Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs Lexus TX

Unless buyers want a luxury model, the herd of midsize two-row crossovers is thinning as buyers gravitate to three-rows. Like the Mazda CX-70 and Honda Passport, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row version of a more popular three-row crossover. However, its lowered roof and unique tail make it feel like a distinctive standalone model akin to the Nissan Murano or Chevrolet Blazer. Last refreshed for the 2024 model year, the Atlas Cross Sport is essentially unchanged for 2026 ahead of the arrival of a redesigned model for 2027.

Verdict: The Atlas Cross Sport is a great value and well made, even if it's not enjoyable to drive.

You may not have heard much about the Lexus TX, the company’s full-size three-row SUV. Introduced for the 2024 model year, it’s still a young’un compared to its competition, but it’s made its mark by offering a spacious interior and two different powertrains, wrapped in a stylish package.

In Lexus’s seven-model SUV lineup, the TX slots just below the GX and LX — two body-on-frame models focused on off-roading. In Canada, you can snag a gas-powered TX or one with a hybrid powertrain. (Note the test unit for this review, the 550h+ plug-in hybrid, is not yet available in Canada. Lexus Canada plans to offer it but not in time for the 2026 model year.)

Verdict: The 2026 Lexus TX is a great option for large families that need a spacious third row, but some of the technology comes with a steep learning curve.