The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport Is Better Than The Honda Passport. Seriously.

If you're looking for a roomy SUV but you don't need a third row, you oddly have fewer options than you did a few years ago, but one of the best values is certainly the refreshed Atlas. It looks good, the second row is enormous and easily accommodates adults and kids in child seats and the cargo area is cavernous. Although it looks much like the 3-row Atlas, VW did hack a few inches off to make it easier to park, unlike the CX-70...
Join this channel to get access to perks! / @aautobuyersguide
Buy Merch! aoamerch.com
The Pod: / autobuyersguidepodcast
EV Buyers Guide: / evbuyersguide
The Mountain Garden: / themountaingarden
Follow us on Facebook: theautobuyersguide/

[@dcjimr1]

Will the person who loves shiny black plastic and is still influencing car designers in the year 2024 please stand up?

[@drive-channel1834]

They really want the Darwin's award

[@ananthar80]

The comments about the CX-70 are outdated even before the video was published. The CX-70 is not smaller or cheaper than the CX-90. It's basically a CX-90 with the 3rd row deleted and no discount. Mazda really phoned it in with that model.

[@nitdkim]

at least they didnt name it cx-90 cross sport

[@100M2B]

I think, because Mazda called it CX-70, people expected something very different between CX-90 and CX--50 in terms of size and look. That is why Mazda is getting chewed out and VW is not. Had Mazda called it 'CX-90 Sport', people wouldn't have expected anything other than the 2-row CX-90.

[@keska01]

I have this car for about 5 months and it’s been amazing! 🎉

[@haze1123]

Next year, when they bring back the volume knob and physical HVAC controls, this will be worth considering.

[@kevs2good133]

They are not bringing back a volume knob and physical HVAC controls. Not sure who lied to you.

[@paulbugoni2846]

They are bringing back physical controls in their new cars; whether that happens in this vehicle remains to be seen @@kevs2good133

[@KammyTheJeep]

Juts got one last week there is a volume button on the steering wheel much easier to use

[@bshwayde]

Man VW: I don't know why they had to go and add the garbage climate control screen to this model instead of retain the much superior rotary knobs from the earlier model. But I like the added storage space in the refresh. It's such a mixed bag. I kind of feel like there are two steps forward here but four steps back. The screen thing is silly because VW is already adding back the illuminated functionality to newer ID.4 models and I think the next gen Tiguan. The current Tiguan (2022+) has a mid-step interface that is capacitive but separate from the screen. I also dislike it, but at least you can control it at night. I like the capacious space in a decent footprint - this rig is wide, but at least VW cut some inches out of it versus the half-baked CX-70 from Mazda.

[@future62]

You know whats funny. I have an ID.4 and know a bunch of people with VWs with the all touch climate control. Is it perfect? No. But the people who complain the loudest about it never have seemed to actually use it. Will you finally break the curse or are you also going off hearsay.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Mazda CX70 is still good. People made a fuss when it was just a third row deleted CX90, but the CX90 is a good car to begin with.😆

[@viacheslavkrasin3119]

rotary controls it is an air conditioner. The modern cars in Europe from at least 2008-2012 are equipped with automatic climate control. You select a temp once and never touch it again. The same was true for physical buttons on smartphones vs iPhone.

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Hopefully soon, I will be able to buy this SUV.

[@SSS-mp8th]

I see more cross sports than I do the regular Atlas. Coworker has a new cross sport and it looks very good.

[@mykeonthemove]

I’m team ATLAS Sport Cross

[@JT-fq2bl]

I give VW some credit for putting some effort into making the Atlas Cross unique unlike Mazda with the CX-70.

[@tsuweicherng]

Just purchased one without doing too much research. I’m very impressed and happy with how modern and well made it is!

[@mykeonthemove]

It has coupe styling with and oversized 4 door hatchback functionality. I think it is very well executed and will age much better than designs from Toyota and Honda. it has a lot character looks almost Audi-esque. The boot space and the panoramic sunroof are epic and i think added to the openness of the vehicle. It’s a very bold and elegant look without being overly sculpted. Well done VW.

[@bradyb9929]

We will see about the reliability but I love my 2024 VW Atlas

[@victormoreno2767]

You will find out soon with the carbon built up at 10k miles.

