2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2026 Honda Passport

$37,190 · Crossover

$44,750 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the 2026 Honda Passport often comes down to balancing upfront cost versus standard capability. The most striking difference is the MSRP: the VW starts at $37,190, significantly undercutting the Passport's $44,750 price tag by $7,560. While the Passport boasts slightly higher peak power at 285 hp compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp, the VW offers better fuel economy, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the Passport's 21 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Atlas Cross Sport provides more usable cargo space in its standard configuration with 40.3 cu ft available, though the slightly taller Passport edges it out in overall volume. Buyers must weigh the immediate savings of the FWD Atlas against the standard AWD and power advantage of the more expensive Honda.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 23 MPG and lower entry price of $37,190.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Passport

The 2026 Honda Passport is better for families because its standard All-Wheel Drive offers better traction in various conditions and it offers a larger maximum cargo capacity of 44 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Passport

The 2026 Honda Passport appeals more to enthusiasts with its slightly higher 285 hp output and a more engaging 10-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport offers superior value, saving buyers $7,560 in initial purchase price while still providing 269 hp.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

You prioritize maximizing savings, as the MSRP is $7,560 lower than the competition.
Fuel efficiency is key, thanks to its 23 combined MPG rating versus 21 MPG for the Passport.
You only require front-wheel drive and do not need standard all-wheel drive capability.

Choose the Honda Passport if...

You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied weather conditions.
You need the maximum cargo volume, as the Passport offers 44 cu ft, slightly more than the Atlas's 40.3 cu ft.
You prefer the extra 16 horsepower and the smoother operation of a 10-speed transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport	Honda Passport
Length	195.6"	191.5"
Width	78.3"	79.4"
Height	68.1"	73.1"
Wheelbase	117.3"	113.6"

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	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	269 hp @ 5500 rpm	285 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	372.0/483.6 mi.	351.5/462.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.6 gal.	18.5 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	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Stereo Power	—	225W
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	2
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	61.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	58.3 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	—
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: Leather/Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.4 in.	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.4 in.	61.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.7 in.	57.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	265/60R
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 Passport.

What is the primary financial difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a starting MSRP of $37,190, which is exactly $7,560 less expensive than the 2026 Honda Passport starting at $44,750.

How much more powerful is the Honda Passport compared to the VW Atlas Cross Sport?

The 2026 Honda Passport is slightly more potent, delivering 285 horsepower compared to the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport's 269 horsepower.

Which vehicle is more economical for highway driving?

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is marginally better for highway cruising, rated at 26 MPG Highway, whereas the Honda Passport is rated at 25 MPG Highway.

Do the drivetrains differ between these two models?

Yes, the base Atlas Cross Sport comes standard with front-wheel drive, while the Passport includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.

Which crossover offers more space for hauling gear?

The 2026 Honda Passport holds the advantage in standard cargo capacity with 44 cubic feet available, slightly exceeding the 40.3 cubic feet offered by the Atlas Cross Sport.