2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs The Competition

Aside from the Honda-badged Isuzu-built Passport of the mid-90s, the current Honda Passport is similar to the VW Atlas Cross Sport in that it is a shortened five-passenger version of the brand’s third-generation three-row crossover. All models have standard AWD and are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Passport is available in EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition trim levels.  

• The price of entry for the Passport is quite high at $42,400. That is about $3,300 more than the Atlas Cross Sport SE AWD.  

• While the Passport has 11 more horsepower (269 vs. 280), the Atlas Cross Sport produces 11 more pound-feet of torque (273 vs. 262) reached at a far more accessible rpm (1,600 vs. 4,700). 

• The Atlas Cross Sport has a greater payload (1,091 pounds vs. 948). 

• Rear passengers have almost an inch more legroom in the Atlas Cross Sport (40.4 vs. 39.6). 

• The Atlas Cross Sport has slightly better highway fuel economy (19/26/21 mpg vs. 19/25/21). 

• When leveled up to be price comparable to the entry-level Passport, the Atlas SE/Technology has several items the Passport EX-L does not, including: 

• Second-row climate vents 

• Heated steering wheel 

• Dual-level center console 

• Gesture infotainment controls 

• Side-window sunshades 

• 12.0-inch center touchscreen (vs. 8.0-inch on the Passport) 

• Ventilated front seats 

• Engine start, horn/light operation, lock operation, and vehicle location services on the smartphone app 

• Trailer hitch and wiring harness 

• Rain sensing wipers

The first Toyota Highlander appeared as a 2001 model. Based largely on the Camry platform, the Highlander has always focused on on-road comfort and has never had an off-road-focused model. The current Highlander is in its fourth design generation, the launch of which dates back to the 2020 model year, making it a bit of an old design in 2025. The Highlander is available with a hybrid drivetrain. Its non-hybrid drivetrain is a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander comes standard as a five-seater, but a third-row seat is available. Comparisons will be with the non-hybrid FWD Highlander unless otherwise specified. 

• The price of entry for the Highlander starts with an MSRP of $39,820 for a Highlander SE FWD, compared to $37,190 for an Atlas Cross Sport SE FWD.  

• The Atlas Cross Sport has a little more horsepower than the Highlander (269 vs. 265). 

• The five-inch-longer wheelbase in the Atlas Cross Sport enables a more relaxed highway ride. 

• When off pavement, the Atlas Cross Sport has higher approach, break-over, and departure angles than the Highlander (20.8º/17.7º/25.1º vs. 18.1º/16.7º/23.5º). 

• Second-row passengers enjoy more legroom in the Atlas Cross Sport (40.4 inches vs. 38.7). 

• Second-row passengers have more shoulder room in the Atlas Cross Sport (60.6 inches vs 58.7). 

• Standard features on the base Atlas Cross Sport that are not available or require a trim upgrade on the already-more-expensive Highlander include: 

• Remote engine start 

• Wireless charging station 

•  Heated steering wheel 

• Heated and ventilated front seats 

• Gesture infotainment controls 

• Rain sensing wipers

The Santa Fe was introduced as Hyundai’s first SUV in 2001. Initially a compact crossover, it has since grown to the mid-size category and includes third-row seating.  

The Santa Fe is available with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed double-clutch automatic, and most models feature standard FWD and optional AWD. The Santa Fe is available in SE, SEL, Limited, XRT, and Calligraphy trim levels. A hybrid model line includes SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims. However, only the non-hybrid model will be included in this comparison.  

• The Santa Fe has a higher peak torque figure (273 lb-ft vs. 311), but the Atlas reaches its peak at a significantly more accessible engine rpm (1,600 vs. 4,000). 

• Second-row passengers enjoy significantly more shoulder room in the Atlas Cross Sport (60.6 inches vs. 58.1). 

• Dual zone automatic climate control is standard on the Atlas Cross Sport compared to single zone on the Santa Fe. 

• The Atlas Cross Sport features one-touch control for all four windows instead of just the driver’s window on the Santa Fe. 

• A wireless charging station is standard on the Atlas Cross Sport but requires an upgrade on the Santa Fe. 

• Heated and ventilated front seats are standard on the Atlas Cross Sport but require an upgrade on the Santa Fe. 

• The Atlas Cross Sport includes standard ten-way power seat adjustments versus the Santa Fe’s six-way manual adjustments.

They look very different, but the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento share quite a bit of mechanical hardware, including drivetrains. The current fourth-generation Sorento, released for the 2021 model year, is an older design than the Santa Fe. The current Sorento is a mid-size crossover with three rows of seating. Unless otherwise specified, comparisons will be made with the non-hybrid Sorento EX 2WD, which is generally price compatible with the Atlas Cross Sport SE 2WD. 

• The Atlas Cross Sport has greater overall cargo capacity than the Sorento (77.6 cubic feet vs. 75.5). 

• When off pavement, the Atlas Cross Sport has higher approach and departure angles than the Sorento (20.8º/25.1º vs. 18.1º/23.5º). Break-over angle is not available for Sorento. 

• The Atlas Cross Sport has more shoulder room in the first and second rows (61.5/60.6 inches vs. 59.1/58.1). 

• The Sorento features standard second-row captain’s chairs, which can be nice unless you have a fifth passenger who will have to sit in the third row, which has only 29.6 inches of legroom. 

• Standard features on the base Atlas Cross Sport that are not available or require a trim upgrade on the slightly more expensive Sorento EX include: 

• Heated steering wheel 

• Ventilated front seats 

• Gesture infotainment controls 

• Rain sensing wipers