Midsize SUV Comparison
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Vs. Honda Passport Vs. CDJR Jeep Grand Cherokee
All three are two-row, five-seat midsize SUVs, and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the one that lets Akron families choose front-wheel drive or 4MOTION all-wheel drive behind the same turbo engine.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: a 269-hp turbo four, an 8-speed automatic, and a roomy two-row cabin.
Honda Passport: fully redesigned for 2026, with a V6 and standard all-wheel drive.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: refreshed for 2026, with a higher seating position and available 4x4.
Three Engines, Three Philosophies
They all seat five, so the powertrain is where these SUVs really split.
Engine and Transmission
Atlas Cross Sport, Passport, and Grand Cherokee Side by Side
Eight decision points for each midsize SUV, lined up so you can read across.
| Decision Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Two-row midsize SUV seating five |
| Powertrain | 269-hp 2.0L turbo four with an 8-speed automatic |
| Drive System | Front-wheel drive standard; 4MOTION all-wheel drive available |
| Passenger and Cargo Fit | 60-40 folding rear seats |
| Technology | Wireless phone connectivity |
| Driver Assistance | Electronic Stability Control plus adaptive cruise control |
| Defining Strength | Turbo power with your choice of front- or all-wheel drive |
| Best Match | Families and commuters who want a roomy two-row SUV |
| Decision Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Two-row midsize SUV seating five |
| Powertrain | 3.5L V6 with a 10-speed automatic |
| Drive System | All-wheel drive standard on every trim |
| Passenger and Cargo Fit | Power liftgate and a larger cargo area than the previous generation |
| Technology | 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Driver Assistance | Honda Sensing, including Traffic Jam Assist |
| Defining Strength | V6 power and all-wheel drive in every trim |
| Best Match | Shoppers who want AWD on every version and lots of cargo room |
| Decision Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Two-row midsize SUV seating five |
| Powertrain | V6 or turbo four, depending on trim, with an 8-speed automatic |
| Drive System | Rear-wheel drive standard; 4x4 available |
| Passenger and Cargo Fit | 60-40 folding rear seats |
| Technology | Uconnect system with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| Driver Assistance | Roll Stability Control |
| Defining Strength | Available 4x4 and a 12-way power driver seat |
| Best Match | Drivers who prefer a higher seating position |
Where Each SUV Comes Out Ahead
Drivetrain flexibility and engine choice, compared honestly.
Drivetrain Flexibility
Not every Akron driver needs all-wheel drive, and only some of these SUVs let you skip it.
Choose Your Drive Wheels
Engine Choices Compared
How the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Honda Passport, and Jeep Grand Cherokee approach power.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Comparison Category | Engine type and transmission |
| Advantage | Depends on your priorities |
| Why | The Passport sticks with a naturally aspirated V6, the Grand Cherokee's new turbo four is the strongest engine here, and the Atlas Cross Sport offers 269 hp from its turbo four. |
| Configuration Caveat | Base Grand Cherokee trims keep the V6, so check which engine a specific Jeep has. |
What's New for 2026
Two of these SUVs changed a lot this year. The Atlas Cross Sport carries over its proven setup.
A Full Redesign for the Passport
The 2026 Passport is a new generation, not a light update.
Honda Passport
A Mid-Cycle Refresh for the Grand Cherokee
Jeep added a new engine and a bigger screen without changing the basic shape.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Change Area | Engine, touchscreen, and styling |
| Earlier Model Year | 2025: the V6 powered most gas trims, and the touchscreen was smaller. |
| Later Model Year | 2026: a new 2.0L turbo four on most trims, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and refreshed front and rear styling. |
| Buyer Impact | Which engine you get now depends on the trim you choose. |
Living With Each SUV Around Akron
How these three midsize SUVs handle cargo runs and highway miles in Akron, OH.
Hauling Everyday Gear
Groceries, sports bags, and weekend luggage.
Cargo Loading
Highway Commutes
What matters when your drive includes interstate miles on I-76 or I-77.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Use Case | Daily commutes on I-76 and I-77 |
| Best Match | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport |
| Reason | Turbo torque and an 8-speed automatic make merges easy, and front-wheel drive is there if you don't need AWD. |
| What to Test | Merge onto I-77 and pay attention to cabin noise and passing response at highway speed. |
Our Verdict: Which Midsize SUV Fits Best?
For Akron shoppers who want a roomy two-row SUV without paying for all-wheel drive they may not need, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the most flexible pick. Its 269-hp turbo four and 8-speed automatic come with front-wheel drive or 4MOTION, plus 60-40 folding rear seats for cargo.
The redesigned Passport suits drivers who want AWD and a V6 in every trim, and the Grand Cherokee makes sense if 4x4 capability and a high seat matter most.
Take an Atlas Cross Sport from Volkswagen of Akron out on I-77 to judge its ride comfort and visibility for yourself.
Research Sources
- 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Model Overview — Background on the Atlas Cross Sport specs used here.
- 2026 Honda Passport Model Overview — Background on the redesigned Passport.
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Model Overview — Background on the refreshed Grand Cherokee.
- Volkswagen of Akron Homepage — Atlas Cross Sport inventory, specials, and contact details in Akron.
Please note: Engines, drivetrains, and features vary by trim. Confirm the details on a specific vehicle at the dealership.
Midsize SUV Questions From Akron Shoppers
Straight answers on Atlas Cross Sport, Passport, and Grand Cherokee engines, space, and tech.
Performance
How much power does the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have?
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport uses a 269-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Space
How many people does the Atlas Cross Sport seat?
The Atlas Cross Sport seats five across two rows, and its 60-40 folding rear seats open up extra room for weekend gear.
Drivetrain
Is all-wheel drive available on the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
Yes. Front-wheel drive is standard, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available for extra grip on wet or slick Akron roads.
Engines
What powertrain does the Honda Passport use?
The redesigned Honda Passport uses a 3.5L V6 with a 10-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is standard on every trim.
Transmission
What transmission does the Jeep Grand Cherokee use?
Every Jeep Grand Cherokee uses an 8-speed automatic, whether it has the base V6 or the new turbo four.
Technology
Do these SUVs offer smartphone connectivity?
Yes. The Atlas Cross Sport offers wireless phone connectivity, the Passport has wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Grand Cherokee uses Uconnect on a 12.3-inch screen.
Safety
What safety features are standard on the Atlas Cross Sport?
Every Atlas Cross Sport has Electronic Stability Control and 4-wheel ABS, along with adaptive cruise control for highway driving.
Next Step
Where can I test drive the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport in Akron?
Volkswagen of Akron in Akron has the Atlas Cross Sport available for test drives in both front-wheel-drive and 4MOTION versions.