Compare the2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportVS 2023 Lexus RX

The Atlas Cross Sport has standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Atlas Cross Sport offers optional Maneuver Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The RX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the Atlas Cross Sport and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

The Atlas Cross Sport’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the RX’s (7 vs. 6 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Atlas Cross Sport for 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RX (2/20,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are almost 3 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Atlas Cross Sport’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the RX’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder engine for maximum performance). The RX 350 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Atlas Cross Sport has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the RX 350h/500h’s standard fuel tank (18.6 vs. 17.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Atlas Cross Sport’s wheelbase is 5.1 inches longer than on the RX (117.3 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Atlas Cross Sport is 1.8 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than on the RX.

The Atlas Cross Sport has .6 inches more front legroom, 1.5 inches more front hip room, 3.4 inches more front shoulder room, 3 inches more rear legroom, 2.1 inches more rear hip room and 4.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the RX.

The Atlas Cross Sport has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the RX with its rear seat up (40.3 vs. 29.6 cubic feet). The Atlas Cross Sport has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (77.8 vs. 46.2 cubic feet).

The Atlas Cross Sport’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RX’s (2000 vs. 0 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Lexus RX is only 3500 pounds. The Atlas Cross Sport offers up to a 5000 lbs. towing capacity.

The Atlas Cross Sport offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The RX doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Atlas Cross Sport SEL to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Atlas Cross Sport has a standard rear wiper. The RX doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Volkswagen Atlas outsold the Lexus RX by 367 units during 2021.