[@Rockybalboa541]

I wish they made the cross sport with the arteons 300hp golf r engine with a dsg. I would buy one in 3 seconds flat.

[@ALMX5DP]

Yeah I always thought it needed a bit more displacement like from their 3.0T mill.

[@benhaze1010]

DSGs has no place in a SUV.

[@iscmgdr]

Could not agree more. In some markets, like mine, the Tiguan comes only with either a 6 or 7 speed DSG, and it's so clunky while driving in the city@@benhaze1010

[@allanedwards2347]

CrossSport would be wonderful with the R engine and DSG. Especially if they offer it in both FWD and AWD just like the Arteon. Don't think the DSG would suit the regular Atlas. VW can graduate current GTI, R, Alltrack and Arteon owners up to the CrossSport. Give the R engine for the PEAK edition Atlas. Give the R engine and DSG in both FWD and AWD for the CrossSport. Only question is would tow rating need to be reduced for DSG? Another way to go is 48v mild hybrid system like Audi. This would give a little more torque and mpg all at once as well...

[@Rockybalboa541]

@@benhaze1010 I say they do. Boom roasted. Move along boomer

[@noneofyourbuisness7]

There's something about the fog in the driving segment that makes where Alex lives look even more ridiculously beautiful than usual.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, A raked profile automatically reduces the 'utility' of any CUV and simply make no sense. 37.3" of rear headroom in a vehicle this size represents a lamentable design indulgence. 🤨

[@cicada9471]

I want to like VW. I really do. I had a used 1983 Rabbit in the early 1990s and I liked it! Now? I wouldn't own one because they don't last as long as the competition and the maintenance cost is more than the competition (Japanese and Korean). Until they can figure to change those problems, a VW will be a hard no from me.

[@sprague49]

Like all German automakers, I think VW's real money comes from $elling replacement part$ after the warranty period.

[@NatsCapsSkinsWiz]

People who complain about maintenance costs need to learn how to do basic stuff themselves. Can do it more often, for cheaper.

[@cicada9471]

@@NatsCapsSkinsWiz what is this "basic stuff" you're talking about?

[@NatsCapsSkinsWiz]

@@cicada9471All basic maintenance. Anything on the VW schedule can be done at home, assuming you have a level surface. They charge insane prices at the dealer for an oil change and filter. I can do my 2019 alltrack for ~$50 from the top of the engine in less than 20 minutes.

[@israelruelas5756]

I’ve been with VW for 14+ years and I’m moving on. The new Hyundai Santa Fe is calling my name

[@plovie9376]

I really want to like this vehicle but a 4 cyl. for this size suv?

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

And the Honda will run a long time with half the maintenance cost of that modern VW.

[@allanedwards2347]

VW maintenance actually isn't bad. Audi is the one that kills. This is the GTI engine so its proven and been around the block. Very healthy aftermarket as well. Is it as durable as a naturally aspirated v6? Probably not. Is it as durable and cheap to maintain as any other turbo 4 in this segment thats not a hybrid (Crown Signia incoming). Yes.

[@viacheslavkrasin3119]

It's just a Myph. Honda did a bunch of recalls from 2012-2014 till 2024.

[@christianrobloxserver7282]

Sure if you want an outdated and low quality interior

[@sentiencepsn2714]

To be far, the Pilot is a better product than the Passport. Passport is more expensive, smaller, less refined.

[@coronalime6777]

Still pretty fresh Buy, only couple weeks but absolutely loving this car this far.

[@ccroy2001]

As a Nissan fan the Murano could be the low price leader and I would bet gets better real world mpg than the Atlas Cross Sport while still using a V6.

[@christianrobloxserver7282]

As a Nissan fan you don't have valid opinions on cars. Nissan only makes junk not worth buying

[@godofdun]

I like it, but I feel like there was some cost cutting in the design/engineering. For instance why not bring in the phev system they have on their corporate crossovers in Europe?

[@future62]

VW needs torquier engines for its larger vehicles. I'm mulling a used Atlas 2.0T with an APR tune.

[@kylokev]

Does anyone else see heavy influence of the previous (pre-2025) Explorer up front in this refreshed VW as well as in the new 2025 Forester?

