2025 Lexus NX vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$40,965 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference lies in fuel economy, with the 2025 Lexus NX achieving 28 combined MPG compared to the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas's 22 combined MPG, a 6 MPG advantage for the Lexus. Conversely, the Atlas boasts substantially greater performance metrics, delivering 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque against the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. Despite the power deficit, the NX undercuts the Atlas on entry price by $2,765, starting at $40,965 versus the Atlas's $38,200. Dimensions also differentiate them significantly; the Atlas is 17.2 inches longer at 200.7 inches and 4.9 inches wider, offering a larger footprint. While the Atlas provides more power, its smaller 22.7 cu ft cargo space in the NX is surprisingly competitive against the Atlas's 20.6 cu ft capacity, highlighting the Lexus's efficient packaging.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus NX

The 2025 Lexus NX is the better choice for daily commuting due to its superior 28 combined MPG rating versus the Atlas's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offers a more accommodating size, being over 17 inches longer, which generally translates to superior passenger and overall interior volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

Enthusiasts will prefer the Atlas for its 66 hp advantage, producing 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX offers better long-term running costs through fuel savings and has a slightly lower MSRP of $40,965 compared to the Atlas's $38,200, creating a balanced initial value proposition despite lower horsepower.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel efficiency is the top priority, demonstrated by the 28 combined MPG.
A lower initial MSRP of $40,965 is desired over the Atlas.
Buyers prefer a slightly more manageable exterior footprint, measuring 183.5 inches in length.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

Maximum available power is necessary, provided by the Atlas's 269 hp rating.
Superior physical size is required, indicated by the 200.7-inch length and 78.3-inch width.
Higher torque output of 273 lb-ft is preferred for acceleration feel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	183.5"	200.7"
Width	73.4"	78.3"
Height	66.1"	70.4"
Wheelbase	105.9"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/478.5 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
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	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	245/60R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for highway driving?

The 2025 Lexus NX is more efficient, achieving 33 MPG on the highway compared to the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas's 26 MPG highway rating. This 7 MPG difference results in lower operational costs over long distances for the Lexus.

How do the power outputs compare between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is significantly more powerful, delivering 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Lexus NX lags with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Volkswagen Atlas substantially larger than the Lexus NX?

Yes, the Atlas is considerably larger in overall scale. It measures 200.7 inches in length, making it 17.2 inches longer than the NX's 183.5 inches, and is also wider and taller.

Which vehicle has a lower starting price?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas has a lower stated MSRP, beginning at $38,200, while the 2025 Lexus NX starts at $40,965.

Do both vehicles utilize the same transmission type?

Yes, both the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas are equipped standard with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How does the cargo capacity compare between the two?

Despite its larger exterior dimensions, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is slightly less than the 22.7 cubic feet provided by the 2025 Lexus NX.