2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$39,035 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference favors the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport in efficiency, achieving a 23 MPG combined versus the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's 21 MPG combined. The Atlas Cross Sport also undercuts the Jeep on price by $735, starting at $38,300 compared to the Grand Cherokee L's $39,035 MSRP. However, the Jeep compensates with superior power, producing 293 horsepower against the VW's 269 hp, though the Atlas surprisingly leads in torque with 273 lb-ft to the Jeep's 260 lb-ft. Dimensions reveal the Jeep is substantially longer at 204.9 inches versus 195.6 inches, a difference reflected dramatically in cargo space, where the VW offers a segment-leading 40.3 cu ft compared to the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft in the tested configurations. The standard drive types also diverge, with the Jeep employing RWD and the Atlas utilizing FWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport is the winner for commuters due to its slightly better combined fuel economy of 23 MPG and lower entry price of $38,300.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Families will favor the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport because its 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity vastly outstrips the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2025 Grand Cherokee L takes the enthusiast crown by producing a measurable 293 horsepower versus the Atlas's 269 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport offers superior cargo utility and better fuel efficiency while retaining a $735 lower initial MSRP.

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if...

You require the higher peak output of 293 horsepower for merging and acceleration.
Rear-wheel-drive architecture is a mandatory or preferred driving dynamic for your needs.
The extended exterior length of 204.9 inches better suits your garage or aesthetic preference.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Maximizing accessible cargo volume, especially at 40.3 cu ft, is a top priority.
You prioritize efficiency, benefiting from the 2 MPG advantage in combined driving (23 MPG vs 21 MPG).
A lower initial investment, with an MSRP of $38,300, fits the budget constraints better.

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	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	437.0/598.0 mi.	372.0/502.2 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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Which vehicle offers superior hauling capacity based on standard measurements?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear winner for cargo, boasting 40.3 cu ft behind the second row, which is more than double the 17.2 cu ft offered by the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

How do the standard drivetrains compare between the two models?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes standard with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the Atlas Cross Sport defaults to front-wheel-drive (FWD) with its 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Is the slightly higher horsepower of the Jeep offset by torque figures?

The Jeep's 293 hp surpasses the VW's 269 hp, but the Atlas surprisingly leads in torque generation with 273 lb-ft compared to the Jeep's 260 lb-ft.

What is the difference in the starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?

The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport has a lower starting MSRP of $38,300, giving it a $735 price advantage over the 2025 Grand Cherokee L, which begins at $39,035.

Which crossover is dimensionally larger overall?

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is longer, measuring 204.9 inches in length compared to the Atlas Cross Sport’s 195.6 inches, although the VW is slightly wider at 78.3 inches.