Are you looking for a midsize SUV but prefer something sportier and can live without three rows of seating? The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Chevrolet Blazer are worth putting on your shopping list.
The Atlas Cross Sport is a 2-row version of the 3-row Atlas, but the roofline tapers down at the back, giving it a different look than its Atlas sibling. In the Chevy corner of this competition, the 2025 Blazer arrives with two new exterior color options and an option for a turbo 4-cylinder or a V6, the Blazer’s shape borrows heavily from Chevrolet’s Camaro muscle car.
Let’s look at some key advantages of the latest Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Chevy Blazer.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Last year, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received a significant midcycle refresh, including a redesigned front grille and new taillights that span the width of the rear. More importantly, a 269-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder replaces the previous version’s underwhelming base turbo 4-cylinder and optional V6.
VW also ramped up standard feature content via a 12-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and wireless device charging.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Highlights
Turbo 4-cylinder: We’re fans of VW’s 269-hp turbo 4-cylinder in the engine bay. It’s powerful but not a fuel guzzler, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 23 combined mpg. There is plenty of passing power, helped in large part by its substantial low-end torque.
Loads of cargo space: For the shopaholic or person in your life who refuses to pack light for vacation, allow us to present the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s 40.3 cubic foot cargo hold. This area is a ton of space, even among midsize SUVs.
IQ.Drive: This bundle of driver aids won’t make you smarter, though it could keep you safer. IQ.Drive is now fitted to every Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane centering, adaptive headlights, rear cross-traffic warning, and more.
Slick digital instrument display: Called Digital Cockpit Pro, this customizable 10.25-inch digital instrument display is standard. First used on high-end vehicles from Audi, its crisp graphics put information like navigation commands and music settings directly in front of the driver.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Atlas models near you.
2025 Chevrolet Blazer
The Blazer can be had in one of four trims: 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. The standard powertrain is a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. The performance-themed RS comes with a potent 308-hp V6 – this engine is also available in the 3LT and Premier.
Chevrolet Blazer Highlights
Steering reflexes: One thing that immediately stands out while road testing the Blazer is how much this sizable SUV lives for corners. The handling is sharp, and the strong brakes provide confidence when you need to slow back down.
The Camaro of SUVs: Chevrolet’s design team did a fine job taking design cues from the Camaro and applying them here. The Blazer is one of the racier-looking midsize SUVs out there.
Easy-to-use infotainment: The Blazer comes with a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and four USB ports. That’s a nice list of features, but even better is how simple this system is to navigate while driving. The menus are clear, and commonly used controls aren’t buried deep within the software.
Two engine choices: We think the majority of Blazer buyers will be happy with the 228-hp 4-cylinder, though it’s nice to have options. Sure, you lose a few mpgs with the optional V6, except it adds a whole new layer of straight-line speed and passing power.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Blazer models near you.
Similarities
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Chevy Blazer are more extroverted takes on the typical midsize 2-row SUV. Sure, they come with practical stuff like cupholders, cubby holes for storage, and available AWD. But their most obvious similarity is that they eschew a dollop of sensibility for added style.
Pricing
New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$38,615 |
$36,599 |
|||
$40,515 |
$38,663 |
|||
$42,720 |
$40,331 |
|||
$44,620 |
$42,433 |
|||
$48,615 |
$45,775 |
|||
$50,565 |
$48,208 |
|||
$53,620 |
$51,207 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vehicles and New 2025 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | 2025 Chevrolet Blazer | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 269 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 228 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 20 city/26 highway/23 combined mpg | 22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | 3.6-liter V6, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 5 years/6,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 117.3 inches | 112.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 195.6 inches | 191.8 inches |
| Width | 78.3 inches | 76.7 inches |
| Height | 68.1 inches | 67.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.8 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 40.4 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.5 inches | 59.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.6 inches | 58.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 40.3 cubic feet | 30.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
This comparison is a close contest, and each SUV holds some distinct advantages. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has more cargo room, a slightly larger touchscreen, and newly standard goodies like heated and ventilated front seats.
On the other hand, the Chevrolet Blazer looks sharp despite entering its sixth model year. Its handling is crisp, and we remain huge fans of its infotainment system. However, the cargo room trails the VW’s, and there are some budget-looking interior trim pieces.
If you value styling and steering feel above all else, go Blazer. In most other respects, we think the updated Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earns the win.
