2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2026 Honda CR-V
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the roomy 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport and the efficient 2026 Honda CR-V often comes down to size versus savings. Buyers face a trade-off: do you need the substantial presence of the Atlas Cross Sport, which measures 195.6 inches long, or the city-friendly dimensions of the CR-V? The VW delivers significantly more muscle, boasting 269 hp compared to the CR-V's 190 hp, making highway merging feel easier. However, the Honda claws back ground with its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the VW's 23 combined MPG. This gap is substantial over a year of driving. Furthermore, the CR-V starts at an MSRP of $30,920, offering $6,270 in immediate savings over the Atlas Cross Sport's $37,190 entry price, a major factor for budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing practicality.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 30 combined MPG versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is better for families needing extra space, offering a slightly larger physical footprint at 195.6 inches long and comparable cargo capacity.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Enthusiasts will prefer the Atlas Cross Sport because its engine produces 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, notably more than the CR-V's 190 hp.
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V provides better overall value, starting at $30,920 against the VW's $37,190, while being far more fuel-efficient.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- You frequently need more engine grunt, benefiting from the 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a slightly larger vehicle presence; the Atlas Cross Sport is over 10 inches longer than the CR-V.
- You prefer traditional automatic shifting over a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Saving money at the pump is crucial, as its 30 combined MPG beats the VW's 23 MPG.
- You want to save $6,270 upfront, as the CR-V's MSRP is significantly lower.
- Your driving involves mostly city errands, where its 28 MPG city rating shines compared to the Atlas Sport's 20 MPG city rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.6" | 184.8" |
| Width | 78.3" | 73.5" |
| Height | 68.1" | 66.2" |
| Wheelbase | 117.3" | 106.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 269 hp @ 5500 rpm | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 28/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 372.0/483.6 mi. | 392.0/462.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.6 gal. | 14.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.5 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.4 in. | 55.6 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.4 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 52.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 235/65R |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volkswagen | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and 2026 Honda CR-V.
Is the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport a lot bigger than the 2026 CR-V?
Yes, the Atlas Cross Sport is substantially larger; it measures 195.6 inches in length compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches, providing a bigger physical presence on the road.
How much more powerful is the Atlas Cross Sport than the CR-V?
The Volkswagen offers significantly more power, generating 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the Honda produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 79 hp advantage for the VW.
Which vehicle is cheaper to run daily regarding fuel costs?
The 2026 Honda CR-V will be cheaper to run daily because it achieves 30 combined MPG, notably better than the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 combined MPG.
What is the price difference between these two crossovers?
There is a $6,270 gap in starting MSRP; the 2026 Honda CR-V begins at $30,920, whereas the 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport starts higher at $37,190.
Do either of these crossovers offer AWD?
Based on the specifications provided, both the standard configurations for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the 2026 Honda CR-V are listed with front-wheel drive.
How does cargo space compare between the two?
Cargo capacity is quite similar, with the Atlas Cross Sport offering 40.3 cubic feet behind the second row, just slightly beating the CR-V's 39.3 cubic feet.
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