2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$38,045 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport lies in their cargo utility, with the Atlas Cross Sport offering 40.3 cu ft compared to the CX-90's restrictive 14.9 cu ft. Performance metrics favor the CX-90, which produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp and 273 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows the Mazda leading slightly with 25 MPG combined versus the VW's 23 MPG combined, despite both vehicles utilizing regular unleaded fuel. The CX-90 has a marginally lower MSRP at $38,045 against the Atlas Cross Sport's $38,300. Dimensionally, the CX-90 is 5.2 inches longer (200.8 inches vs 195.6 inches), but both share an 8-speed automatic transmission and require AWD for the CX-90 setup versus FWD standard on the Atlas Cross Sport. These key specifications dictate distinct priorities for prospective owners.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG versus 23 MPG for the Atlas Cross Sport.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the better family choice because it provides 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially more than the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the VW's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers a slightly lower starting MSRP of $38,045 while providing greater horsepower and better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Maximum engine output is a priority, as the CX-90 generates 280 hp and 332 lb-ft.
Consistent fuel efficiency is desired, given its 25 MPG combined rating versus 23 MPG.
You prefer a standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configuration for year-round traction.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Utility and hauling capacity are critical, indicated by its massive 40.3 cu ft of cargo space.
A smaller overall footprint is beneficial, as the Atlas Cross Sport is 5.2 inches shorter in length.
The standard FWD drivetrain layout meets daily driving requirements.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	200.8"	195.6"
Width	78.5"	78.3"
Height	68.2"	68.1"
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	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	372.0/502.2 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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate 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.	39.4 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.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	58.7 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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

How much more practical is the cargo area in the Atlas Cross Sport compared to the CX-90?

The difference is substantial; the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity. In comparison, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 provides only 14.9 cu ft in the equivalent configuration.

Which vehicle provides superior acceleration based purely on specifications?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is projected to offer superior acceleration due to its higher power output. It boasts 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, clearly exceeding the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp and 273 lb-ft.

Are there significant differences in fuel consumption between these two crossovers?

Yes, the Mazda CX-90 holds a slight edge, achieving a combined 25 MPG (24 city/28 highway). The Atlas Cross Sport is rated at 23 MPG combined (20 city/27 highway).

Does the standard drivetrain configuration differ between the two models?

It does. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD). Conversely, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 configuration specified here includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment.

What is the price gap when comparing the base MSRPs?

The Mazda CX-90 has a marginally lower starting MSRP at $38,045. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is priced slightly higher at $38,300, resulting in a $255 difference at base level.

How do the exterior dimensions compare in overall length?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is physically longer, measuring 200.8 inches from end to end. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is 5.2 inches shorter, registering at 195.6 inches in length.