VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6100
269hp @ 5500
Torque
178lb-ft @ 4000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
26 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
1653lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 while the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Sportage returns 26 mpg est. while the Atlas Cross Sport uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $32,990 for the Sportage 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
KIA SportageX-Line AWD 2026 - From $32,990
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport2.0T SEL 4MOTION 2026 - From $38,300
Performance
Power Output (hp)
187hp @ 6100
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 4000
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
19 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30 (2025)mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
195.5in
Width (in)
73.4in
78.3in
Height (in)
66.9in
67.8in
Wheelbase (in)
108.5in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
4341lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1653lbs
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Atlas Cross Sport
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Sportage
Practicality
Atlas Cross Sport
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($32,990)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or Atlas Cross Sport?
The Sportage gets 26 mpg est. and the Atlas Cross Sport gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sportage 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 Sportage or Atlas Cross Sport?
The Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Atlas Cross Sport delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Atlas Cross Sport is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and Atlas Cross Sport?
The Sportage starts from $32,990 and the Atlas Cross Sport from $38,300. The Sportage is cheaper by $5,310 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sportage or Atlas Cross Sport?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1653lbs 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 Sportage 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.