2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$40,150 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline (car1) and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (car2) often boils down to prioritizing capability versus efficiency and initial cost. If you frequently haul gear, the Ridgeline's unique truck utility, despite its smaller 7.3 cu ft open cargo area, might appeal, though it commands a higher MSRP of $40,150 compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's starting price of $38,300. However, for daily driving efficiency, the Atlas Cross Sport pulls ahead with a combined 23 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG, offering better highway figures at 27 MPG versus 24 MPG. Performance-wise, the Ridgeline offers slightly more power with 280 hp, but the Atlas counters with better low-end pull thanks to 273 lb-ft of torque versus the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft. The larger footprint of the Ridgeline (210.2 inches long) emphasizes its truck-based roots, while the Atlas prioritizes usable enclosed space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy, achieving 23 MPG combined compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Families will benefit more from the Atlas Cross Sport's significantly larger 40.3 cu ft of enclosed cargo capacity versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The 2025 Ridgeline edges out the competition for enthusiasts seeking better acceleration metrics due to its slightly higher 280 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport presents better immediate value, starting at an MSRP of $38,300 versus the Ridgeline's $40,150.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You need the slightly higher peak horsepower output of 280 hp for highway merging.
You require the standard all-wheel-drive system for consistent traction in varying conditions.
You prefer the extended length of 210.2 inches, which may offer a more commanding road presence.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Maximizing enclosed storage is critical, as it offers 40.3 cu ft of cargo space versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.
You want to save $1,850 upfront, as the Atlas Cross Sport starts at $38,300.
You prioritize better fuel efficiency, achieving 27 MPG on the highway with its FWD setup.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	210.2"	195.6"
Width	78.6"	78.3"
Height	70.8"	68.1"
Wheelbase	125.2"	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	✓	✓
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	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)	18/24 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front 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	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	40.1 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: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
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	38.8 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	58.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
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 Ridgeline and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

How do the standard drivetrains compare for everyday driving?

The 2025 Ridgeline comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport uses a standard front-wheel-drive setup paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which contributes to its slightly better overall efficiency.

Is the Ridgeline's small open cargo bed useful compared to the Atlas's large enclosed space?

The Ridgeline offers only 7.3 cu ft of open cargo, intended more for utility tasks, whereas the Atlas provides a massive 40.3 cu ft of enclosed storage, making it far superior for protecting luggage or large shopping trips from the elements.

Which vehicle uses less expensive fuel, if any?

Both the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 VW Atlas Cross Sport specify regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither will penalize you with premium fuel requirements.

How big is the difference in physical size between these two crossovers?

The Ridgeline is noticeably longer, measuring 210.2 inches from bumper to bumper, while the Atlas Cross Sport is shorter at 195.6 inches; the width is nearly identical, around 78.3 to 78.6 inches.

Does the lower starting price of the Atlas guarantee better long-term value?

While the Atlas Cross Sport is cheaper initially at $38,300 versus $40,150 for the Ridgeline, the final value depends on your usage—the Ridgeline's utility might offset its higher initial cost for some buyers.

Who wins regarding raw power delivery in a straight line?

The Ridgeline has a slight advantage in peak horsepower, offering 280 hp, but the Atlas Cross Sport has superior torque for quicker off-the-line responsiveness, boasting 273 lb-ft compared to the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft.