2025 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Ford Bronco and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport lies in fuel economy, with the Atlas achieving 23 MPG combined compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG combined—a 4 MPG advantage. Power output also separates the two, as the Bronco delivers 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque versus the Atlas's 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Atlas Cross Sport offers significantly more utility, boasting 40.3 cu ft of cargo space, nearly double the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft, although it relies on Front Wheel Drive standard against the Bronco's standard Four Wheel Drive. Priced similarly at $38,995 (Bronco) and $37,190 (Atlas), the Atlas uses cheaper regular unleaded fuel while the Bronco recommends premium. Furthermore, the Atlas is substantially longer at 195.6 inches versus 173.7 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its superior 23 MPG combined efficiency and automatic transmission.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport provides 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Bronco’s 20.6 cu ft, better serving family hauling needs.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is the choice for enthusiasts, offering 300 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, standard 4WD, and a 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport is less expensive at $37,190, uses regular unleaded fuel, and offers better MPG for routine driving costs.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- Maximum towing and off-road capability via standard Four Wheel Drive are essential.
- The driver prioritizes higher peak performance metrics (300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque).
- A specialized 7-speed manual transmission driving experience is preferred over an automatic.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- Maximizing interior cargo space (40.3 cu ft) for gear or passengers is the priority.
- Fuel cost savings through better efficiency (23 MPG combined) and regular unleaded fuel use are important.
- A smoother, longer crossover platform (195.6 inches long) is desired over a compact SUV architecture.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7" | 195.6" |
| Width | 75.9" | 78.3" |
| Height | 71.9" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 117.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid 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 |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm | 269 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 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 | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Part Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Electronic Hi-Lo | — |
| Locking Hubs | Automatic | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/21 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 372.0/483.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 18.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.8 in. | 60.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.3 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/70R16 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | 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 Ford Bronco and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Which vehicle has better long-term running costs based on fuel?
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport generally offers lower running costs due to its superior 23 MPG combined rating versus the Bronco's 19 MPG. Additionally, the Atlas uses regular unleaded fuel, while the Bronco recommends premium unleaded, adding to the Bronco's ongoing expense.
Is the Ford Bronco's manual transmission a major drawback for city driving?
The Bronco’s standard 7-speed manual transmission requires more driver engagement, which can be perceived as a drawback in heavy stop-and-go traffic compared to the Atlas Cross Sport’s 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How significant is the difference in passenger/cargo volume?
The difference is substantial; the Atlas Cross Sport offers 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is nearly double the 20.6 cu ft found in the Ford Bronco, making the Atlas much more practical for hauling large items.
Does the Atlas Cross Sport's FWD configuration limit its capability compared to the Bronco's 4WD?
Yes, the standard Front Wheel Drive on the Atlas Cross Sport is less suited for low-traction environments than the Bronco's standard Four Wheel Drive system, which is engineered for off-road driving.
Considering the higher price point of the Bronco, does it offer more inherent utility?
While the Bronco has a slightly higher MSRP at $38,995 versus $37,190, its utility is skewed towards ruggedness (e.g., higher ground clearance implied by dimensions) rather than outright capacity, as evidenced by the Atlas's superior cargo volume.
What is the horsepower advantage of the Bronco over the Atlas?
The 2025 Ford Bronco holds a 31 hp advantage, producing 300 hp compared to the Atlas Cross Sport’s 269 hp, translating to better straight-line acceleration metrics, which enthusiasts will notice.
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