2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$36,400 · Crossover

$37,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder grabs attention with a punchier 284 hp engine, signaling a focus on immediate acceleration compared to the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp. While both FWD crossovers achieve a respectable 23 MPG combined, the Pathfinder holds a slight edge in highway efficiency at 27 MPG versus the Atlas's 26 MPG. However, the Atlas Cross Sport counters with sheer utility, boasting a massive 40.3 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft. Design-wise, the Pathfinder is the taller machine at 70.9 inches, emphasizing presence, while the Atlas is slightly wider at 78.3 inches for potentially more shoulder room. Performance metrics show the Pathfinder leads in horsepower, but the Atlas counters with superior torque at 273 lb-ft, promising strong pulling power from its 8-speed automatic gearbox versus the Pathfinder's 9-speed.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder wins slightly due to its better highway MPG rating of 27 MPG, translating to fewer fuel stops on regular commutes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport is the decisive family choice, offering more than double the cargo capacity at 40.3 cu ft compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

With 284 hp, the Pathfinder offers the highest peak power figure, appealing to those prioritizing top-end output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

Starting at an MSRP of $36,400, the Pathfinder undercuts the Atlas Cross Sport's starting price of $37,190.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

You prioritize maximum horsepower, benefiting from the Pathfinder's 284 hp rating.
You need the slightly superior highway fuel economy of 27 MPG.
You want the most affordable entry point, with an MSRP of $36,400.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Utility is paramount, as the Atlas offers an enormous 40.3 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer higher low-end grunt, evident in its 273 lb-ft of torque.
A slightly wider stance (78.3 inches) for interior width is desired over the Pathfinder’s height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Pathfinder	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	197.7"	195.6"
Width	77.9"	78.3"
Height	70.9"	68.1"
Wheelbase	114.2"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	284 hp @ 6400 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	259 lb-ft @ 4800 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	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)	20/27 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	370.0/499.5 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
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	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	1	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	42.3 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	58.3 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.5 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	58.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/60R18	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
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 Pathfinder and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Which crossover provides better acceleration capability based on the specs?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has the edge in peak horsepower, generating 284 hp, which often translates to quicker launches. However, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport delivers more pulling force with 273 lb-ft of torque through its 8-speed transmission.

Is there a significant difference in fuel efficiency between the two?

Both vehicles share a combined 23 MPG rating, using regular unleaded fuel. The Pathfinder is marginally more efficient on the open road, achieving 27 MPG highway compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 26 MPG highway.

If I frequently haul large items, which model should I choose?

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear winner for cargo duties, offering an impressive 40.3 cu ft of storage volume. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's cargo capacity is substantially smaller at just 16.6 cu ft.

What are the starting price differences for these FWD crossovers?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder enters the segment at a lower MSRP of $36,400. The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a slightly higher starting point, priced at $37,190.

How do the exterior dimensions compare regarding size and presence?

The Pathfinder is noticeably taller at 70.9 inches, lending it a more imposing vertical presence. Conversely, the Atlas Cross Sport is wider at 78.3 inches, potentially offering more width inside the cabin.

Do these vehicles use different automatic transmissions?

Yes, while both utilize shiftable automatics, the Pathfinder pairs its engine with a 9-speed unit. The Atlas Cross Sport utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.