VW Atlas Cross Sport vs. Nissan Murano: Boulder Comparison
The muscular, tow-ready Atlas Cross Sport meets the plush, design-forward Nissan Murano — capability versus cabin comfort.
The short version
Power and towing vs. a premium cabin
The redesigned Murano leans into comfort: a genuinely premium, quiet interior with standard dual 12.3-inch screens and standard all-wheel drive. The all-new Cross Sport leans into capability: 282 turbocharged horsepower, up to 5,000 pounds of towing, and VW’s newest tech with a screen up to 15 inches.
The Murano’s VC-Turbo makes 241 hp and tows just 1,500 pounds — fine for a comfort-first crossover, but well short of the VW. The Cross Sport’s pricing, mpg and cargo aren’t official yet; the Murano starts around $41,670 with AWD standard. Choose comfort and standard AWD, or power and towing.
Cross Sport vs. Murano: what we know
| Spec | VW Atlas Cross Sport (2027) | Nissan Murano (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | Announced early 2027 | $41,670 (SV) + $1,545 |
| Engine / power | 2.0L turbo · 282 hp / 258 lb-ft | 2.0L VC-Turbo · 241 hp / 260 lb-ft |
| Standard drivetrain | FWD (4MOTION AWD available) | AWD standard |
| Max towing | Up to 5,000 lb | 1,500 lb |
| Cargo (max) | Not yet published | 63.5 cu ft |
| Touchscreen | Up to 15-inch | Dual 12.3-inch standard |
| Powertrain warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
VW has not published 2027 Cross Sport pricing, EPA mpg or cargo — added here at launch. Murano figures: 2026 SV, Nissan + Edmunds/fueleconomy.gov. Murano photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized. Sep 2026.
Where each pulls ahead
The Cross Sport leads decisively on power and towing; the Murano’s answer is a premium, comfort-first cabin with standard AWD.
Three reasons Boulder buyers pick the Atlas Cross Sport
282 turbocharged horsepower tops the Murano’s 241 for stronger passing and mountain pulls.
Up to 5,000 pounds versus the Murano’s 1,500 — a real difference for trailers and campers.
An available 15-inch touchscreen and standard digital gauges keep the cabin modern.
Where the Murano genuinely wins
The redesigned Murano is one of the nicest-feeling SUVs in the class. Its cabin is quiet, richly finished and design-forward, standard dual 12.3-inch screens look upscale, and all-wheel drive is standard — all available today around $41,670.
If a serene, premium cabin and standard AWD top your list, the Murano is compelling. But if you need real towing and more power — and want VW’s newest tech — the Cross Sport pulls well ahead on capability. Its price, mpg and cargo come at launch; reserve one at Emich to compare in person.
Which one is right for you?
- You need real towing (up to 5,000 lb).
- You want the strongest engine.
- You want VW’s newest cabin tech.
- You want the plushest, quietest cabin.
- You want standard AWD and dual screens now.
- Towing isn’t a priority.
Drive the Atlas Cross Sport in Boulder
We are at 2470 49th Street, minutes off the Diagonal. Come drive a Atlas Cross Sport on real Boulder roads and compare for yourself.
Specifications and pricing are sourced from Volkswagen of America, Nissan and fueleconomy.gov and are subject to change. MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, registration, options and dealer charges. Comparison prepared by Emich Volkswagen of Boulder; not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan.