The midsize crossover segment offers plenty of options, with the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport standing out as two compellingly well-rounded choices.
In this Honda Passport vs. VW Atlas Cross Sport comparison, we will review both vehicles.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport features a five-trim lineup, providing more customization options than the Honda Passport. The available variants include the entry-level SE, SE with Technology, SEL, the sporty SEL R-Line Black, and the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line.
This Volkswagen SUV starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $34,460, making it one of the more affordable entries in its segment.
In contrast, the Honda Passport comes in only three trim levels: the base EX-L, TrailSport, and the range-topping Elite. With a starting price of $41,100, the Honda Passport is significantly more expensive than its Volkswagen rival.

Engine and Performance
The Honda Passport is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Volkswagen SUV has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
With its lower torque engine, the Honda Passport doesn't transmit power to its wheels as effectively as the Volkswagen.
However, when it comes to towing capacity, both SUVs perform equally well.

Cargo & Seating
In terms of cargo space, the Honda Passport offers more than the VW Atlas Cross Sport. The Honda Passport provides up to 41.2 cubic feet with all seats in place and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet with the second row of seats folded. In comparison, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has 40.3 cubic feet with the seats in place and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet with the second row of seats folded.
Both the VW Atlas Cross Sport and Honda Passport offer spacious five-passenger accommodations. However, the Atlas Cross Sport provides a bit more room to stretch out, with more legroom (41.7 inches in the front and 40.4 inches in the rear) compared to the Honda Passport (40.9 inches in the front and 39.6 inches in the rear). Taller passengers will particularly appreciate the Atlas Cross Sport’s additional legroom.
Meanwhile, the Honda Passport offers more headroom (39.5 inches in the front and 40.0 inches in the rear) compared to the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (39.4 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the rear).
  
Drive and features
Despite their relatively large size, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Honda Passport are surprisingly easy to manoeuvre. Their sharp, well-weighted steering and responsive handling contribute to a car-like feel, while their strong brakes provide reassuring stopping power. Comparatively, the Honda Passport has a smaller turning radius than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, making it easier to manoeuvre in tight spots.
However, the Atlas Cross Sport offers more athletic handling than the Passport, making it more enjoyable to drive. Its longer wheelbase and lower roof provide a more surefooted and composed experience around turns and on curvy roads. Additionally, the Atlas Cross Sport has the upper hand in ride comfort. While the Honda Passport navigates uneven surfaces reasonably well, it can ride a bit harshly over larger bumps.
In terms of the drivetrain, the VW Atlas has a front-wheel drive, while the Passport has an all-wheel drive.

Interior
Whether you buy the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport or the Honda Passport, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and relaxing driving experience. Both of these SUVs feature a modern and well-built cabin with excellent fit and finish and plenty of quality materials. They also have an open and airy atmosphere and filter out most road and wind noise, resulting in a quiet and serene ride.

Safety Features
The Honda SUV excels in the safety department. Its standard features include forward collision warning, forward automated braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alerts, and automated high beams. While the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers many active safety features, it only includes forward collision warning, forward automated braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts as standard equipment. 

Fuel Economy
Looking at fuel economy, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has slightly better mileage. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gets 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Comparatively, the Honda Passport gets 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Thus, you'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with either of the vehicles.