2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2026 Honda CR-V

$38,200 · Crossover

$30,920 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas arrives with imposing presence, boasting 269 horsepower, ready to tackle highways with its larger 200.7-inch frame. It aims for commanding road presence, even if its 22 combined MPG trails the nimble 2026 Honda CR-V. The CR-V, conversely, excites with pure efficiency, delivering an impressive 30 combined MPG, significantly outpacing the Atlas's fuel economy. While the CR-V champions thriftiness and superior utility with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the Atlas counters with a substantial 79 horsepower advantage over the CR-V's 190 hp output. The sheer cost of entry also defines this clash: the Atlas starts at a premium of $38,200, whereas the remarkably practical CR-V begins at just $30,920, reflecting a $7,280 difference that speaks volumes about their target buyers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda CR-V

The 2026 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its segment-leading 30 MPG combined efficiency compared to the Atlas's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas provides a roomier experience, evidenced by its massive 200.7-inch length, ideal for larger families needing space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

Enthusiasts will prefer the Atlas’s substantial performance edge, offering 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque versus the CR-V's 190 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

The 2026 Honda CR-V offers significantly better financial value, undercutting the Atlas's MSRP by $7,280.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

You prioritize maximum power, leveraging the 269 hp engine for spirited acceleration.
Your family absolutely requires a larger footprint, utilizing the 200.7-inch length for cabin or road presence.
You prefer the traditional feel and predictable shifts of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Your primary concern is saving money at the pump, benefiting from 33 MPG highway versus the Atlas's 26 MPG highway.
You need maximum internal utility, as the CR-V offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Atlas's 20.6 cu ft.
You seek the lowest purchase price, starting at $30,920, saving you $7,280 compared to Car 1.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Atlas	Honda CR-V
Length	200.7"	184.8"
Width	78.3"	73.5"
Height	70.4"	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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)	22 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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

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	41.3 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	40.4 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.6 in.	41.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.5 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	52.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

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 and 2026 Honda CR-V.

Is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas significantly larger than the 2026 Honda CR-V?

Yes, the Atlas is substantially larger, measuring 200.7 inches in length compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches. This difference contributes to the Atlas's less fuel-efficient 22 combined MPG rating.

How much more powerful is the VW Atlas than the Honda CR-V?

The Atlas delivers a potent 269 horsepower, which is 79 horsepower more than the CR-V’s 190 horsepower output. This power difference suggests the Atlas will feel much punchier during highway merging.

Which vehicle offers a better price point for budget-conscious buyers?

The 2026 Honda CR-V is the clear budget winner, starting at $30,920 against the Atlas's $38,200 MSRP. This $7,280 difference is considerable when outfitting a new vehicle.

Why is the CR-V so much more fuel-efficient than the Atlas?

The CR-V achieves 30 combined MPG, largely thanks to its smaller frame and continuously variable transmission. The larger Atlas is rated at only 22 combined MPG.

Does the larger Atlas offer more accessible storage space?

Surprisingly, no, the smaller CR-V is superior for pure cargo hauling, offering 39.3 cubic feet of storage volume compared to the Atlas’s 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row.

Are both crossovers strictly front-wheel drive?

Yes, based on the specifications provided, both the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2026 Honda CR-V are listed with a standard front-wheel drive configuration.