2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$41,670 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2026 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the initial MSRP, with the VW priced $3,370 lower at $38,300 compared to the Murano's $41,670. Performance favors the Atlas Cross Sport, generating 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque versus the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. Cargo utility provides another clear separation: the Atlas Cross Sport offers a superior 40.3 cu ft, significantly outpacing the Murano's 32.9 cu ft. Both vehicles achieve an identical combined EPA rating of 23 MPG, though their city/highway splits differ slightly (Murano: 21/27 MPG vs. Atlas Cross Sport: 20/27 MPG). Dimensionally, the Atlas Cross Sport is longer at 195.6 inches, while the Murano is slightly narrower at 78.0 inches. Ultimately, the Atlas Cross Sport leads on cost savings and hauling volume, while the Murano uses a 9-speed transmission against the VW's 8-speed unit.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano provides a slightly better city fuel economy rating of 21 MPG compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 20 MPG city rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport offers substantially more storage capacity at 40.3 cu ft versus the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport delivers higher output with 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport secures the value win by having a lower MSRP of $38,300 while offering superior power and cargo space.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You prefer the slightly more efficient 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the 8-speed offered by Car 2.
You value the better 21 MPG city rating the Murano achieves for urban driving.
You prefer the slightly tighter exterior dimensions, being 192.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

You need maximum utility, as the Atlas Cross Sport provides 40.3 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than Car 1.
Cost is a primary concern, given the Atlas Cross Sport's $3,370 lower starting MSRP of $38,300.
You want the superior acceleration figures from the 269 hp engine output.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	192.9"	195.6"
Width	78.0"	78.3"
Height	67.9"	68.1"
Wheelbase	111.2"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Nissan	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	372.0/502.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	2	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 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 Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	58.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	245/60R18
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	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 Nissan Murano and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

How does the fuel efficiency compare between the two crossovers?

Both the 2026 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are rated for 23 MPG combined when equipped with all-wheel drive and regular unleaded fuel. However, the Murano edges out the Atlas Cross Sport slightly in city driving with 21 MPG versus the VW's 20 MPG.

Which vehicle offers more outright cargo volume?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear winner in hauling capacity, boasting 40.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats. The 2026 Nissan Murano offers 32.9 cu ft, representing a notable difference for family use cases.

Is the Atlas Cross Sport a more powerful option than the Murano?

Yes, the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport has higher output, generating 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Murano produces 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

What is the price difference between the base models?

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has an MSRP of $38,300, making it $3,370 less expensive than the 2026 Nissan Murano, which starts at $41,670.

Does drivetrain configuration affect the comparison?

The base configurations provided show that the 2026 Nissan Murano comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is listed with Front Wheel Drive in this comparison.

Are there any transmission differences to consider?

The Murano utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which offers one extra gear ratio compared to the Atlas Cross Sport’s 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.