Compare the2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportVS 2025 Mazda CX-70

Both the Atlas Cross Sport and the CX-70 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Atlas Cross Sport comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck. The CX-70’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Atlas Cross Sport’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the CX-70’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Atlas Cross Sport for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-70.

There are over 17 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Atlas Cross Sport’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the CX-70’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. The CX-70 PHEV requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

For better stopping power the Atlas Cross Sport’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-70:

The Atlas Cross Sport stops shorter than the CX-70:

The Atlas Cross Sport SEL 4Motion handles at .81 G’s, while the CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 850 pounds less than the Mazda CX-70.

The Atlas Cross Sport is 5.2 inches shorter than the CX-70, making the Atlas Cross Sport easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Atlas Cross Sport has 2.2 inches more front hip room, 2.3 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear legroom, 3.2 inches more rear hip room and 2.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-70.

The Atlas Cross Sport has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-70 with its rear seat up (40.3 vs. 39.6 cubic feet). The Atlas Cross Sport has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-70 with its rear seat folded (77.6 vs. 75.3 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Atlas Cross Sport. The CX-70 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Atlas Cross Sport’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-70’s (5000 vs. 3500 pounds).

If the windows are left open on the Atlas Cross Sport the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-70 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Atlas Cross Sport’s standard KESSY Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-70 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The Atlas Cross Sport’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-70’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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 CX-70 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Atlas Cross Sport has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the CX-70 Premium Plus/Turbo S.

The Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R Line has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the CX-70.

Compared to traditional radio, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-70 Premium.

The Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line’s Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The CX-70 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Atlas Cross Sport is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport outsold the Mazda CX-70 by over three to one during 2024.