2025 Nissan Murano vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$40,470 · Crossover

$37,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between two stylish mid-size crossovers, the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, often boils down to balancing initial cost versus space. The Atlas Cross Sport undercuts the Murano significantly, starting at $37,190 compared to the Murano's $40,470 MSRP, a $3,280 savings. Performance is close; the VW boasts 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, nudging ahead of the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft, though both achieve the same 23 MPG combined rating. Where the Atlas truly pulls ahead is practicality; it offers substantially more room with 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Murano’s 32.9 cu ft. While both utilize FWD and regular unleaded fuel, the slightly larger exterior dimensions of the Atlas (195.6 inches long) reflect its interior volume advantage, making the choice between slightly lower initial outlay and maximum utility key for buyers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano provides slightly better efficiency numbers on the highway at 27 MPG compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport wins for families due to its superior 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport offers more performance figures with 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport provides more power and significantly more cargo space while having a lower starting MSRP of $37,190.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You prioritize maximizing highway fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG highway vs. 26 MPG highway in the VW.
You prefer a vehicle with a slightly smaller footprint, measuring 192.9 inches in length.
You are comfortable with the standard 241 hp for balanced, dependable everyday driving.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

You need the maximum amount of utility, benefiting from 40.3 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the highest output, as the 269 hp engine provides a noticeable power advantage.
Saving money upfront is a priority, given the $3,280 lower starting MSRP of $37,190.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	192.9"	195.6"
Width	78.0"	78.3"
Height	67.9"	68.1"
Wheelbase	111.2"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Nissan	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	2	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 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	6-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	58.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	245/60R18
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	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./ 24000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Which vehicle is more practical for hauling cargo?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is significantly more practical, offering 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space. This is substantially more than the 32.9 cubic feet available in the 2025 Nissan Murano.

Is there a noticeable difference in fuel economy between the two?

Overall, both vehicles are rated at 23 MPG combined. However, the Murano has a slight edge on the highway, achieving 27 MPG compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 26 MPG.

Which crossover provides better raw power?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport wins on power, generating 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Murano is rated lower at 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

How do the starting prices compare for these two crossovers?

The Atlas Cross Sport is the more budget-friendly entry point at an MSRP of $37,190. The 2025 Nissan Murano starts higher, priced at $40,470, creating a $3,280 gap between them.

Are there any major differences in their transmissions or drivetrain setups?

Both utilize a shiftable automatic transmission and are standard front-wheel drive, but the Murano features a 9-speed unit while the Atlas Cross Sport uses an 8-speed automatic.

Which one is physically larger on the road?

The Atlas Cross Sport is slightly larger overall; it measures 195.6 inches in length compared to the Murano’s 192.9 inches, and it is also marginally wider and taller.