2026 Honda Passport vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$44,750 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the rugged utility of the 2026 Honda Passport and the value-forward approach of the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presents a real dilemma for mid-size SUV shoppers. If budget is your primary concern, the Atlas Cross Sport starts at a very attractive $38,300, saving you a significant $6,450 compared to the Passport's $44,750 MSRP. However, the Passport counters with more traditional muscle, boasting 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque versus the Atlas Sport's 269 hp and 273 lb-ft. Where the Passport slightly edges out on efficiency is its standard All-Wheel Drive capability, though the FWD Atlas Sport manages slightly better fuel economy at 23 combined MPG versus the Passport's 21 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Passport is taller at 73.1 inches, potentially offering a more commanding view, while the Atlas is longer at 195.6 inches, though cargo space favors the Honda slightly at 44 cu ft versus 40.3 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy (23 combined MPG) and lower entry price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Passport

The Passport offers more outright cargo volume (44 cu ft vs. 40.3 cu ft) and standard AWD capability which appeals to families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Passport

The Passport offers greater peak horsepower (285 hp) and uses a more responsive 10-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport provides a $6,450 lower starting MSRP, making it the clear winner on immediate financial value.

Choose the Honda Passport if...

You require standard All-Wheel Drive for challenging weather conditions.
You need maximum hauling capability with 44 cubic feet of cargo space.
You prefer the higher output of 285 horsepower and the 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Keeping the initial purchase price down, saving $6,450, is a top priority.
You want slightly better fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG on the highway.
You prefer a longer vehicle footprint (195.6 inches) with FWD bias for city driving.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/25 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/462.5 mi.	372.0/502.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	58.3 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda Passport and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

What is the major driving difference between the 2026 Passport and Atlas Cross Sport?

The Honda Passport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and a 10-speed transmission, suggesting a more geared for varied terrain performance. Conversely, the VW Atlas Cross Sport features Front Wheel Drive standard and an 8-speed transmission, making it slightly better suited for efficient highway cruising.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Honda Passport?

The 2026 Honda Passport has an MSRP of $44,750, which is precisely $6,450 more expensive than the starting price of the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport at $38,300.

Which crossover offers better utility for carrying gear?

The Honda Passport is the better choice for pure cargo hauling, offering 44 cubic feet behind the second row compared to the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's 40.3 cubic feet.

Does the Atlas Cross Sport save money on gas compared to the Passport?

Yes, the Atlas Cross Sport is slightly more efficient, achieving 23 combined MPG (20 city/27 highway) while the Passport manages 21 combined MPG (19 city/25 highway).

Are the horsepower and torque figures similar between the two?

They are close, but the Passport has the horsepower advantage with 285 hp versus the Atlas Sport’s 269 hp. However, the Atlas Sport counters with higher torque at 273 lb-ft compared to the Passport's 262 lb-ft.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

While the Atlas Cross Sport is longer at 195.6 inches, the Honda Passport is significantly taller at 73.1 inches compared to the VW's 68.1 inches, suggesting a bulkier stance.