Published February 21 2020

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Nissan Murano

We work long and hard hours for our money. As savvy Canadian consumers, we strive to stretch each dollar as far as it will go. As such, value is important for us all. Many carmakers use a tactic known as de-contenting their products in order to promote a seemingly lower and more competitive entry price. This unfortunate trend is misleading and not one that Volkswagen relies on to sell its vehicles.

The all-new 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is equipped with all the safety and technology features from the most affordable version and is, without a doubt, one the best all-around midsize 5-seater SUVs available in Canada today. Although this may be true, it’s important to compare it to other established SUVs in the segment. For this dual, let’s see how the Volkswagen measures up to the 2020 Nissan Murano.

The most misleading way to “competitively” price an SUV is by removing a Canadian-must: AWD. The 2020 Nissan Murano, on paper, is priced lower than the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport however when AWD is added in the build, the base MSRP rises above that of the VW. In other words, if you want an AWD SUV, the Atlas Cross Sport will offer more value.

The Atlas Cross Sport is delivered as standard with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION AWD system. From the onset, the Atlas Cross Sport is powered by a authoritative and frugal 235-horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Alternatively, the Volkswagen can be equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 which is good for 276-horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. Each VW engine is mated to a sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission. The Murano’s only engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 260-horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, coupled to a continuously variable transmission. In other words, you can choose either a more efficient engine or a more powerful engine with the same fuel economy.

If towing is a consideration, know that the V6 Atlas Cross Sport holds the ability to tow up to 5,000 lb (compared to 1,500 lb for the Murano). While on the subject of capabilities, the 2020 Volkswagen will fit your entire life. Behind the second row of seats, the Atlas Cross Sport will hold up to 1,141 liters of gear compared the Murano’s 880 liters.

Infotainment features are numerous in both SUVs with touchscreen displays to access Apple CarPlay, Android Auto. Both also offer standard heated front seats and safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking.

The 2020 Atlas Cross Sport has everything going for it, including value and not to mention to mention Volkswagen driving dynamics. Come and experience it for yourself.