2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

$38,800 · Crossover

$39,310 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 rockets onto the scene with a spirited 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, immediately setting a dynamic tone compared to the workhorse nature of the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, which produces 269 horsepower. While the CX-90 boasts superior efficiency at 25 combined MPG, the Atlas counters with sheer practicality, offering a cavernous 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Mazda's more modest 14.9 cubic feet. The CX-90 comes standard with AWD and delivers better highway mileage at 28 MPG, appealing to the driver who prioritizes engagement. Conversely, the Atlas, despite having a slightly higher MSRP of $39,310 to the Mazda's $38,800, utilizes its height (70.4 inches) to create more interior volume. This comparison pits Mazda's athletic engineering against Volkswagen's utilitarian capability in the three-row segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas clearly serves families better by providing substantially more cargo capacity at 20.6 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers enthusiasts greater output with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, promising a more engaging drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers a better fuel economy package (25 combined MPG) and higher power figures for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $38,800.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize driving dynamics, as the CX-90 delivers 332 lb-ft of torque.
Maximizing fuel stops is important, given its 25 combined MPG rating.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive for variable weather conditions.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

Maximum cargo hauling is essential, thanks to its class-leading 20.6 cubic feet of space.
You prefer a taller stance, as the Atlas stands 70.4 inches high.
The bulk of your driving is urban, leveraging its slightly narrower 78.3-inch width for easier maneuverability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	200.8"	200.7"
Width	78.5"	78.3"
Height	68.3"	70.4"
Wheelbase	122.8"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running 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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/28 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	372.0/502.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	58.4 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	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	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	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas.

Which crossover has the better performance credentials?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 takes the performance crown, pumping out 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Volkswagen Atlas offers 269 horsepower, indicating the Mazda engine is tuned for more aggressive output.

Is the extra height of the Atlas noticeable inside the cabin?

Yes, the Atlas is taller at 70.4 inches compared to the CX-90's 68.3 inches, which generally translates to a more airy feel for rear passengers. This extra vertical space contributes to its superior overall cargo volume.

How significantly does cargo space differ between these two vehicles?

The difference is substantial: the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas provides 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is notably smaller with only 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row.

How do the base fuel efficiency ratings compare?

The Mazda CX-90 is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG. In contrast, the front-wheel-drive Atlas yields a lower 23 combined MPG.

Are both models equipped with AWD standard?

No, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering better traction out of the box. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, at its base trim, utilizes a Front Wheel Drive system.

What is the difference in base pricing?

The Mazda CX-90 undercuts the Atlas slightly, starting at an MSRP of $38,800. The Volkswagen Atlas commands a slightly higher starting price of $39,310 for the base configuration.