2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport vs. Honda Passport

If you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV, consider the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. This SUV is a remarkable all-rounder that delivers an impressive blend of performance, refinement, cabin space, practicality, and features, making it an excellent option for all family types. However, it faces stiff competition from the Honda Passport, which is also an exceptionally well-made vehicle. Check out this detailed head-to-head comparison between the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the 2024 Honda Passport to determine which is better for you.

Trim Level and Prices

As the two-row version of the ever-popular Volkswagen Atlas, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has five trim levels for you to choose from: the base SE, SE with Technology,  SEL, the sporty-looking SEL R-Line, and the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line. The SE comes with a starting MSRP of $36,985, making it one of the most affordable midsize SUVs on the market.

The 2024 Honda Passport may not be as customizable as the Volkswagen, as it’s available in only three variants: the EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition. With a starting MSRP of $41,900, it’s also significantly more expensive than the Atlas Cross Sport.

Performance

All 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport trims have a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that generates 269 horsepower. This engine pairs with a quick and slick eight-speed automatic transmission and is powerful enough for all kinds of driving tasks, from cruising around San Juan Capistrano to passing on the highway. The 2024 Honda Passport, on the other hand, gets its power from a slightly more potent 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 that pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Even though they’re relatively large vehicles, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Honda Passport are easy to maneuver in tight quarters, making them ideal for families living in the city. Thanks to their sure-footed handling and solid body control, they also show confidence-inspiring composure at high speeds and around turns. However, the Atlas Cross Sport has an edge when it comes to the comfort of your ride. It’s fitted with a compliant suspension that does a great job absorbing uneven surfaces. In contrast, the Passport has a stiff ride that can make bigger bumps noticeable.

Fuel Efficiency

If you want to save money at the gas station, you may be better off getting the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. It gets you up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is impressive for a midsize SUV. The Honda Passport’s V-6 engine is thirstier, providing only 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Interior

After undergoing a refresh, the interior of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is significantly more refined and aesthetically pleasing. It features a clean and modern design, top-notch build quality, and a generous use of premium materials, resulting in an upscale vibe. Considering its price point, the Honda Passport has a somewhat disappointing interior. Despite its high-quality build, the cabin is primarily covered in hard plastics, which makes it feel substandard.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Honda Passport are two-row SUVs with a seating capacity of five. They also have more passenger space than most models in the midsize SUV segment. Nonetheless, the Atlas Cross Sport has roomier seats than its Honda rival, offering a generous 41.6 inches of front legroom and 40.4 inches of rear legroom. In the Passport, front passengers enjoy 40.9 inches of legroom, while those in the back get 39.6 inches. Furthermore, the Honda’s seats aren’t particularly supportive, which can make long trips uncomfortable.

Cargo Capacity

Whether you choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport or Honda Passport, you’ll have plenty of cargo space to store your family’s luggage and gear. The cargo dimensions of these two SUVs are about the same. With the Atlas Cross Sport, you’ll get 40.3 cubic feet of storage space if you leave the back seats up and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded. The Honda Passport provides 41.2 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats and 77.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

Infotainment Features

Like other new Volkswagen vehicles, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasts a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a wide range of desirable features. This Volkswagen SUV comes standard with a large 12-inch touch-screen display, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a six-speaker audio system, a wireless device charger, four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, HD Radio, satellite radio, and voice recognition.

The Honda Passport offers mostly the same standard tech features as the Volkswagen, but it has a smaller 8-inch touch-screen display and a partially digital gauge cluster. Also, voice recognition and a Wi-Fi hotspot are optional.

Driver-Assistance Features

If safety is one of your primary concerns, you won’t go wrong with either the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport or the Honda Passport. They both come with many driver-assistance features to make your trips easier and safer, making them excellent family vehicles.

Both SUVs’ standard driver aids include forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automated high beam headlamps, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, and rear-seat alert. However, the Atlas Cross Sport offers optional features that aren’t available in the Passport, including a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and a cutting-edge semi-autonomous parking-assistance system.

Test-Drive the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport in San Juan Capistrano, California

Despite its considerably lower price, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has an advantage over the 2024 Honda Passport in many departments, from ride quality to interior quality and comfort. If you’re considering buying the latest Atlas Cross Sport in the San Juan Capistrano area, come down to our Capistrano Volkswagen dealership to get a first-hand experience of this amazing SUV. Regardless of your driving needs and lifestyle, we can provide an Atlas Cross Sport model that ticks all your boxes. Explore our fantastic new Volkswagen inventory now, and contact us to schedule a test drive.