2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$38,045 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas often boils down to prioritizing performance refinement versus sheer utility. If you need a slightly more engaging drive, the CX-90 starts at a compelling $38,045 and offers a punchier 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, translating to better acceleration when merging onto the highway. Its fuel economy is also superior, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the Atlas's 22 MPG combined. However, the Atlas, priced slightly higher at $38,200, wins the space battle decisively, offering a massive 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. While both vehicles are nearly identical in length (200.8 inches vs. 200.7 inches), the Atlas's extra height (70.4 inches) helps contribute to its cavernous cabin, making it the practical powerhouse for hauling families and gear.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the winner here due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 25 MPG versus the Atlas's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas is the clear family choice because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 20.6 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its superior 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins on initial cost and efficiency, starting $155 cheaper while delivering 3 MPG better mileage.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize a more potent powertrain, benefiting from 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You want to save money at the pump, as the CX-90 achieves 25 MPG combined on regular unleaded.
You prefer the refinement of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) rather than the standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) of the Atlas.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

Maximum hauling capability is essential, given its class-leading 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
You need the extra headroom and presence provided by its taller 70.4-inch height.
You prefer a standard front-wheel-drive setup, which is typical for many crossover buyers.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	200.8"	200.7"
Width	78.5"	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	✓	✓
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
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 (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
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	39.7 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: 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 Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
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	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-90 and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

Which vehicle is better on gas for my daily commute?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 takes the efficiency crown, delivering a combined 25 MPG. In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas only achieves 22 MPG combined, meaning the Mazda will cost less to run over the long term.

How much usable space difference is there between the two crossovers?

The difference is significant; the Volkswagen Atlas boasts 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Mazda CX-90 trails noticeably with only 14.9 cubic feet, making the Atlas the better option for large grocery runs or road trips.

Is the performance difference between the two noticeable?

Yes, the Mazda CX-90 offers noticeably more grunt, producing 280 horsepower versus the Atlas's 269 horsepower. This translates to stronger acceleration when you need to pass quickly on the highway.

Are the overall physical sizes very different?

Despite both being large crossovers, they are nearly identical in footprint, both measuring just over 200 inches long. The primary physical difference is the Atlas being nearly 2.2 inches taller, which contributes to its cargo volume.

Do I need premium fuel for either of these base models?

Fortunately, neither vehicle requires premium fuel for their standard configurations; both the CX-90 and the Atlas are designed to run happily on regular unleaded gasoline.

What is the advantage of the CX-90's standard AWD system?

The CX-90 includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing better traction management in slippery conditions compared to the Atlas's standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration.