2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$40,470 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport leads with a significant performance advantage, delivering 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque compared to the 2025 Nissan Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, a difference of 28 horsepower. This power disparity is paired with a lower entry price for the VW, starting at $38,300 versus the Murano's $40,470 MSRP. However, the Murano is slightly more efficient on paper when looking at overall size, measuring 192.9 inches in length against the Atlas Cross Sport's 195.6 inches. In terms of utility, the Atlas Cross Sport dominates the cargo measurement, offering 40.3 cu ft versus the Murano's 32.9 cu ft. Both vehicles share an identical 23 MPG combined fuel economy rating, though their transmission setups differ, with the Murano utilizing a 9-speed automatic and the Atlas Cross Sport using an 8-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano offers a marginally smaller footprint (192.9 inches long) and identical 23 MPG combined efficiency, which slightly benefits urban navigation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provides substantially more utility with 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport is the superior choice for performance metrics, boasting 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque against the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Volkswagen undercuts the Nissan on price substantially, starting at $38,300 while offering more horsepower and cargo volume.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You prefer the slightly more refined shifting experience provided by the 9-speed automatic transmission.
You require the smallest exterior dimensions, measuring 192.9 inches in length.
You prioritize the slightly lower torque figure of 260 lb-ft with regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Maximum cargo capacity is essential, as the Atlas Cross Sport offers 40.3 cu ft.
You seek the highest output with 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
A starting MSRP of $38,300 provides significant savings over the Murano's $40,470 entry price.

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	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	372.0/502.2 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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

What is the main performance difference between the 2025 Murano and the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport?

The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport holds a notable advantage in power, delivering 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This contrasts with the 2025 Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, representing a 28 hp gap favoring the Volkswagen.

How do the fuel economies compare for these two front-wheel-drive crossovers?

Both vehicles are rated identically for overall efficiency, achieving 23 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel. The City/Highway breakdown is very similar, with both cars rated at 27 MPG highway.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear winner for utility, offering 40.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Nissan Murano is limited to 32.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Is there a substantial price difference between the base models?

Yes, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a lower starting MSRP of $38,300 compared to the Nissan Murano's $40,470. This nearly $2,170 difference is a major factor in the value assessment.

How do the transmissions differ between the Murano and the Atlas Cross Sport?

The 2025 Murano uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, potentially offering slightly smoother operation due to the extra gear ratio. The 2026 Atlas Cross Sport employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Are these vehicles similar in physical size?

They are comparable, with the Atlas Cross Sport being marginally longer at 195.6 inches versus the Murano’s 192.9 inches. The VW is also fractionally wider (78.3 in vs 78.0 in) and taller (68.1 in vs 67.9 in).