2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

$30,100 · Crossover

$39,310 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the efficient daily driver and the spacious powerhouse is tough for many crossover shoppers. The 2025 Honda CR-V, starting at an MSRP of $30,100, focuses squarely on economy, boasting a strong combined 30 MPG. In contrast, the larger 2026 Volkswagen Atlas arrives with a significantly higher $39,310 MSRP but offers superior performance with 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, compared to the CR-V's 190 hp. This difference in philosophy shows up clearly in size: the Atlas stretches to 200.7 inches long, dwarfing the CR-V's 184.8-inch length. However, that extra bulk compromises efficiency, with the Atlas netting only 23 combined MPG—a noticeable 7 MPG deficit. For buyers prioritizing lower running costs and easier city parking, the CR-V’s smaller footprint and better fuel economy make a compelling case against the Atlas’s superior power output.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda CR-V

The CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating, significantly lowering day-to-day running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas

Families needing maximum passenger or gear space should choose the Atlas because its 200.7-inch length clearly offers more interior volume overall.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volkswagen Atlas

Enthusiasts will favor the Atlas, which offers substantially more power with 269 hp versus the CR-V's 190 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers better value by saving $9,210 upfront and providing superior fuel efficiency.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

You want to keep your initial purchase price low, as the CR-V starts at $30,100 versus the Atlas's $39,310.
Fuel efficiency is a top priority, given the CR-V achieves 34 highway MPG.
You prefer a slightly smaller vehicle for navigating and parking in urban areas (184.8 inches long).

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

You absolutely need higher power, as the Atlas delivers 79 more horsepower (269 hp total).
You require significantly more space than the CR-V offers (Atlas is 200.7 inches long).
You are comfortable spending an extra $9,210 for superior performance and size.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	184.8"	200.7"
Width	73.5"	78.3"
Height	66.2"	70.4"
Wheelbase	106.3"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓

Engine

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

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/34 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/476.0 mi.	372.0/502.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Honda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas.

How much more fuel efficient is the 2025 Honda CR-V compared to the 2026 Atlas?

The CR-V is considerably more efficient, achieving a combined 30 MPG versus the Atlas's 23 combined MPG. This 7 MPG advantage will translate to significant long-term savings at the pump for CR-V owners.

Is the 2026 VW Atlas much bigger than the CR-V?

Yes, the Atlas is a much larger crossover; it measures 200.7 inches in length, while the CR-V is 184.8 inches long. This size difference impacts maneuverability but should grant the Atlas superior interior room.

Which car is better for quick acceleration, despite the price difference?

The 2026 Atlas is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, offering 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V trails significantly with only 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque.

Does the higher price of the Atlas justify its features?

The Atlas commands a $9,210 higher MSRP ($39,310 vs $30,100), which primarily buys significantly more power and physical size, rather than necessarily better economy.