2025 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Comparison Overview
The most striking specification difference lies in cargo capacity, where the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers 40.3 cu ft, vastly exceeding the 2025 Honda Pilot's 18.6 cu ft, indicating a primary design divergence. Performance specifications are closely matched, though the Pilot leads slightly in raw power with 285 hp compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp; however, the Atlas counteracts this with higher torque at 273 lb-ft versus the Pilot's 262 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency favors the VW, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the Pilot's 22 combined MPG. Pricing shows the Atlas Cross Sport entering at a lower $38,300 MSRP compared to the Pilot's $40,200. Dimensionally, the Pilot is longer at 199.9 inches and taller at 71.0 inches, suggesting a more upright, traditional SUV stance versus the shorter, lower profile of the Atlas Cross Sport.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport offers marginally better combined fuel economy at 23 MPG and a lower entry MSRP of $38,300.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The significantly superior cargo capacity of 40.3 cu ft in the Atlas Cross Sport provides substantially more utility for passengers and gear.
2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Pilot outputs higher peak horsepower at 285 hp, potentially suggesting a more spirited on-road experience despite slightly less torque.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport has a lower starting MSRP of $38,300 and wins the efficiency battle with 23 combined MPG.
Choose the Honda Pilot if...
- You require the maximum available horsepower rating of 285 hp for acceleration.
- You prefer the marginally higher highway rating of 27 MPG combined with a front-wheel-drive setup.
- You need the taller vehicle profile, standing at 71.0 inches in height.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- Maximum hauling capability is essential, given its 40.3 cu ft cargo volume.
- You prioritize a lower initial investment with an MSRP of $38,300.
- You prefer superior low-end pulling power indicated 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 | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/499.5 mi. | 372.0/502.2 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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Which crossover offers more interior space for storage?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear winner in pure cargo volume, boasting 40.3 cu ft behind the rear seats compared to the 2025 Honda Pilot's 18.6 cu ft. This is a difference of over 21 cubic feet in favor of the Atlas Cross Sport.
How do the powertrains compare in terms of power figures?
The 2025 Honda Pilot produces 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport counters with 269 hp but has a slight advantage in torque delivery at 273 lb-ft. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel.
Is there a significant difference in fuel economy?
Yes, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport achieves a combined rating of 23 MPG, which is 1 MPG better than the Honda Pilot's 22 combined MPG rating. Both vehicles share the same 27 MPG highway rating.
Which vehicle is dimensionally larger?
The 2025 Honda Pilot is longer at 199.9 inches versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 195.6 inches, and it is also considerably taller at 71.0 inches compared to the VW's 68.1 inches.
What is the starting price disparity between these crossovers?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts at $38,300 MSRP, making it $1,900 cheaper than the 2025 Honda Pilot, which begins at $40,200 MSRP.
Do these vehicles use the same type of transmission?
Both utilize a shiftable automatic transmission, but the Pilot employs a 10-speed unit, offering two more ratios than the Atlas Cross Sport's 8-speed unit.
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