Everyone loves options. With both the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the Mazda CX-5, you have your choice of two powerful engines.

There’s no comparison between the standard capabilities of these models. Despite its larger size, the CX-5 falls short. The same is true when you compare the optional 2.5L turbocharged engine of the CX-5 to the available 3.6L V6 configuration of the VW Atlas Cross Sport.

The former can only deliver a mere 227 horsepower—this still isn’t enough power to match what comes standard with the Volkswagen. The latter churns out a hair-raising 276 horsepower for non-stop fun and on-demand acceleration.

Each day is a new adventure. Will that adventure take you off the beaten path? Will it demand you shake things up a bit? No matter what, the adaptable performance capabilities of the VW Atlas Cross Sport and the Mazda CX-5 are versatile enough to change with each day.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport comes optionally with 4MOTION® with Active Control. The first aspect adjusts torque distribution among all four wheels when needed to help reduce wheel slip while the second lets you adjust your SUV’s capabilities with the simple twist of a dial.

While the Mazda CX-5 also comes equipped with all-wheel drive capabilities and adjustable driving modes, and these features come standard, their capabilities fall short since there are nearly twice as many drive modes offered with the VW Atlas Cross Sport.

To ensure optimal comfort, you need an SUV that offers the space you and your passengers need to stretch out and relax. One model offers 112 cubic feet of passenger space, while the other comes with 103 cubic feet of passenger space.

While each SUV shines in its own way, the VW Atlas Cross Sport provides more of the coveted legroom both front- and rear-row passengers desperately crave.

Plus, the VW Atlas Cross Sport offers more room for your travel gear. This SUV comes with a maximum cargo capacity of 77.8 cubic feet, while the CX-5 only offers up to 58.1 cubic feet of space.

You were never meant to blend in with a crowd. Your vibrant personality is proof of that. So, why take the wheel of an SUV that boasts interior colors like Black, Beige, and Parchment with the CX-5 when you can enjoy bold selections like Cinnamon Brown, Slate Blue, and Dark Burgundy?

The VW Atlas Cross Sport takes fun to a whole new level with the addition of optional interior ambient lighting. Ambient lighting is a great way to illuminate various features of the cabin once the sun goes down. During the day, natural light will flood the area when your VW is equipped with the available panoramic moonroof that’s nearly five feet long.

With the CX-5, not only does this SUV come with an ambient lighting feature, but it also doesn’t come with a panoramic roof. Rather, it only comes optionally with a regular moonroof.

Found standard with both models, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ let you connect your smartphone directly to your SUV. Once connected, the touchscreen display transforms into a familiar interface that highlights the various digital features and apps on your phone.

Browse the music you have saved to your phone or find your new favorite artists by streaming music via available SiriusXM® with 360L. This ad-free radio subscription provides access to hundreds of stations. While SiriusXM® is offered with both models, only the VW comes with SiriusXM® with 360L.

Additionally, you’ll find the audio experience inside the VW Atlas Cross Sport more immersive since it comes with an optional 12-speaker Fender® Premium Audio System rather than the 10-speaker Bose® system with the CX-5.

The safe arrival of you and your passengers is the most important thing. For that reason, both SUVs come with monitoring technology that alerts you to potential hazards you may have missed. In some cases, gentle braking or steering may occur in an attempt to avoid a collision.

There are some driver-assist features that come standard with the CX-5; however, these features can’t perform the extensive capabilities of IQ.DRIVE®.

IQ.DRIVE® is a suite of advanced features with the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. It’s so advanced that it can deliver semi-automated driving capabilities to give you the boost of confidence you need to conquer busy streets and highways.

Among the most impressive abilities of this suite is that it can automatically adjust speed to match the flow of traffic, bringing your vehicle to a complete stop if needed. It can also help keep you centered within your lane, even when driving on gentle curves.