2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Comparison Overview
The most significant dimensional difference is the length, with the 2026 Hyundai Palisade measuring 199.2 inches compared to the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's 195.6 inches. Performance metrics show the Palisade generates a peak of 287 hp, narrowly outperforming the Atlas Cross Sport's 269 hp, although the Atlas counters with higher torque at 273 lb-ft versus the Palisade's 260 lb-ft. Fuel economy strongly favors the Volkswagen, achieving 23 MPG combined against the Palisade's 21 MPG combined. The MSRP difference stands at $2,245, with the Atlas starting at $37,190 and the Palisade at $39,435. Furthermore, the Atlas offers more than double the standard cargo space at 40.3 cubic feet compared to the Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet, despite the Palisade being slightly taller at 69.5 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG versus the Palisade's 21 MPG.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport provides significantly more utility with 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Palisade's 19.1 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is the choice for enthusiasts as it produces higher peak horsepower at 287 hp, exceeding the Atlas's 269 hp.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport offers better overall value by starting at a lower MSRP of $37,190 while providing better efficiency and cargo space.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- You prioritize maximizing cargo space, as the Atlas provides 40.3 cubic feet.
- Your daily drive demands better fuel efficiency, rated at 23 MPG combined.
- You want to minimize initial outlay, with an MSRP of $37,190.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- Achieving maximum horsepower output of 287 hp is a critical performance metric.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the Palisade measures 69.5 inches in height.
- You require the extra overall length of 199.2 inches for potential interior packaging.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.6" | 199.2" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.0" |
| Height | 68.1" | 69.5" |
| Wheelbase | 117.3" | 116.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 287 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 260 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 361.0/475.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.6 gal. | 19.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 2 |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.5 in. | 61.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.4 in. | 58.8 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.4 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.4 in. | 61.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
What is the measurable performance difference between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has the edge in peak power with 287 hp, while the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport generates higher torque at 273 lb-ft compared to the Palisade's 260 lb-ft. Both utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Which vehicle is more cost-effective based on efficiency and price?
The Atlas Cross Sport is generally more economical; it starts $2,245 cheaper at $37,190 and returns 23 MPG combined, slightly beating the Palisade's 21 MPG combined rating.
How do the dimensions compare for parking and maneuvering?
The Atlas Cross Sport is shorter in length at 195.6 inches and slightly wider at 78.3 inches, whereas the Palisade is longer overall but marginally narrower.
Is there a substantial difference in daily utility and space?
Yes, utility heavily favors the Atlas Cross Sport, offering 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space, more than double the 19.1 cubic feet available in the Palisade.
Do both models require the same type of fuel?
Both the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.
Does drive type or transmission setup offer a competitive edge?
No, both vehicles come standard with front-wheel drive and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, resulting in a specification parity in these drivetrain areas.
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