2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport lies in the maximum available cargo capacity, with the Atlas Cross Sport offering a dominant 40.3 cu ft compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft. Power output also separates the pair; the Durango generates 295 hp, surpassing the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp, though the VW counters with slightly higher torque at 273 lb-ft versus the Durango's 260 lb-ft. Fuel economy is another key divergence, as the Atlas Cross Sport achieves 23 MPG combined, significantly outperforming the Durango’s 20 MPG combined rating. At the entry level, pricing is nearly identical, with the Atlas Cross Sport starting at $38,300 and the Durango at $38,495. Dimensional variation is also notable: the Durango is 5.2 inches longer (200.8 inches), while the Atlas Cross Sport is substantially wider at 78.3 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG versus the Durango's 20 MPG.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers nearly 23 cubic feet more usable space with 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.
2025 Dodge Durango
The 2025 Dodge Durango appeals more to performance enthusiasts by delivering a higher peak output of 295 hp.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport provides better efficiency and vastly more cargo space for a starting price that is $195 less than the Durango.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- Your priority is maximum horsepower, as the Durango offers 295 hp against the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp.
- You require a longer overall vehicle footprint, measuring 200.8 inches in length.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) is a non-negotiable requirement for your driving dynamics preference.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- Fuel economy is crucial, demonstrated by its 23 MPG combined rating versus the Durango's 20 MPG.
- Maximum utility is needed, as the Atlas Cross Sport boasts 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer a vehicle with marginally more torque (273 lb-ft) for low-end acceleration.
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 | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.8/615.0 mi. | 372.0/502.2 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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the more efficient option, rated at 23 MPG combined (20 City/27 Highway). The 2025 Dodge Durango trails slightly with a 20 MPG combined rating (18 City/25 Highway).
How significant is the cargo space difference between the Durango and the Atlas Cross Sport?
The difference is substantial. The Atlas Cross Sport provides 40.3 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Durango only offers 17.2 cu ft, making the VW the clear choice for hauling needs.
For drivers focused on power, does the higher MSRP vehicle have more horsepower?
No, the more expensive vehicle (Durango at $38,495) produces more horsepower (295 hp), but the lower-priced Atlas Cross Sport ($38,300) actually generates greater torque (273 lb-ft vs. 260 lb-ft).
What is the primary drivetrain distinction between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Dodge Durango comes standard with Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport utilizes a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) layout with an identical 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Which vehicle is physically larger in terms of exterior dimensions?
The 2025 Dodge Durango is longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 195.6 inches. However, the Atlas Cross Sport is significantly wider (78.3 inches vs. 75.8 inches) and shorter in height (68.1 inches vs. 72.1 inches).
Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport specify regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling requirements for both models.
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