2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas
Comparison Overview
So, you're caught between the sleek new 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the famously spacious 2025 Volkswagen Atlas? It’s a classic trade-off: premium performance versus maximum utility. The CX-70 nudges ahead on power, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a better combined fuel economy of 25 MPG versus the Atlas’s 22 MPG. The Atlas counters with a significantly lower starting MSRP of $38,200 compared to the Mazda’s $40,445 and offers superior vertical space at 70.4 inches high. However, that extra height in the Atlas doesn't translate to better storage; the CX-70 surprisingly offers nearly double the cargo volume at 39.6 cu ft versus the Atlas's 20.6 cu ft, though the Atlas does offer a larger footprint overall at 78.3 inches wide. Both utilize a similar 8-speed automatic transmission, but the CX-70’s standard AWD provides a confidence boost over the Atlas's standard FWD setup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 is the better commuter due to its superior 25 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Atlas’s 22 MPG.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas wins for families seeking maximum space, especially indicated by its taller 70.4-inch height and wider 78.3-inch frame.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offers higher output with 280 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, appealing more to driving enthusiasts.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas provides excellent size and capability starting at a lower MSRP of $38,200 compared to the CX-70's $40,445.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the CX-70 achieves a 25 MPG combined rating.
- You want the higher performance edge with 280 horsepower available from the standard engine.
- You prefer the standard security of All-Wheel Drive across all trim levels.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...
- Your budget is firm, as the Atlas starts nearly $2,200 cheaper at $38,200 MSRP.
- You need a taller vehicle, as the Atlas stands 70.4 inches high, providing more vertical clearance.
- You value superior front-passenger utility, suggested by the Atlas's much wider 78.3-inch body.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-70 | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 200.7" |
| Width | - | 78.3" |
| Height | 68.2" | 70.4" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 269 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/28 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 372.0/483.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 60.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 58.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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-70 and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.
Does the CX-70's smaller cargo capacity mean it’s impractical?
While the CX-70's 39.6 cu ft beats the Atlas's listed 20.6 cu ft, it’s important to remember the Atlas is likely designed as a larger three-row vehicle, even if the base capacity listed here is lower. For typical week-to-week hauling, the CX-70's figure is still quite generous.
Which vehicle is better for fuel savings on my daily commute?
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is the clear winner for commuters focused on fuel; it delivers 25 MPG combined, whereas the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas trails slightly with 22 MPG combined.
How much more expensive is the more powerful Mazda CX-70?
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 starts at an MSRP of $40,445, making it $2,245 more expensive than the Volkswagen Atlas, which kicks off at $38,200.
Which vehicle has more muscle under the hood?
The Mazda CX-70 offers a higher performance threshold, providing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, noticeably eclipsing the Atlas’s 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
Do both models use the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas are engineered to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which simplifies fueling logistics for owners of either car.
Is the Atlas's FWD standard a major disadvantage compared to the CX-70's standard AWD?
For severe weather or unpaved roads, the CX-70's standard AWD offers better traction security. However, for dry, paved city driving, the Atlas's FWD configuration is perfectly adequate and contributes to its lower starting price.
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