Both the 2022 Honda Passport and the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport compete for buyers of midsize SUVs who only need to seat five passengers. Here’s how they compare.
2022 Honda Passport
2022 Honda Passport Starting Price: $37,870 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Roomy interior; standard V6; towing capacity; reliability and high resale value.
Below Average: Fuel economy; bland interior; fussy push-button shifter.
Consensus: The 2022 Honda Passport offers a strong standard engine, a quiet and comfortable ride, and some degree of off-road ability with all-wheel drive (AWD). The cabin boasts plenty of space and a new off-road-inspired TrailSport appearance package.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Starting Price: $32,775 | Price Yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Spacious interior; impressive Digital Cockpit; tows up to 5,000 pounds.
Below Average: Disappointing fuel economy; firm ride; pricey top trims.
Consensus: The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is one of the largest midsize, 2-row SUVs. It offers lots of room and robust towing capability.
Passport vs. Atlas Cross Sport: Power Plays
Honda Passport
Offering “just-right” proportions and impressive drive capabilities, the Honda Passport is the right vehicle for many families. This all-new Passport model debuted for the 2019 model year and for 2022 it gets a few rugged updates, plus it looks more like the recently updated Honda Ridgeline pickup. It can be had with HDP (Honda Performance Development) accessories to add more personality.
Able to accommodate five passengers and plenty of cargo, the Passport has a well-sorted and award-winning 3.5-liter V6 engine and a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. There’s no question why it retains its value year after year.
The sophisticated torque-vectoring AWD system with 4-mode Intelligent Traction Management is a standout feature that gives the Passport some real talent when it comes to mild off-roading. It’s capable of tackling sand, mud, and snow.
The big update for 2022 is the addition of the TrailSport model. Its Honda’s first entry in the TrailSport sub-brand, which for now is largely focused on off-road styling. It uses a slightly wider track and more aggressive off-road tires and adds a unique grille, wheels, and front and rear fascia. Unfortunately, no major mechanical upgrades come with the package, though Honda has hinted that there will be more off-road capability to come.
The base Sport trim model includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an 8-inch infotainment system. Essentially a shorter, 2-row version of the Honda Pilot, the Passport has a roomy cabin thanks to its generous width and traditional upright SUV styling. This boxier shape also translates into plenty of cargo room with a 77.9-cubic-foot capacity with the second row stowed.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is not much smaller than the closely related 3-row Atlas. Within its blocky body, there’s lots of room for passengers and their gear. Although interior materials are on the simpler side, the available Digital Cockpit on upper trims impresses. The 10-inch display is sharp-looking and highly configurable.
The 8-inch infotainment system has been upgraded this year, while the base model gets a 6.5-inch unit. Forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, while lane-keep assist and Travel Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane-centering) are included on mid-grade and higher trims.
Buyers can choose a 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder or a 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Both pair with a well-mannered 8-speed automatic transmission in FWD or AWD. Either engine is fairly thirsty, with the 2.0-liter averaging 22 mpg and the 3.6-liter managing just 20 mpg with FWD or 19 mpg with AWD. Both deliver adequate acceleration, with the V6’s main advantage being its ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Atlas rides firmly, but overly light steering makes it not so sporty to drive.
Similarities
Room for five passengers; available all-wheel drive; NHTSA 5-Star safety
2022 Honda Passport Advantages
Solid resale value and reliability; standard V6 engine; new TrailSport package.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Advantages
Available large digital instrument cluster; lower starting price.
Which One is Right For Me?
The 2021 Honda Passport is roomier and more rugged, which gives it some off-road capability. It’s a good companion both in the city and on the trail with a smooth V6 powertrain that boasts a 9-speed automatic transmission.
If you want a vehicle with a little bit more technology and like the Digital Cockpit that VW offers, opt for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. But know that both the turbo-4 or the V6 options are pretty thirsty.
Ready to buy a Honda Passport or Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport? Shop for one on sale now near you.
| 2021 Honda Passport | 2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 2.0-liter turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 235 hp @ 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 22 mpg (20 city/25 hwy) | 22 mpg (21 city/24 hwy) |
| Also Available | AWD | 3.6-liter V6; AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.0 inches | 117.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 190.5 inches | 195.5 inches |
| Width | 78.6 inches | 78.4 inches |
| Height | 71.6 inches | 67.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.5 feet | 40.5 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.1 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.1 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 41.6 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 62.0 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 61.9 inches | 60.6 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 115.9 cubic feet | 112.0 cu. ft. |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 41.2/77.9 cubic feet | 40.3/77.8 cu. ft. |
