2025 Hyundai Palisade SE vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE
On paper, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE wins on $1,000 less, 22 more hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $1,000 price gap, 291 vs 269 hp, 21 vs 22 MPG.
The Palisade SE leads on $1,000 less, 22 more hp. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE | 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $39,200 | $40,200 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 269 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.8 gal | 18.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,100/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,356 lbs | 4,341 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 117.3" |
| Length | 196.7" | 195.6" |
| Width | 77.8" | 78.3" |
| Height | 68.9" | 68.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE starts at $39,200, $1,000 less than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE at $40,200. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $18/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,000 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $91/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE rates 22 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE produces 291 hp, 22 more than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE at 269 hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE also leads in torque at 273 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE bigger than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE is 1.1″ longer at 196.7″ vs 195.6″. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE has a 3.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Palisade comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Palisade trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport trims
How the Palisade and Atlas Cross Sport Stack Up
Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE ($39,200) and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE ($40,200) solve similar problems in different ways. The $1,000 gap is about $18/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Powertrain: Palisade vs Atlas Cross Sport
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE has 22 more hp (291 vs 269), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE saves roughly $91/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $455.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE when you want to keep $1,000 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $91/year less on fuel. At $18/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Volkswagen or any dealership.