2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (Car 1) and the 2026 Ford Bronco (Car 2) is in their respective fuel economies, with the Atlas Cross Sport achieving 23 MPG combined compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG combined, a 4 MPG advantage. The Atlas starts at a lower MSRP of $37,190 versus the Bronco's $40,495, a $3,305 difference. However, the Bronco counters with superior output, boasting 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque against the Atlas's 269 hp and 273 lb-ft. Practicality heavily favors the Volkswagen, evidenced by its 40.3 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity, more than double the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft. Furthermore, the Atlas is a larger vehicle overall, measuring 195.6 inches in length, whereas the Bronco measures 173.7 inches, highlighting their differing architectural priorities.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport provides superior daily running costs due to its 23 MPG combined fuel economy and use of regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
With 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Atlas Cross Sport offers substantially more utility for family logistics than the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft.
2026 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco delivers higher performance metrics, producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, complemented by standard 4WD and a manual transmission option.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport offers significantly more space and better efficiency for a $3,305 lower initial MSRP.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- Your priority is maximizing interior cargo space, with 40.3 cu ft available.
- You prioritize lower running costs and fuel efficiency, achieving 26 MPG on the highway.
- You require a lower entry price point, starting at $37,190, and prefer regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You demand greater immediate performance, evidenced by 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
- Standard four-wheel drive capability and a 7-speed manual transmission are essential for your driving style.
- You prefer a more rugged stance, reflected in its greater height of 71.9 inches and standard 4WD system.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.6" | 173.7" |
| Width | 78.3" | 75.9" |
| Height | 68.1" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 117.3" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 269 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 372.0/483.6 mi. | 304.2/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.6 gal. | 16.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 7 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.5 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.4 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.4 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 255/70R16 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 16 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Outside Rear Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ford Bronco.
How much larger is the cargo area in the Atlas Cross Sport compared to the Bronco?
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the second row. This is substantially larger than the 2026 Ford Bronco, which provides only 20.6 cu ft, making the VW superior for hauling gear.
Which vehicle is more powerful in terms of engine specifications?
The 2026 Ford Bronco possesses the higher output, generating 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The Atlas Cross Sport produces 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Atlas Cross Sport more economical for fuel consumption?
Yes, the Atlas Cross Sport has a clear advantage with a combined rating of 23 MPG versus the Bronco's 19 MPG combined. Additionally, the VW takes regular unleaded fuel, while the Bronco recommends premium.
What is the price difference between the base models?
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts at an MSRP of $37,190. The 2026 Ford Bronco has a higher entry price of $40,495, resulting in a $3,305 initial price gap favoring the VW.
Does the difference in drive type impact the comparison?
The Atlas Cross Sport comes standard with front-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic, optimized for road efficiency. The Bronco includes standard four-wheel drive and offers a 7-speed manual transmission, indicating a focus on off-road capability over on-road fuel economy.
Which vehicle is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is longer at 195.6 inches compared to the Bronco's 173.7 inches, indicating a longer wheelbase for potentially smoother road manners. However, the Bronco is slightly taller at 71.9 inches.
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