Midsize SUVs with two rows of seats may not be as popular as some newer 3-row options these days, but they’re still relevant for buyers who only need to carry five people.
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport remains a stylish yet spacious 2-row SUV with coupe-like looks and a satisfyingly German personality behind the wheel. Now in its fifth model year, the Atlas Cross Sport gets a more efficient engine, a new infotainment system, upscale interior appointments, and fresh front- and rear-end designs.
The 2025 Honda Passport is a well-rounded 2-row SUV with a roomy interior, responsive handling, and businesslike looks. Nicely equipped and powered by a strong drivetrain, it’s entering its sixth model year with minor updates.
Let’s see how these two SUVs compare.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport pulls off the sloped roof trend while providing ample space and practicality. A 269-hp turbo 4-cylinder engine powers either the front wheels or all four. The cabin is well-appointed and comfortable, with soft touch points and plenty of rear legroom. There’s a generous list of standard features, including all the latest tech and safety equipment.
For 2025, VW made just a few updates. The SEL Premium R-Line gains upgrades like 4-way lumbar support and massage function for the front seats. Wireless phone charging is now standard across all trims.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Highlights
More fuel efficient: The turbo 4-cylinder engine in the Atlas Cross Sport is rated by the EPA at 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The Passport’s V6 is thirstier, returning about 19 mpg in the city and only 24 on the highway, for a combined 21 mpg with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Atlas Cross Sport SUVs equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive earn 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.
Upscale features: The base Atlas Cross Sport comes with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-inch infotainment system — things more often found standard in luxury cars.
Longer basic warranty: Volkswagen offers a bumper-to-bumper warranty for four years or 50,000 miles, which is better than most. The Passport only comes with that coverage for three years or 36,000 miles.
2025 Honda Passport
The Passport compromises little, offering everything from standard all-wheel drive to extra storage space under the rear cargo area floor. All trims even come with leather seats. With direct steering and a comfortable ride, the Passport is a pleasure to drive. A lot of desirable driver aids and safety features are also included.
Honda Passport Highlights
Off-road version: Honda offers a trail-ready TrailSport model with all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, and roof rails ready to accept cargo attachments. For the record, all Passport models have 8.1 inches of ground clearance, quite a bit more than the 6.3 inches under the Atlas Cross Sport.
Standard V6: The engine in the Passport is a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 that feels both strong and smooth. For some people, there’s still no replacement for displacement, and the Atlas Cross Sport no longer comes with anything other than a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder.
Longer powertrain warranty: The Passport comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. That’s better than the Atlas Cross Sport’s 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Similarities
Both of these roomy midsize SUVs have abundant interior space and a 5,000-pound max towing capacity. Plus, they share an NHTSA 5-star safety rating, the best there is.
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 |
New 2025 Honda Passport Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43,850 |
$41,810 |
|||
$46,450 |
$44,197 |
|||
$49,920 |
$47,079 |
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 Honda Passport 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 Honda Passport | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 269 hp @ 5,500-6,500 rpm | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic with AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/26 highway/23 combined mpg | 19 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 117.3 inches | 110.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 195.6 inches | 189.1 inches |
| Width | 78.3 inches | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 68.1 inches | 72.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 feet | 39.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.8 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 40.4 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.5 inches | 62.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.6 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 40.3/77.6 cubic feet | 41.2/77.7 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a fresher package with its recent update, including nicer materials, a bigger infotainment screen, and high-end creature comforts. It gets better fuel economy, and a generous basic warranty is a plus. It’s worth noting that Volkswagen’s infotainment system lacks physical switchgear and relies almost entirely on touchscreen interaction, even for climate control, which some people find cumbersome. Also, the Atlas Cross Sport isn’t available as a rugged Peak Edition (only the standard Atlas gets that treatment), which means it’s best suited for paved roads. All told, the Atlas Cross Sport is a fine choice if you’re looking for space, style, and a touch of luxury.
The 2025 Honda Passport shines as a solid all-around SUV. It may not have quite as many frills as the VW, but it’s definitely capable and better suited to handling some off-road duty, especially the TrailSport model. Honda’s stellar reputation for quality and reliability and a longer powertrain warranty provide added peace of mind against potentially expensive mechanical repairs. And if you prefer the sound and feel of a V6 engine, well, the Honda Passport is your only option in this comparison.
