $45,100.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Families will prioritize the Atlas Cross Sport's cavernous 40.3 cu ft of cargo space over the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Enclave

Enthusiasts seeking superior straight-line performance will choose the 2025 Buick Enclave for its commanding 328 hp rating.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport offers a compelling package considering it costs $6,800 less while achieving the same 23 MPG combined.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You demand the higher output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque for more spirited driving.
You prefer the more substantial physical presence of the 207.6-inch long chassis.
You are looking for a slightly better highway fuel economy rating, achieving 27 MPG.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Your budget is firm, saving you $6,800 with a starting MSRP of $38,300.
Maximum cargo hauling is essential, as its 40.3 cu ft easily surpasses the Enclave's capacity.
You value practicality over peak performance, accepting 269 hp for lower ownership cost.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Enclave	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	207.6"	195.6"
Width	79.6"	78.3"
Height	71.0"	68.1"
Wheelbase	120.9"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
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	2	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Buick	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	372.0/502.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	30.0 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	12	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.1 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.5 in.	58.7 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Enclave and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

How does the power difference between the Enclave and Atlas Cross Sport affect daily driving?

The 2025 Buick Enclave has 59 more horsepower (328 hp vs. 269 hp), meaning it will accelerate more rapidly when merging or passing. However, both vehicles use the same 8-speed automatic transmission and achieve an identical 23 MPG combined.

Is the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport significantly smaller than the 2025 Enclave?

Yes, the Buick Enclave is visibly larger, measuring 207.6 inches in length compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 195.6 inches. This length difference translates directly into the Atlas offering nearly double the cargo room in the rear, at 40.3 cu ft versus 22.9 cu ft.

Do these crossovers require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are engineered to run optimally on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable for both.

What is the primary reason to pay the premium for the Buick Enclave?

The main draw for the Enclave is raw power; it provides 328 hp, significantly enhancing the driving excitement compared to the VW. This comes at a cost, as the Enclave starts $6,800 higher.

Are there any fuel economy differences between these two FWD crossovers?

No, both the Enclave and the Atlas Cross Sport achieve the same rated fuel economy: 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, resulting in a 23 MPG combined figure for both vehicles.

Which vehicle is easier to maneuver in tight spaces?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is slightly more manageable due to its smaller footprint, being 12 inches shorter in length and narrower in width than the 2025 Buick Enclave.