2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$37,190 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (car1) and the 2026 Buick Enclave (car2) is the $9,010 MSRP gap, starting at $37,190 versus $46,200. This price disparity is notable considering the power difference: the Enclave offers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp and 273 lb-ft. Fuel economy is virtually identical, both achieving a 23 MPG combined rating, though the Enclave edges out with 27 MPG highway compared to the Atlas's 26 MPG. The Enclave is also physically larger, measuring 207.6 inches in length versus the Atlas's 195.6 inches, and taller at 71.0 inches compared to 68.1 inches. Curiously, despite its larger exterior dimensions, the Enclave offers less maximum cargo space (22.9 cu ft) than the Atlas Cross Sport's 40.3 cu ft, suggesting a different interior configuration focus between the two crossovers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its significantly lower starting MSRP of $37,190, minimizing initial investment while maintaining a respectable 23 MPG combined rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave offers superior passenger comfort potential due to its larger exterior dimensions, including an extra 3.2 inches in height and 12 inches in length compared to car1.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

The Enclave is the clear performance choice, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, representing a 59 hp advantage over the Atlas Cross Sport.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

With a $9,010 lower starting price while retaining identical 23 MPG combined efficiency, the Atlas Cross Sport presents a stronger immediate value proposition.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Budgetary constraints are paramount, as the Atlas Cross Sport starts $9,010 lower than the Enclave.
Maximum accessible cargo space is required, as car1 offers 40.3 cu ft compared to car2's 22.9 cu ft.
Similar combined fuel economy (23 MPG) is sufficient, reducing reliance on premium fuel (both use regular unleaded).

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

Maximum performance metrics are prioritized, citing the Enclave's 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
A physically larger presence is desired, evidenced by the Enclave's 207.6-inch length and 71.0-inch height.
A slightly better highway fuel rating of 27 MPG is necessary, edging out car1's 26 MPG rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport	Buick Enclave
Length	195.6"	207.6"
Width	78.3"	79.6"
Height	68.1"	71.0"
Wheelbase	117.3"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	269 hp @ 5500 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Volkswagen	Buick
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	372.0/483.6 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.6 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	30.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	12
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	4

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	62.2 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	58.7 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	6-way	2-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.4 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.4 in.	62.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.7 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	P255/55R20
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 20000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and 2026 Buick Enclave.

How does the difference in horsepower impact daily driving between the two vehicles?

The 2026 Buick Enclave offers 328 hp, giving it a 59 hp advantage over the 269 hp Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. This means the Enclave will exhibit significantly faster acceleration and better passing power, particularly when fully loaded, while the Atlas prioritizes efficiency at a lower power output.

Is the high starting price of the 2026 Buick Enclave justified by its efficiency metrics?

Both vehicles are rated at 23 MPG combined, using regular unleaded fuel, indicating that the $9,010 higher MSRP for the Enclave is not offset by superior fuel economy. The Enclave’s premium pricing seems aligned with its superior horsepower and larger overall exterior dimensions.

Which vehicle offers more practical storage capacity for large items?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is significantly more capacious for cargo, boasting 40.3 cubic feet versus the 2026 Buick Enclave's 22.9 cubic feet. Buyers needing extensive room behind the rear seats should strongly favor the Atlas.

What is the key mechanical difference regarding their drivetrains?

Both the Atlas Cross Sport and the Enclave utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and come standard with front-wheel drive configurations. There are no noted differences in their standard transmission type or drive layout in base trims.

How does the exterior sizing translate to cabin height and space?

The Enclave is noticeably larger, being 12 inches longer and 2.9 inches taller than the Atlas Cross Sport. This translates to the Enclave’s 71.0-inch height versus the Atlas’s 68.1 inches, suggesting potentially more headroom inside the Buick.

Do the fuel types differ, affecting ongoing running costs?

No, both the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the 2026 Buick Enclave specify regular unleaded fuel as their required type. This standardization minimizes the day-to-day fuel expense difference based on octane requirement.