In the competitive SUV landscape of 2025, automakers must offer a variety of choices to fit all customer needs.

So it makes sense that Volkswagen offers an alternate version of its three-row Atlas SUV, the Atlas Cross Sport, which features just two rows of seats with room for 5 passengers, and ditches the third row.

The Atlas Cross Sport, first introduced for 2020, is aimed at car buyers who want a snazzier exterior design, and don't need room for more than 5 people in their vehicle.

I recently tested a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and I’m back with a full report on how it holds up against key competitors such as the Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mazda CX-70.

Mazda has a solid lineup of SUV offerings, and there is a new entry to that list for 2025.

The CX-70 joins the fold, falling between the CX-50 and CX-90, and it comes in both regular and PHEV (plug-in hybrid) versions.

Those familiar with the CX-90 will find the CX-70 very familiar, as what Mazda has essentially done here is remove the third row from the CX-90 and rebadge the vehicle as the CX-70. The other update from the CX-90 is that the CX-70 adds under-floor storage in the trunk.

There’s a very specific target audience here — people who like the upscale design and drive quality of the CX-90, but don’t feel they’ll ever have a need to seat people in the third row. For these folks, five roomy and comfortable seats are more than enough, and a capacity for eight passengers is not on their wish list. 

I recently tested a 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus model, and I’m back with a full report on how this midsize SUV compares in a category with plenty of strong options.