2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$30,500 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 bursts onto the scene with athletic intent, favoring engaging dynamics despite offering a modest 187 hp and achieving 28 MPG combined. Contrast this with the commanding 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, a significantly larger machine, which unleashes a potent 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged engine. The difference in footprint is clear: the Atlas stretches 200.7 inches long, towering over the CX-50's 63.5-inch height. However, this power comes at an efficiency cost, as the Atlas drops to 22 MPG combined, a 6 MPG deficit compared to the Mazda. With an MSRP starting at $30,500, the CX-50 presents an accessible gateway to stylish utility, undercutting the larger Atlas’s $38,200 entry point by a substantial $7,700, forcing buyers to weigh dynamic agility against sheer passenger volume and brute force.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 28 MPG combined versus the Atlas’s 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas is the better family hauler thanks to its greater overall size, reaching 70.4 inches in height for more cabin volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Atlas's robust powertrain delivering 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 offers significant value, starting at $30,500, which is $7,700 less than the entry price of the Atlas.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the CX-50 returns 31 MPG on the highway.
You prefer a lower starting MSRP of just $30,500.
You desire a slightly smaller footprint for navigating tight urban areas (185.8 inches long).

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

Maximum power is required, evidenced by the Atlas's 269 hp engine.
You frequently haul bulky items, prioritizing the superior 31.4 cu ft of cargo space (though the Atlas is significantly larger overall).
A larger, commanding presence is desired, noted by the Atlas's 200.7-inch length and 70.4-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	185.8"	200.7"
Width	75.6"	78.3"
Height	63.5"	70.4"
Wheelbase	110.8"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
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	Mazda	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	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	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

What is the primary trade-off when choosing between the CX-50 and the Atlas?

The choice is between efficiency and sheer size/power; the CX-50 prioritizes 28 MPG combined efficiency, whereas the Atlas emphasizes muscle with 269 hp and greater overall dimensions.

Does the higher power of the Atlas translate to better fuel economy?

No, the Atlas's greater output results in lower efficiency; it achieves only 22 MPG combined, which is 6 MPG less than the CX-50’s rating.

Which vehicle offers superior outright cargo capacity?

While the Atlas is physically larger, the CX-50 actually shows a higher specified cargo capacity at 31.4 cu ft compared to the Atlas's 20.6 cu ft listed in these specifications.

How much more does the higher-powered Volkswagen Atlas cost to purchase?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas carries an MSRP starting at $38,200, which is $7,700 more expensive than the base 2025 Mazda CX-50 at $30,500.

Are both vehicles primarily geared towards daily driving?

The CX-50 leans slightly more toward efficient daily commutes, utilizing regular unleaded fuel and achieving better mileage, while the Atlas, despite also using regular unleaded, leans toward high-performance hauling with its robust torque figure of 273 lb-ft.