Murano vs Atlas Cross Sport
For midsize suv shoppers, the Murano from Nissan and the Atlas Cross Sport from Volkswagen are two of the obvious candidates. Scoring each area separately, the Atlas Cross Sport comes out on top 3 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Atlas Cross Sport wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Murano wins
- Space & Practicality Atlas Cross Sport wins
- Off-road & Towing Atlas Cross Sport wins
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range1.2
- Space & Practicality4.2
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance1.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.8
- Space & Practicality10.0
- 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 Atlas Cross Sport has 22% more cargo space
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Atlas Cross Sport makes its strongest case: 40.3 cu ft against 32.9 cu ft. The Atlas Cross Sport’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Atlas Cross Sport has 3,500 lb more towing capacity
The Atlas Cross Sport clearly leads on max towing, and 5,000 lb versus 1,500 lb is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. If you tow regularly, the Atlas Cross Sport’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The Atlas Cross Sport has 23% more maximum cargo space
On cargo (seats folded), the Atlas Cross Sport posts 77.8 cu ft against 63.5 cu ft for the Murano, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Atlas Cross Sport can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
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The Atlas Cross Sport has 28 hp more power
Close, but not identical: the Atlas Cross Sport lists 269 hp and the Murano lists 241 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Murano has better city fuel economy
The gap on fuel economy (city) is slim (21 mpg against 20 mpg), yet it tips toward the Murano. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Murano has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Murano | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Curb weight (from) | 4,193 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Atlas Cross Sport leads
The Atlas Cross Sport does a little better in the engine & performance section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the Murano. The Atlas Cross Sport takes this one with 28 hp more power. The Atlas Cross Sport’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the Atlas Cross Sport is the stronger car.
Total system output
Murano: 241 hp Atlas Cross Sport: 269 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Murano leads
This area is close, with the Murano just ahead of the Atlas Cross Sport. The Murano adds better city fuel economy. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Murano starts from a better baseline. For fuel economy & range, the Murano is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (city)
Murano: 21 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
Atlas Cross Sport leads
If space & practicality is high on your list, the Atlas Cross Sport makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Atlas Cross Sport scores with 22% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Atlas Cross Sport is the safer choice.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Murano: 32.9 cu ft Atlas Cross Sport: 40.3 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
Murano: 63.5 cu ft Atlas Cross Sport: 77.8 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Atlas Cross Sport leads
The off-road & towing numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Atlas Cross Sport. The Atlas Cross Sport answers with 3,500 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the Atlas Cross Sport.
Max towing
Murano: 1,500 lb Atlas Cross Sport: 5,000 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Murano | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 241 hp | 269 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Murano | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 18.7 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Murano | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 32.9 cu ft | 40.3 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 63.5 cu ft | 77.8 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded |
| Rear legroom | 36.30 in | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Murano | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8.30 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 5,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Murano | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Murano | Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Curb weight (from) | 4,193 lb | 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 Murano if…
- you want better city fuel economy (21 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you already know your way around Nissan’s products
Choose the Atlas Cross Sport if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (40.3 cu ft vs 32.9 cu ft)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,000 lb vs 1,500 lb)
- you move bulky items now and then (77.8 cu ft vs 63.5 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want more power (269 hp vs 241 hp)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Murano or the Atlas Cross Sport?
The Atlas Cross Sport makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you value better city fuel economy above everything else.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Nissan or Volkswagen. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Murano and the Atlas Cross Sport. I think the Atlas Cross Sport makes its strongest case with 22% more cargo space. Another thing in the Atlas Cross Sport’s favor is 3,500 lb more towing capacity. The Murano has a trump card of its own in better city fuel economy.
The Murano makes sense for anyone who values fuel economy & range; the Atlas Cross Sport for anyone who values engine & performance.
My pick: the Atlas Cross Sport for most people, with the Murano as the smarter choice if what you want most is better city fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.