[@omriaame6250]

Harmon Kardon its the best sound speaker ever i have on my durango rt premium 2024 they sound loud asf and quality

[@Rioichi4]

"L" for "Longer" makes sense. "Grand" could be bigger.... or it could be more luxury..... "Sport" is the worst tho. "Sport" sounds like the performance trim of something, not just the smaller version. And gods does it make it difficult to search for the right car. I have an Outlander. No, an Outlander, NOT an Outlander Sport.

[@RedsoxVenom]

This is exactly what I wanted Mazda to do with the Cx-70 vs 90.. lop off the back and push second row back... but of course it turned out just to be a 3rd row delete :/

[@sodathief]

This or full size new pilot?

[@phillm156]

That concave engine bay view is😂 wasted space just for a fake muscle under the hood look. Very Acura like.

[@user-nl8qd8mj7q]

Transmission is Aisin?

[@hukmai]

Dang she wide! The low angle shows its from the Atlas platform. Definitely a Passport competitor, the Atlas Crossport something i would crusing and family hauling in addition a german senses of humor. Passport is fair capable ( thank you JonDz) i would Not sure in the reliability of the Altas Crossport, but the J35 v6 + 9spd is quite robust despite being long in the tooth + maintenance might be little more since timing belt and 2 more spark plugs and honda's ivtm4/acura shawd is always moving power so diff fluid change are more common ~45k

[@NLLHW]

The touch sensitive buttons for lights is inane.

[@paulpellico3797]

is it DI or port or...both? kinda would like to know a few more engine details.

[@chenelisha1053]

As a European I wish Volkswagen will finally shake off the 80s prejudice they have in America… they are the most common cars out here for a reason and I hope we’ll get the Atlas out here. This car looks miles ahead of their Asian competition

[@ParagMathurmd]

Not just prejudice here. Backed up by years of modern evidence. Driving conditions and styles are different in the US. VW are just not reliable here. All the expense of BMW or Mercedes without the luxury or performance.

[@Zamasimba]

I think the new ground clearance measurements are for a fully loaded vehicle: full passenger and cargo load. Mercedes does the same.

[@daleo4258]

Is it two different colors? Or just the pure gray?

[@ihop4no14]

I'd be team Atlas IF they brought back physical buttons, like a volume knob and buttons for the heated/ventilated seats.

[@rustlesee]

01:52, this chart is a little deceiving. It makes it look like this vehicle is a Suburban. Cross Sport 195.5 inches long, Grand Cherokee 193.5, 4Runner 191.3. And I know some could argue 2-4 inches is a lot, I definitely wouldn’t.

[@patricklim909]

First thing I would ever do anything would be the exhaust tips 😢

[@koven1497]

The rear ruins it for me

[@ihop4no14]

Thank you for confirming that the Subaru Outback is just a "lifted station wagon!"

[@KoryBockman]

20/24 MPG? That seems really low for an SUV not considered full-size. Is there a reason a vehicle like this doesn't have a hybrid engine? Seems like there is plenty of room under the hood.

[@benhaze1010]

Actually if you take styling/design out of the equation being a personal choice the Honda takes the win according to the weighting here. Or keep it in but add categories for reliability and maintenance costs. Have to disagree with you Alex although I do prefer myself the VW styling.

[@RysterARCEE]

Chevy dealers aren't discounting as readily as people might think.

[@JMotorCity]

Love mine.

[@keytothegate68]

Oh my how did they lose 3 inches of headroom in 2 nd row?

[@cbatiau2528]

Thank you for giving ground-clearance measurements (4:40); this is an important datum for many of us potential buyers, whether a sedan, a wagon, a crossover, an SUV, or a pickup truck -- just as important as length of vehicle. I agree with you on the fake exhaust tips, and I can't figure out why any car manufacturer does this; if exhaust tips are going to be hid under the bumper, the bumper should be left totally clean (preferably no chrome whatsoever). Also, I do not understand why VW doesn't bring their PHEVs to America (like Audi and Porsche do in their Group); I would only consider this vehicle if it were a PHEV. And shiny black surfaces on the interiors of all cars should be banned; nobody likes them, and I can't understand this inane policy of so many automakers of putting "piano black" surfaces inside their cars..... why can't automakers just put in matte-black surfaces??? As for your fuel efficiency grade of "C" for 18 mpg, that surprises me; I'd give it a "D" or worse (espeically because it has a small, 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine) ... because, really, what gets worse than 18 mpg nowadays outside of pickup trucks? And, when you mention fuel efficiency, it's always helpful to give the size of the gas tank (just as you would give battery size in a review of any EV).

