2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$40,200 · Crossover

$37,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport pits Honda's refined power against VW's superior utility and punchy torque. The Pilot commands attention with 285 hp, promising more immediate acceleration capability, though it sacrifices economy with a combined 22 MPG. Conversely, the Atlas Cross Sport offers a captivating value proposition, starting at a lower $37,190 compared to the Pilot's $40,200, while delivering 273 lb-ft of torque, slightly beating the Pilot's 262 lb-ft figure. Design-wise, the Pilot is taller at 71.0 inches, suggesting a more commanding road presence, whereas the Atlas leverages its shorter 195.6-inch length for easier maneuvering. However, when it comes to hauling gear, the Atlas utterly dominates with a massive 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Pilot's modest 18.6 cu ft, making the practical decision clear.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its slightly better 23 combined MPG efficiency compared to the Pilot's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers vastly superior utility for families, boasting 40.3 cu ft of cargo space against the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot provides a higher peak power output with 285 hp, appealing more to drivers seeking greater maximum horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport is the clear value winner, undercutting the Honda Pilot's MSRP by $3,010.

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

You prioritize the feeling of higher engine output, as the Pilot offers 285 hp.
You prefer the slightly higher highway fuel economy rating of 27 MPG.
You desire a taller vehicle stance with a height of 71.0 inches.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Maximizing utility is paramount, given the huge 40.3 cu ft of available cargo capacity.
You want to save immediately, as the Atlas Cross Sport is $3,010 less expensive.
You prefer the low-end shove provided by 273 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Pilot	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	199.9"	195.6"
Width	78.5"	78.3"
Height	71.0"	68.1"
Wheelbase	113.8"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

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	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable 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)	19/27 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/499.5 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	240W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 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 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	40.2 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.8 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.7 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.4 in.	58.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—

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./ 24000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Which crossover is more powerful: the 2025 Pilot or the Atlas Cross Sport?

The 2025 Honda Pilot takes the horsepower crown with 285 hp, beating the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp. However, the Atlas fights back with superior torque, producing 273 lb-ft versus the Pilot's 262 lb-ft.

Is the fuel economy significantly different between these two FWD crossovers?

The fuel economy ratings are close, but the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport holds a slight edge with a combined 23 MPG rating. The Honda Pilot achieves 22 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel.

How much cargo space separates the Pilot from the Atlas Cross Sport?

There is a massive gap; the Atlas Cross Sport offers 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, dwarfing the Honda Pilot's 18.6 cu ft offering.

Why is the Atlas Cross Sport the better value proposition?

The Atlas Cross Sport commands a lower entry price point, starting at $37,190, which is $3,010 less than the Honda Pilot's $40,200 MSRP.

Do the transmissions feel very different on the road?

Yes, the Honda Pilot utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting potentially smoother acceleration steps, while the Atlas Cross Sport uses an 8-speed unit.

Which vehicle is physically larger overall?

The Honda Pilot is generally the physically larger vehicle, notably being taller at 71.0 inches compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 68.1 inches, although the Pilot is also slightly longer overall.