2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$39,035 · Crossover

$37,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L roars onto the scene ready for adventure, boasting a robust 293 horsepower, though this rugged capability comes at the cost of efficiency, returning 21 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport prioritizes streamlined utility, offering a surprisingly punchy 273 lb-ft of torque to push its FWD platform, netting a slightly better 23 combined MPG. While the Jeep is the longer beast at 204.9 inches, making it physically imposing, the VW is the storage champion, hauling an exceptional 40.3 cu ft of cargo compared to the Jeep's tight 17.2 cu ft. Starting at $39,035, the Jeep carries a higher entry price than the Atlas Cross Sport's $37,190. These two crossovers offer distinctly different paths: one embracing traditional trail presence, the other optimizing sheer daily hauling capacity and modern efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the better commuter due to its superior 23 combined MPG rating and marginally smaller exterior footprint.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport overwhelmingly wins for families by offering more than double the usable storage space at 40.3 cu ft versus the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Grand Cherokee L appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher peak power output of 293 hp and standard rear-wheel-drive bias.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the better value, starting at a lower MSRP of $37,190 while delivering better fuel economy.

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if...

You require the additional length (204.9 inches) and bulk that the Jeep provides for road presence.
You prefer the traditional RWD driving dynamics provided by the Jeep's standard setup.
You prioritize the higher peak engine output of 293 horsepower for spirited driving moments.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Maximizing cargo space is critical, as the Atlas offers a cavernous 40.3 cu ft capacity.
You are looking for better fuel efficiency, scoring 23 combined MPG versus the Jeep's 21.
You want to save immediately with the lower starting MSRP of $37,190.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Jeep Grand Cherokee L	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	204.9"	195.6"
Width	77.9"	78.3"
Height	71.5"	68.1"
Wheelbase	121.7"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Jeep	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	✓	✓
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	293 hp @ 6400 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 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	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	437.0/598.0 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.0 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	8.4 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.4 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
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	Jeep	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.9 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	58.7 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Jeep	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	265/60R18	245/60R18
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Jeep	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	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Which vehicle is substantially larger for passengers and cargo?

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is significantly longer at 204.9 inches, suggesting potential third-row benefits, but the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport absolutely dominates cargo hauling with 40.3 cu ft available compared to the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft.

Is there a noticeable performance difference between the two crossovers?

Yes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L has the advantage in outright power, producing 293 horsepower against the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 horsepower, although the VW counters with slightly more torque at 273 lb-ft.

How do the base fuel economy figures compare for daily driving?

The Atlas Cross Sport is slightly more frugal for the daily grind, achieving 23 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway). The Jeep trails marginally with 21 combined MPG (19 city/26 highway).

What is the starting price difference between the Grand Cherokee L and the Atlas Cross Sport?

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers a lower entry point at $37,190, making it $1,845 cheaper than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L's base MSRP of $39,035.

Do these vehicles share the same basic drivetrain configuration?

No, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L uses a standard Rear Wheel Drive configuration, while the base Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport employs Front Wheel Drive, which affects handling characteristics.

Are both vehicles capable of running on standard fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, simplifying ownership costs related to fuel type.