CX-70 vs Atlas Cross Sport
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The CX-70 and the Atlas Cross Sport show how Mazda and Volkswagen each approach the midsize suv class. There is a favorite. The CX-70 beats the Atlas Cross Sport in 2 of 4 areas, and fuel economy & range is its biggest advantage.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CX-70 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-70 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
- Off-road & Towing8.3
- Engine & Performance1.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.8
- Off-road & Towing8.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The CX-70 has 59 lb-ft more torque
At 332 lb-ft versus 273 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the CX-70, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The CX-70’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The CX-70 has better fuel economy
The Atlas Cross Sport isn’t far behind at 23 mpg, but the CX-70’s 25 mpg still comes out ahead. The CX-70 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The CX-70 has better city fuel economy
If fuel economy (city) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the CX-70 leads clearly with 24 mpg to the Atlas Cross Sport’s 20 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the CX-70 starts from a better baseline.
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The CX-70 has better highway fuel economy
A narrow win for the CX-70. With 28 mpg to 26 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. The CX-70 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | CX-70 | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
CX-70 leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the CX-70 leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. Point to the CX-70 for 59 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. If this section decides it for you, choose the CX-70.
Torque
CX-70: 332 lb-ft Atlas Cross Sport: 273 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-70 leads
The CX-70 wins the fuel economy & range section decisively. The CX-70 makes its case with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. In short, the CX-70 is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
CX-70: 25 mpg Atlas Cross Sport: 23 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
CX-70: 24 mpg Atlas Cross Sport: 20 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the CX-70 and the Atlas Cross Sport are effectively level. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CX-70 | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Mild hybrid | Gas |
| Engine | 3.3L turbo inline-6 (48V mild hybrid) | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 280 hp | 269 hp |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft (winner) | 273 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CX-70 | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg (winner) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CX-70 | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 40.3 cu ft Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 77.8 cu ft Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CX-70 | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CX-70 | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Mazda i-Activsense | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | CX-70 | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the CX-70 if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (332 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (25 mpg vs 23 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (24 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (28 mpg vs 26 mpg on the highway)
Choose the Atlas Cross Sport if…
- you’re comfortable with how Volkswagen does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the CX-70 or the Atlas Cross Sport?
On the specs compared here, the CX-70 makes more sense for most buyers; the Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the CX-70 and the Atlas Cross Sport. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the CX-70 brings 59 lb-ft more torque. Add better fuel economy to the list, and the CX-70 looks even better.
I’d match them like this: engine & performance to the CX-70, the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the Atlas Cross Sport.
My pick: the CX-70.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.