2025 Honda Passport vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Honda Passport and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport often comes down to prioritizing capability versus upfront savings. The Honda Passport starts at a higher MSRP of $42,400 compared to the VW's $38,300, a significant $4,100 difference right out of the gate. However, the Passport compensates with standard All-Wheel Drive, 280 horsepower, and a taller stance at 72.2 inches, suggesting better foul-weather performance. Conversely, the Atlas Cross Sport offers superior fuel economy, achieving 23 MPG combined versus the Passport's 21 MPG, and boasts slightly more torque at 273 lb-ft, even though it ships standard in FWD. For hauling gear, the Passport clearly wins with 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Atlas's 40.3 cu ft, making the choice dependent on whether you need rugged utility or economical daily driving.
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 slightly better fuel economy, achieving 23 MPG combined.
2025 Honda Passport
The 2025 Passport is the family choice as it provides substantially more usable space with 50.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
2025 Honda Passport
Enthusiasts should lean towards the Passport for its 280 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive system.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport offers better overall value starting at $38,300, which is $4,100 less than the Passport.
Choose the Honda Passport if...
- You need maximum gear hauling capability, as the 2025 Passport offers 50.5 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You live in areas requiring true all-weather traction, as the Passport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a vehicle with a higher ride height, given the Passport's 72.2-inch height versus the Atlas's 68.1 inches.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, as the Atlas Cross Sport saves you $4,100 at its $38,300 MSRP.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency on your daily drives, benefiting from 23 MPG combined vs. 21 MPG.
- You need more pulling power at lower engine speeds, indicated by the Atlas's 273 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Passport | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.1" | 195.6" |
| Width | 78.6" | 78.3" |
| Height | 72.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 110.9" | 117.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 269 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/24 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.5/468.0 mi. | 372.0/502.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.5 gal. | 18.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 215W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | — |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 60.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.3 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/45R | 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 | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Passport and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
What is the main difference in drivetrain technology between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Honda Passport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is a major advantage for slippery conditions. In contrast, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, though AWD may be available as an option on higher trims.
How much more cargo space does the Passport really offer over the Atlas Cross Sport?
The Honda Passport has significantly more room for luggage and gear, offering 50.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is over 10 cubic feet more than the Atlas Cross Sport, which manages 40.3 cubic feet behind its rear seats.
Is the fuel economy difference significant enough for a daily commuter?
Yes, the difference is noticeable over a year; the Atlas Cross Sport achieves 23 MPG combined, beating the Passport's 21 MPG combined, and also gets slightly better highway mileage at 27 MPG versus 24 MPG.
Which vehicle has more standard engine power (horsepower)?
The 2025 Honda Passport holds the edge in peak horsepower with 280 hp compared to the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp. However, the VW counters this with slightly more low-end grunt thanks to its 273 lb-ft of torque.
How does the starting price affect the overall value proposition?
The Atlas Cross Sport offers compelling value by starting $4,100 lower than the Passport, at $38,300. If standard AWD isn't a necessity, saving over four thousand dollars upfront makes the VW a strong value contender.
Are the physical dimensions very different for parking and maneuvering?
The Atlas Cross Sport is noticeably longer at 195.6 inches compared to the Passport's 189.1 inches, making the Passport slightly easier to fit into tight garage spaces. Both vehicles share similar widths.
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