VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
269hp @ 5500
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
25 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
—
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Rdx returns 25 mpg est. while the Atlas Cross Sport uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,400 for the Rdx and $38,300 for the Atlas Cross Sport. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Acura RdxFWD 2021 - From $38,400
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport2.0T SE w/Technology FWD 2026 - From $38,300
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
186.7in
195.5in
Width (in)
74.8in
78.3in
Height (in)
65.7in
67.8in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3783lbs
4165lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Acura Rdx
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Rdx
Fuel Economy
Rdx
Value
Tied
Practicality
Atlas Cross Sport
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Better fuel economy (25 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Lower starting price ($38,300)
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Atlas Cross Sport?
The Rdx gets 25 mpg est. and the Atlas Cross Sport gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Rdx is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Rdx or Atlas Cross Sport?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Atlas Cross Sport delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Atlas Cross Sport?
The Rdx starts from $38,400 and the Atlas Cross Sport from $38,300, a difference of just $100, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rdx or Atlas Cross Sport?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Atlas Cross Sport can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx or the Atlas Cross Sport?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.