2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV category, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sporty and athletic stance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model, adding a touch of flair. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, exuded a sense of luxury with its full-LED lighting, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and sculpted silhouette. The Peak Edition added rugged elements like unique bumpers and blackout trim pieces. The Atlas's Pure Gray paint resisted dirt well, and the Titan Black upholstery was practical for muddy conditions. Inside, the Atlas featured quilted diamond-pattern leather seats and metallic accents, creating a warm and inviting environment. However, the gloss-black plastic around the shifter and touchscreen bezel was prone to fingerprints, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. While not designed for serious off-road use, the AWD system provided adequate traction. The hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, offered a 0-60 mph time between 7.5 and 8 seconds. The sportier suspension tuning of the CX-50 resulted in engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet smooth ride quality.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD system provided flexibility, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds. The Atlas excelled in highway merging and maintained a smooth rhythm on country roads. However, the ride quality suffered due to the 21-inch wheels, transmitting vibrations on imperfect pavement. The Atlas offered a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, slightly behind some competitors.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered ample front seat space, but rear seat headroom and legroom were less generous compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo capacity was limited to 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, falling short of the class average. The CX-50 featured a standard power liftgate and convenient storage solutions, but overall practicality was not its strong suit.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs allowed easy access to the third row, which offered decent leg support. Cargo capacity was a highlight, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and a total of 96.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Atlas provided competitive space across all three rows, making it an excellent choice for families.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a center console dial, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While some appreciated the dial's simplicity, others found it outdated. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a basic eight-speaker setup to a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a 12-inch touchscreen with the MIB3 operating system, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, and wireless connectivity. However, the interface was frustrating to use, with touch-sensitive controls that were invisible at night. The Harman Kardon audio system and configurable instrument cluster were highlights, but the native infotainment system fell short. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more intuitive experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection. The non-hybrid model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The systems performed well, with smooth acceleration and stops.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2025 model. The IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features was standard, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The systems performed reliably, even in challenging driving conditions.