2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2026 Honda Passport

The 2026 Honda Passport presented a bold and rugged appearance, characterized by its extra-large proportions and blocky dimensions. Its design was a modern interpretation of a rugged SUV, with a nearly flat hood and a blunt nose that provided an excellent approach angle. The Passport's front end was framed by bracket-shaped amber running lights and a thin hood scoop, giving it a distinctive look. The vehicle's profile, with a blacked-out D-pillar and large rear-quarter window, drew inspiration from a backpack, though it also bore resemblance to other SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery. The Passport featured practical elements such as rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel, enhancing its off-road capabilities. At the rear, the blocky tailgate and two-tone colour block design added to its robust appearance. Inside, the Passport offered a straightforward and functional interior with four trim levels, each catering to different preferences.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, exuded a chiseled and upscale appearance with its polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and sizable 21-inch wheels. The Atlas Execline trim, in particular, showcased a sporty and muscular look, enhanced by the Mountain Lake Blue exterior. Inside, the Atlas continued its premium theme with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Atlas maintained a refined and upscale appearance that appealed to those seeking a more luxurious SUV.

The 2026 Honda Passport was engineered to excel both on and off-road. It featured improved approach and departure angles, skid plates, and 18-inch wheels for enhanced off-road traction. The Passport's i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system and seven distinct drive modes, including Sport, Trail, and Tow, provided versatility for various driving conditions. Under the hood, the Passport retained a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The new 10-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous 9-speed unit, offering smooth and unobtrusive operation. While the Passport's V6 engine was less efficient than some competitors' turbocharged or hybrid options, it delivered strong power and a satisfying driving experience. The Passport's fuel economy was estimated at 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.9 on the highway, with a combined rating of 11.4 L/100 km.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous V6 option, offering improved torque and fuel economy. The Atlas's eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD system provided a smooth and capable driving experience. While the Atlas's engine initially seemed underpowered for its size, it proved refined and satisfying for most daily driving tasks. The Atlas returned 15.2 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 12.3 L/100 km over a 110+ kilometre test route. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas's handling was predictable, and its brakes performed well under duress.

The 2026 Honda Passport excelled in interior space and practicality. It featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen and a straightforward interface with physical buttons and knobs. The Passport's cargo space was class-leading, with 1,246 litres behind the rear seat and 2,356 litres with the seats folded down. It also offered best-in-class rear-seat legroom and a variety of storage options, making it ideal for family road trips. The Passport's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with a panoramic moonroof and ventilated front seats in the Touring trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas prioritized passenger comfort and cargo space. It offered one of the most comfortable third-row seats in its class, with ample legroom and headroom for passengers. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt slightly stiff. The Atlas's second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, and the third-row seat provided adequate leg support. The Atlas's cargo area was spacious, with 583 litres behind the third row and 2,735 litres with the second and third rows folded down. While the Atlas's cargo capacity was slightly less than some competitors, its third-row seating was more appealing.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps. It also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing flexibility for users. The Passport's infotainment system was user-friendly, with bright colours and easy navigation. Additional tech features included a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB-C charging ports, and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display. The Touring trim added a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch camera system.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's MIB3 operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen. While it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the lack of traditional knobs and buttons made the system less intuitive. The Atlas's native digital voice assistant was unreliable, and the touchscreen controls were challenging to use. However, the Atlas Execline's Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality. Despite some user-experience glitches, pairing a smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto improved the overall infotainment experience.

The 2026 Honda Passport came equipped with Honda Safety Sense, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The Passport also featured eight standard airbags for added safety. While the previous-generation Passport had less-than-stellar crash test results, updated ratings for the 2026 model were pending.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system. Volkswagen Canada provided an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, which included automatic crash notification, SOS emergency assistance, and more. The 2025 Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."