All SUV customers searching for a roomy car and who don’t want or desire a third row of seating, please listen. The 2024 Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are primarily based on midsize 3-row SUVs, besides they toss out their mechanical siblings’ again row of seats in favor of bigger cargo bays.

Now getting into its sixth mannequin yr, the 2024 Passport is an in depth relative of the 3-row Honda Pilot. A powerful 3.5-liter V6 and all-wheel drive (AWD) are normal, and the Passport additionally occurs to have one of many roomiest interiors amongst 2-row midsize SUVs. 

A midcycle refresh for the 2024 mannequin yr breathes new life into the Atlas Cross Sport, a 5-seat spinoff of the 3-row Atlas SUV. Amongst different modifications, the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport will get a modernized inside, upgraded infotainment system, and extra normal options like heated and ventilated entrance seats.

In our rankings of Greatest Midsize SUVs, these two are in a veritable lifeless warmth. With this in thoughts, let’s take a more in-depth take a look at the highlights of the 2024 Passport and Atlas Cross Sport.

2024 Honda Passport

The 2024 Honda Passport will be had in one among three trims: EX-L, TrailSport, and the Black Version. Pricing for the EX-L begins at $43,295, together with vacation spot charges. 

Adjustments to the 2024 Passport are minimal. The Black Version replaces the earlier top-of-the-line Elite trim, and the outdoorsy TrailSport has extra rugged suspension settings, further underbody skid plates, and extra succesful off-road tires.  

Honda Passport Highlights

TrailSport trim: We like that Honda determined to present the Passport higher off-road credentials with the TrailSport trim. No, it’s not going to problem the likes of a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler on the subject of scaling boulders and forging waist-deep bogs. But the TrailSport’s beefier suspension and extra go-anywhere {hardware} guarantee it gained’t fall to items when all-terrain adventures beckon.

Customary AWD:  Including all-wheel drive to the decrease trims of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport prices a $1,900 premium. With the Honda Passport, you get AWD on each trim for no further cost. 

Highly effective V6: No fancy turbos or hybrid methods are used to get the Passport down the street swiftly and effectively. Beneath the hood is a trusty 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automated transmission. Accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph takes somewhat over 6 seconds. 

Lengthy-term worth: For these searching for a long-term relationship with their subsequent SUV, be mindful the Passport enjoys glorious resale worth. That is particularly vital for Honda customers trying to finance or buy a Passport outright. 

Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the Passport fashions on the market close to you. 

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport will get vital updates this mannequin yr. Energy comes from a newly normal 269-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder that replaces the earlier mannequin’s base turbo 4-cylinder and non-compulsory V6. Entrance-wheel drive is normal; all-wheel drive is non-compulsory. 

Different modifications embody a redesigned gloss black entrance grille, a extra outstanding diffuser perched below the rear bumper, and a large serving of ordinary consolation and tech options. There are 5 trims, and pricing begins at $38,410, together with vacation spot costs. 

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Highlights 

Upscale styling: With its extra aggressive entrance finish and tapering roofline, the Atlas Cross Sport is a good-looking and sporty-looking SUV. Higher nonetheless, regardless of the trendy nod to SUV-meets-coupe design, the Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t sacrifice a lot in the way in which of cargo area and practicality in comparison with the boxier design used within the 3-row Atlas.

12-inch infotainment touchscreen: Volkswagen now equips each Atlas Cross Sport with a large 12-inch touchscreen full with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB-C ports, and a wi-fi charging pad. 

Turbo 4-cylinder: The 269-hp turbo 4-cylinder within the Atlas Cross Sport is now your solely powertrain selection. It has extra torque than the outgoing V6 and delivers a class-competitive EPA score of 23 mixed mpg.

Extra consolation touches: Along with the brand new engine and revamped tech, the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport coddles occupants with normal heated and ventilated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, and 3-zone local weather management. 

Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the Atlas Cross Sport fashions on the market close to you. 

Similarities

The Passport and Cross Sport supply distinctive quantities of area for passengers, together with practically an identical ranges of cargo quantity behind their second rows. Regardless of the Honda having a V6 and the VW a turbo 4-cylinder, gasoline mileage and acceleration between these two midsize SUVs are additionally very related. 

Conclusion

This comparability is shut. Actually shut. On the one hand, the Honda Passport is a bit more costly however has glorious resale worth, normal AWD, a slight horsepower benefit, and quite a few normal options. 

The latter attribute additionally holds true for the Atlas Cross Sport. We applaud VW’s determination to make objects like heated and ventilated entrance seats, wi-fi smartphone connectivity, wi-fi charging, and a much bigger touchscreen normal.

As a result of it advantages from a refresh this mannequin yr, the Atlas Cross Sport holds the narrowest of benefits for drivers searching for bang for the buck. Nevertheless, the extra rugged Passport has the benefit of Honda’s fame for resale worth and long-term reliability.