2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$37,190 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport bursts onto the scene with an assertive stance and a lower entry price of $37,190, leveraging its robust 269 hp engine for everyday hauling. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 arrives aiming for refinement, boasting superior power figures with 280 hp and a commanding 332 lb-ft of torque, though its MSRP starts higher at $42,250. For drivers prioritizing practicality and savings, the Atlas offers 40.3 cu ft of cargo space with front-wheel drive efficiency achieving 26 MPG highway. The CX-70 counters with standard all-wheel drive and slightly better overall fuel economy at 25 MPG combined, making it the sharper handler between the two larger crossovers. This comparison pits accessible size against premium punch, where the Mazda’s torque advantage signals a more engaging dynamic experience compared to the VW’s volume-focused utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its lower starting MSRP of $37,190 and higher potential highway fuel economy of 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The VW Atlas Cross Sport provides slightly more interior volume, offering 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-70's 39.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 is the clear choice for driving excitement, packing significantly more torque at 332 lb-ft versus the VW's 273 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport is the better value proposition, saving buyers $5,060 upfront while still delivering 269 hp.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Your budget is tight, as the Atlas Cross Sport starts $5,060 lower than the CX-70.
You need maximum utility from your crossover, benefiting from 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
You live in a mild climate and prefer the lower initial purchase price associated with front-wheel drive.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You demand responsive acceleration, thanks to the Mazda's superior 332 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel drive capability is essential for your driving conditions.
You seek better overall efficiency, as the CX-70 achieves 25 MPG combined versus the VW's 23 MPG combined.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport	Mazda CX-70
Length	195.6"	200.8"
Width	78.3"	-
Height	68.1"	68.2"
Wheelbase	117.3"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	269 hp @ 5500 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	372.0/483.6 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.6 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	4
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	56.2 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	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.4 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.4 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.7 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	21 x 9.5 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and 2026 Mazda CX-70.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-70 compared to the 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport?

The Mazda CX-70 holds a noticeable power advantage, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This significantly outmuscles the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which offers 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

Is the higher price of the CX-70 justified by fuel economy gains?

The CX-70 commands a $5,060 premium over the Atlas Cross Sport, but it offers marginal fuel economy benefits, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the VW's 23 MPG combined.

Which crossover is better for long highway road trips based on specifications?

The Atlas Cross Sport has slightly better highway MPG at 26 MPG compared to the CX-70's 28 MPG highway rating, though the VW is FWD while the Mazda is AWD, which typically influences economy.

Does the size difference between the two models translate to significantly more cargo room?

The difference is minimal; the longer Atlas Cross Sport (195.6 inches) offers 40.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row, slightly edging out the CX-70's 39.6 cu ft.

Which vehicle is generally considered the more engaging drive?

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the CX-70 due to its superior torque output (332 lb-ft) and standard all-wheel drive, suggesting better grip and acceleration dynamics than the Atlas Cross Sport's 273 lb-ft FWD setup.