2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2026 Dodge Durango
Comparison Overview
The primary quantitative distinction between the 2026 Dodge Durango and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the horsepower advantage held by the Durango, boasting 295 hp compared to the Atlas's 269 hp. However, this performance edge comes at the cost of efficiency, as the Atlas achieves a 23 MPG combined rating, significantly better than the Durango's 20 MPG combined. The Atlas is also 5.2 inches shorter in length (195.6 inches vs. 200.8 inches) but offers substantially more usable space, registering 40.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet. Pricing favors the Volkswagen at $37,190 MSRP, undercutting the Durango's $38,995 starting price by $1,805. The Atlas also produces slightly more torque at 273 lb-ft, though the Durango features standard RWD architecture, differing from the VW's FWD setup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport offers superior fuel economy at 23 MPG combined versus the Durango's 20 MPG, resulting in lower running costs.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport provides over double the accessible storage with 40.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet.
2026 Dodge Durango
The 2026 Dodge Durango offers higher peak output with 295 horsepower, indicating a more performance-oriented powertrain.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts $1,805 cheaper at $37,190 MSRP while delivering superior fuel efficiency.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- You prioritize maximizing cargo utility, as the Atlas delivers 40.3 cubic feet.
- Reducing weekly fuel stops is crucial, supported by its 23 MPG combined rating.
- A lower initial purchase price of $37,190 is a primary budget constraint.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- Accessing the higher horsepower rating of 295 hp is more important than efficiency.
- A preference for the standard rear-wheel-drive platform configuration is desired.
- The greater physical length (200.8 inches) and height (72.1 inches) provide a preferred road presence.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.6" | 200.8" |
| Width | 78.3" | 75.8" |
| Height | 68.1" | 72.1" |
| Wheelbase | 117.3" | 119.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 269 hp @ 5500 rpm | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 18/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 372.0/483.6 mi. | 442.8/615.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.6 gal. | 24.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 2 |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.5 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.4 in. | 57.0 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 | 4-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 | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.4 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 265/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volkswagen | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and 2026 Dodge Durango.
What is the key powertrain difference between the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport and the 2026 Durango?
The Durango holds a measurable advantage in peak output, generating 295 hp compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp. However, the Atlas produces slightly more twisting force with 273 lb-ft of torque against the Durango’s 260 lb-ft.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy for daily driving?
The difference is notable; the Atlas achieves 23 MPG combined, which is 3 MPG better than the Durango's 20 MPG combined. This translates to fewer visits to the pump over an average year of commuting.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling cargo?
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear winner in storage metrics, offering 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than double the 17.2 cubic feet available in the 2026 Dodge Durango.
Does the starting MSRP reflect a significant price gap?
Yes, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a starting MSRP of $37,190, making it $1,805 more affordable than the 2026 Dodge Durango, which begins at $38,995.
What differentiates the standard drivetrain layouts of these two crossovers?
The standard configuration for the Atlas Cross Sport is front-wheel drive (FWD), whereas the 2026 Dodge Durango comes standard with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup.
Comparing overall size, which vehicle is physically larger?
The 2026 Dodge Durango is physically larger in length and height, measuring 200.8 inches long and 72.1 inches tall, compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 195.6 inches in length and 68.1 inches in height.
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