[@gregkramer5588]

Still the gold standard of car reviewers on KZbin!! We are leaning Santa Fe Hybrid.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Hell nah. The transmission busted in Car Confections channel with only 37 miles. Anything other than Hyundai should be good.

[@gregkramer5588]

@@mrgurulittle7000 Do you understand what anecdotal means from a math or scientific perspective? Or statistical significance?

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@gregkramer5588Yeah. But Hyundai hasn’t necessarily had a good reputation in the past.

[@gregkramer5588]

@@mrgurulittle7000 For sure the Theta II engine was a nightmare for them. Pretty good outside of that the last 10 years.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@gregkramer5588Well…there have been other problems, but I guess we’ll see.

[@theBatmanGoeth2]

I would never consider anything German unless I had enough money to cover all the repair bills

[@user-ji1rp4pp2d]

Only a 2 zone climate, no rear non illuminated slide controls for volume and climate slide controls for moonroof and cover control piano black everywhere 45k-50k car ill pass

[@scottgabbard662]

I thought we were over scratch-inducing piano black in high-touch areas. Apparently not. 🙄

[@zaitcev0]

Better ... until the lease runs out.

[@Splendid_Lad]

Lease or warranty? Most people would probably return the car after the lease. Some might get an extended warranty.

[@davidc-l9174]

Am I incorrect to say that the 2024 Atlas gets VW's updated infotainment, but the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport still gets the older version?

[@viacheslavkrasin3119]

they both get an updated infotainment system

[@davidc-l9174]

@@viacheslavkrasin3119Alex notes the touch sliders aren’t backlit and the screen shows the older GUI, both of which lead me to believe the Cross Sport doesn’t include the new software 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@viacheslavkrasin3119]

@@davidc-l9174 I don't think it is even needed. The touch panel is simply divided into 3 zones. The Left and right belong to temp control for respective passengers and the central one to the volume control. The screen is always on. Simply put your finger on the area and you will feel the kind of track with immediate reaction on the screen. The second thing is that it has voice control. Try to check it yourself at a card dealer. I don't need to have a light in the entire house to get to the refrigerator at night 8-))

[@x2for10x]

Test drove one... I absolutely cannot see those buttons...it also has 2017...2018 bmw interior vibes .. I could clearly hear the engine inside the cabin... No vehicle is worth the price tag these days

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

🔥🔥🔥

[@Peizxcv]

I’ll only get a hybrid that’s at least 50% more efficient than the ICE counterpart. Traditional ICE only car are too outdated

[@Jimmy_CV]

In no world is anything VW makes better than anything Honda makes.

[@Jimmy_CV]

@japanwatchconnection lmao VW has recalled plenty of vehicles then there's the TDI scandal

[@benhenderson9018]

People always want to compare Honda/Toyota to VW except in function which kinda matters. Does it stay parked because it won't turn on? sounds like the awesomeness of VW

[@hamidmghazi]

Those touch buttons are the biggest downside of this car

[@AlexAlex-oz7ym]

This suv drives like a truck. Not like a car. Too heavy, the motor revs up a lot. It is not light on its feet. The quality of materials is amazing though. Huge difference from Tiguan.

[@gerarddion4859]

As far as styling, I have never been a fan of squarish wheel arches. Otherwise the it's just okay.

[@bshwayde]

Pricing-wise, the atlas can be found with a couple grand off msrp in my market. The grand Cherokee Is comically expensive and it shows. Jeep has been advertising $10k+ off msrp but it still doesn’t make the Jeep a good value.

[@ChrisLey]

I can’t believe they still haven’t fixed the climate control. I hate that my ‘21 id4 controls aren’t backlit. I can’t believe that with all the negative feedback VW still hasn’t fixed these shortcomings.

[@wayneguy6043]

It needs a tow hitch cover!

[@abdbar5323]

Honda passport has much better use interior space with smaller dimension.

[@BBlackmen]

And they have the nerve to wonder why the vehicle isn't selling you're putting fake Parts on a vehicle that's a real big red flag as far as the durability quality of the vehicle when it already has fake Parts on it

[@gladdy02]

We'll see how much thay VW is worth in 3 years as opposed to the Honda

[@weirdshibainu]

Can we make it 4 years? There won't be another February 29 until the next leap year. See you then.

