If you're looking at midsize SUVs this year, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and 2025 Nissan Murano are two names that naturally end up on the same list. Both offer comfort, technology and everyday usefulness, but they approach things differently. At Cornwall Centre Volkswagen in Cornwall, ON, drivers often ask how these two models stack up, especially when it comes to power, space and real-world practicality. Here's a clear breakdown to help you see which one fits your needs best.
Under the hood, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas arrives with a gasoline powertrain delivering 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It feels confident and responsive, especially when merging or carrying a full load of passengers. Fuel efficiency comes in at 13.2 L/100 km in the city, 9.4 L/100 km on the highway and 11.5 L/100 km combined based on NRCan ratings.
The 2025 Nissan Murano also brings a gasoline engine, producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy is more efficient at 10.6 L/100 km city, 8.6 L/100 km highway and 9.7 L/100 km combined. While the Murano uses slightly less fuel, the Atlas offers noticeably stronger performance, which you feel most during highway passing or when the vehicle is fully loaded.
Volkswagen backs the Atlas with a 48-month/80,000 km comprehensive warranty and a 60-month/100,000 km powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance also matches the 48-month/80,000 km coverage.
Nissan covers the Murano with a shorter 36-month/60,000 km comprehensive warranty, though its powertrain warranty is the same 60-month/100,000 km. Roadside assistance runs 36 months with a very high distance limit. Drivers who plan to keep their SUV long term will likely appreciate Volkswagen's longer overall warranty coverage.
Inside the Atlas, you get a 12.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system, in-car Wi-Fi, a wireless charging pad and synthetic leather seating. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels round out the look.
The Murano offers a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen, CarPlay/Android Auto, an 11-speaker Bose system, memory seats, navigation, in-car Wi-Fi, wireless charging, synthetic leather seating and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Murano brings more luxury touches in terms of tech and audio, but the Atlas focuses on big-screen usability and a clean, spacious layout that's easy to live with day to day.
This is one of the biggest differences between the two. The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is a 7-seat three-row SUV, offering 1572 litres behind the third row, 583 litres with only the third row folded, and up to 2735 litres total cargo space. The 2025 Nissan Murano is a 5-seater with 932 litres of trunk space and up to 1798 litres with the rear seats down. If you regularly carry more people or gear, the Atlas offers significantly more room.
Below is a quick side-by-side look at key highlights:
| Feature | 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | 2025 Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower / Torque | 269 hp / 273 lb-ft | 241 hp / 260 lb-ft |
| Cargo Capacity (Max) | 2735 litres | 1798 litres |
| Seating | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Comprehensive Warranty | 48 months / 80,000 km | 36 months / 60,000 km |
| Infotainment | 12.0-inch screen | 12.3-inch screen with Bose audio |
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas ultimately gives drivers more 'SUV' where it counts: more power, more seating, more warranty coverage and more usable cargo room. For families and anyone needing versatility without feeling cramped, the Atlas continues to shine as the more balanced and forward-thinking choice. If you'd like to take the Atlas for a test drive or see how it fits your lifestyle, Cornwall Centre Volkswagen in Cornwall, ON is here to help you get started.


