2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee sprints out of the gate with a commanding 293 hp, offering a raw, rear-wheel-drive dynamic that performance seekers crave. Conversely, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport leans into practical efficiency, boasting a slightly better combined 23 MPG versus the Jeep's 22 MPG, leveraging its FWD setup. While the Atlas Cross Sport offers more room with 40.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Jeep's 37.7 cu ft, the Jeep provides superior horsepower, eclipsing the VW's 269 hp by a healthy 24 hp. For those prioritizing streetable power and a familiar size (193.5 inches long), the Jeep beckons. Meanwhile, the Atlas Cross Sport, priced slightly higher at $38,300 versus the Jeep's $36,495, appeals to the utility-focused buyer who values its slightly higher torque rating of 273 lb-ft for stop-start duties.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its superior combined 23 MPG and front-wheel-drive efficiency.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Families will appreciate the larger 40.3 cu ft cargo capacity offered by the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2025 Grand Cherokee excites driving enthusiasts with its higher 293 hp output and traditional rear-wheel-drive bias.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers better peak horsepower for a lower starting MSRP of $36,495.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee if...
- You demand the raw, higher output of 293 horsepower for spirited driving.
- You prefer the traditional dynamics and grip offered by a rear-wheel-drive platform.
- You want to secure a lower entry price point, starting at just $36,495.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- Maximum utility is required, given its best-in-class cargo capacity of 40.3 cu ft.
- Your daily route prioritizes fuel economy, with a combined 23 MPG rating.
- You need the extra pulling assurance provided by its 273 lb-ft of torque advantage.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.5" | 195.6" |
| Width | 77.5" | 78.3" |
| Height | 70.8" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 116.7" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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) | 22 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 39.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 39.4 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 60.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 6.5 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/70R17 | 245/60R18 |
| 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 and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Is the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee more powerful than the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport?
Yes, the Grand Cherokee is noticeably more powerful, generating 293 horsepower compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 horsepower, a difference of 24 hp.
Which crossover offers better efficiency for highway driving?
The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport is slightly more efficient on the highway, rated at 27 MPG versus the Grand Cherokee's 26 MPG.
How do the cargo capacities compare between these two vehicles?
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provides greater utility with 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing the Jeep Grand Cherokee's 37.7 cubic feet.
What is the main difference in drivetrain layout?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee utilizes a rear-wheel-drive configuration, whereas the standard 2026 Atlas Cross Sport employs a front-wheel-drive setup.
Which vehicle has a better starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a better entry price at $36,495, undercutting the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport which starts at $38,300.
Do both models use the same type of transmission?
Both vehicles feature an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear changes in both the Jeep and the Volkswagen.
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