Compare the2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportVS 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

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 Outlander 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.

Both the Atlas Cross Sport and the Outlander have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, 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.

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Atlas Cross Sport for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mitsubishi doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Outlander.

There are almost 2 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Mitsubishi 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 Outlander’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Atlas Cross Sport’s reliability 11 points higher than the Outlander.

The Atlas Cross Sport’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 54 more horsepower (235 vs. 181) and 77 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 181) than the Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Atlas Cross Sport’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 95 more horsepower (276 vs. 181) and 85 lbs.-ft. more torque (266 vs. 181) than the Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Atlas Cross Sport’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Outlander doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Atlas Cross Sport has 4.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander (18.6 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Atlas Cross Sport stops shorter than the Outlander:

For better traction, the Atlas Cross Sport has larger standard tires than the Outlander (245/60R18 vs. 235/60R18). The Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Outlander (265/45R21 vs. 255/45R20).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line has standard 21-inch wheels. The Outlander’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Atlas Cross Sport has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Outlander; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Atlas Cross Sport has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Outlander doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Atlas Cross Sport’s wheelbase is 10.8 inches longer than on the Outlander (117.3 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Atlas Cross Sport is 4.3 inches wider in the front and 4.5 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Atlas Cross Sport has standard flush composite headlights. The Outlander has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Atlas Cross Sport has 4.2 inches more front hip room, 3.6 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear legroom, 4.7 inches more rear hip room and 4.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the Outlander.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Atlas Cross Sport’s rear seats recline. The Outlander’s middle row seats don’t recline.

The Atlas Cross Sport has a much larger cargo volume than the Outlander with its rear seat up (40.3 vs. 11.7 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 Outlander doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Maximum trailer towing in the Mitsubishi Outlander is limited to 2000 pounds. The Atlas Cross Sport offers up to a 5000 lbs. towing capacity.

The Atlas Cross Sport’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Outlander’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Atlas Cross Sport the driver can close them all 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 Outlander can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Atlas Cross Sport’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Outlander ES’ standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

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 Outlander doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Atlas Cross Sport offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Outlander doesn’t offer cornering lights. The Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The Atlas Cross Sport’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander SE/SEL.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Outlander doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Atlas Cross Sport offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Outlander doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

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 Outlander doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander isn't recommended.

The Volkswagen Atlas outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander by almost five to one during the 2021 model year.