[@naveenthemachine]

But the Honda passport is more dynamic and better performing as well

[@ALMX5DP]

I guess there are other considerations for this type of vehicle segment and buyer demographic.

[@raknoknak]

If you dont care about reliability.......

[@MrNemo721]

I'd take the Honda Passport over this any day- higher resale, reliable V6 and objectively superior AWD system, simple and non-fussy infotainment and climate controls because the VW one is a nightmare.

[@mikepj1025]

But the Honda Passport is ugly. Honda is very outdated with the designs in passport and pilot. CRV is very nice

[@eseir64]

Everything is hidden deep into the touch screen menus. As much as this is quite updated for 2024, the Passport is much easier to use.

[@gsctht123]

21" tires? Sorry I'm out!

[@stanmarcusgtv]

VW's are legendary for being problem prone. There's a reason their resale value is bottom tier.

[@stanmarcusgtv]

u live in a fact free zone@japanwatchconnection

[@supriyasou3722]

If I’m not buying a Toyota/Honda, I’d rather go buy a Kia or Mazda.

[@slow_328i]

Mazda super underrated

[@darrenh5745]

Mazda yes, Kia no… these two are not comparable in terms of build quality and reliability 😂

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@darrenh5745Agree. In fact, I prefer German VW quality over anything Hyundai Kia.

[@GoFast58]

Yup the mazda cx-70 is much better than this.

[@briantii]

I’d MUCH rather have any Eurotrash than Kia / Hyundai. Believe it or not but VW is much better at engines than Hyundai. Mazda, Toyota, Honda are all excellent.

[@th003g]

The three inch wide red rear light bar is so cheap looking and gaudy. The dashboard 'wood/carbon' trim is an improvement, but it's still fake and hard plastic. So much of it across the dash isn't a good thing. Should've redesigned it and replaced hard plastic with more soft touch materials. The video was made before CX70 debuted as a 2 row CX90. Wasn't it?

[@davidcamacho3513]

Very nice vehicle. Except it’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. Reliable today, broken down by the side of the road tomorrow. What a shame

[@davidcamacho3513]

japanwatchconnection No. Actually all correct. This has long been the issue with VW’s.

[@MyViewToronto]

That 2.0 litre engine won't last long trying to move all that weight.

[@bradyb9929]

It’s extremely powerful for a 4 cylinder if you’ve used it

[@pine111]

The EA888 has proven to be a reliable engine in VW products

[@gregoryjefferson6311]

Poor milage , silly FAKE exhaust , AND the touch controls . PassPort for the win .

[@cultofmodernism8477]

The fake exhaust tips disqualify this is a viable option.

[@jtomtl]

2.0 turbo, what a joke for this size of a car

[@jimknutson3605]

Ya but……..then you’re stuck with VW quality 😣 and horrible resale.

[@Mr21scott]

It doesn't matter how many VW videos you post about however many models, they always have been and always will be junk. I know, I've owned them.

[@GoFast58]

Mazda cx-70 over this any day.

[@jwagner1993]

Screens are cheap. Lack of a V6 engine,.fake exhaust tips. I'm done, goodbye

[@stephenr6194]

Cheap made, driver need focus on the road not on big screen searching for button, small engine for such big truck, look ugly and expensive 👎

[@fighter835]

If you're going to buy a boring box, why not get the reliable one? Mazda, Toyota and Subaru all the way in this segment. Touch controls that you can't see at night? Fake exhaust? Black plastic everywhere? Why would anyone buy this half baked car? It has NOTHING that's interesting or unique about it.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Vw really screwed up this interior. Unbelievable.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

but only for about 5 seconds edit: it literally got the top spot for LEAST satisfying model to own by people who own one, UNhappiest owners out of all models on the market (consumer reports)

[@pine111]

Blatantly lying isn’t a great look. Consumer Reports marks the Atlas Cross Sport as having 65% of people willing to buy it again vs. 64% for the Honda Passport, 63% for the Nissan Murano, 62% for the Ford Edge, and 59% for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. 5 out of the 7 models listed by Consumer Reports in the same mid sized 2 row crossover segment are rated as having LOWER owner satisfaction rates than the Atlas Cross Sport.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

ANYONE can google "atlas cross sport least satisfying" ...@@pine111