2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$38,495 · Crossover

$37,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle between the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport pits raw, rear-wheel-drive muscle against efficient, family-focused utility. The Durango ignites the pavement with 295 hp, promising a more visceral, RWD-biased driving dynamic, despite its slightly thirstier 20 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the Atlas Cross Sport charms buyers with its superior efficiency, achieving 23 MPG combined, and boasts significantly more utility with a cavernous 40.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft. While the Durango feels punchier with its horsepower advantage, the Atlas counters with a more substantial 273 lb-ft of torque, delivering satisfying low-end pull from its FWD architecture. Priced nearly $1,300 apart, the Durango starts at $38,495, while the Atlas Cross Sport kicks off at $37,190, establishing this contest as power versus practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport is the clear winner for daily commuting due to its better 23 MPG combined fuel economy and slightly lower starting MSRP of $37,190.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers vastly superior practicality with 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

The 2025 Dodge Durango appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 295 hp and a rear-wheel-drive platform.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport offers significantly more cargo space and better fuel economy for a lower entry price point.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You prioritize spirited driving dynamics supported by its rear-wheel-drive system.
You desire the highest raw horsepower figure at 295 hp.
You prefer a slightly taller stance, indicated by its 72.1-inch height.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Maximum cargo utility is essential, given its impressive 40.3 cu ft capacity.
You want better running costs with a 23 MPG combined fuel economy rating.
You prefer the efficiency and everyday handling characteristics of a front-wheel-drive setup.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	200.8"	195.6"
Width	75.8"	78.3"
Height	72.1"	68.1"
Wheelbase	119.8"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	2	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	58.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

How does the performance difference between the two crossovers feel on the road?

The 2025 Dodge Durango commands attention with 295 horsepower, suggesting a punchier feel, especially under acceleration due to its RWD layout. However, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport counters with higher torque at 273 lb-ft, which may offer more immediate pulling power when lightly loaded.

Which vehicle is significantly better for long road trips concerning fuel costs?

The Atlas Cross Sport is superior for efficiency, netting 23 MPG combined versus the Durango's 20 MPG combined rating. This difference will translate to fewer stops at the pump over extended journeys.

Is the massive cargo difference in the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport accurate?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the Atlas Cross Sport offers 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space, more than double the 17.2 cubic feet available in the 2025 Dodge Durango.

How do the dimensions affect parking and maneuverability?

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is shorter in length (195.6 inches vs 200.8 inches) but wider (78.3 inches vs 75.8 inches) than the Durango. This shorter length might make the Atlas marginally easier to fit into tight parking spaces.

Does the higher MSRP of the Durango account for any significant feature advantage?

Based on the specs provided, the Durango's higher MSRP of $38,495 is likely tied to its RWD platform and superior engine horsepower (295 hp vs 269 hp), rather than utility features.

Both use an 8-speed automatic transmission; will the driving experience be similar?

While both utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic, the underlying powertrain tuning will differ significantly due to the Durango’s RWD setup and higher power output versus the Atlas Cross Sport's FWD configuration.