Atlas Cross Sport is a smaller sibling to the full-size 3-row Atlas in Volkswagen's crossover lineup. While the Atlas seats up to 8 passengers, the Atlas Cross Sport seats just 5 and is 5.2 inches shorter than the Atlas upon which it is based. For 2024, Atlas Cross Sport gets interior upgrades with a new infotainment system, a new engine and refreshed front and rear styling. Competitors include the Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander.
The Atlas Cross Sport comes in SE, SEL, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium trim. All are powered by a new engine for 2024. Replacing the outgoing turbocharged 4-cylinder and optional V6 is a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that 269 horsepower and272 lb-ft of torque. Both numbers are similar to the outgoing V6. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an option across the model lineup. The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Prices start at $38,000 and climb to more than $53,000 in top trim. Standard safety features include blind-spot and lane-departure warning with accident-avoidance system, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert and forward-collision warning with brake intervention. A tech package is offered with the SE for an additional $4,000. It includes Illuminated logo and lightbar, trailer hitch 20-inch wheels, remote start, 115-volt power outlet, rear sunshades, power liftgate, additional USB-C ports and park-distance control.
Though some may miss the smooth V6
option, the new turbo 4-cylinder is more than powerful enough for the
Atlas Cross Sport. Torque is actually up a bit compared to the outgoing
V6. When pressed, the engine will accelerate the Cross Sport from 0 to
60 MPH in a tick or two under 7 seconds -- almost a half a second
quicker than before. That's par for the class. More importantly the new
engine is smooth and quiet and works well with the quick shifting
8-speed automatic transmission.
EPA fuel economy numbers for the all-wheel-drive model are 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. Comparable to others in the class. In routine suburban driving expect to average about 22 MPG overall, perhaps as high as 24 MPG if your commute includes a fair amount of highway driving. The large 18.6-gallon fuel tank helps Atlas Cross Sport achieve an exceptional 450-mile highway range.
Atlas Cross Sport's all-wheel drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use.
Dynamically, Atlas Cross Sport leans toward sport over comfort, but it's a very modest lean. At the end of the day, the ride is comfortable and pleasing with a touch of athleticism. The suspension does a great job of providing a comfortable and stable ride without imparting too much road harshness. Occasionally, a large pothole will pound through, or drivers will notice some wheel hop over expansion joints, though this is much more noticeable in the higher trim levels with their 20-inch wheel/tire combo.
The steering is direct and nicely weighted but isn't as precise as it could be. At times, it feels slow and doesn't provide much feedback. In addition, there's a lot of body movement in quick transitions and the steering is slow to react to sudden changes of direction. The brakes prove admirable providing quick, drama-free stops over and over.
Interior noise levels are impressively low with just a hint of tire and engine noise at highway speed.
Outside of the engine swap, the biggest change for Atlas Cross Sport is on the inside. The interior gets a heavy makeover with a new design, updated materials and additional tech. Still familiar to VW fans, the interior is awash in blacks and grays and has a familiar function-over-form layout. Overall, the design is modern, but also places a premium on screens and capacitive touch buttons.
Unfortunately, the Atlas Cross Sport control layout is a muddled mishmash of capacitive buttons and sliders that are placed, seemingly at random, around the cabin. For example, there are unlit sliders for temperature under larger 12-inch floating infotainment screen, but touch buttons for the defroster are placed to the left of the steering wheel, combined with the headlight controls. Confusing, no? Thankfully, there are normal buttons for the windows and mirrors and the steering wheel has actual buttons rather than capacitive-touch controls.
Ergonomic flaws aside, there are lots of positive changes as well. The gear shift has been replaced by a few console-mounted buttons and that opens up tons of space for the cup holders, wireless charging tray and a large bin to stash a purse. The faux-wood panel in front of the passenger has been replaced by a tasteful and illuminated trim piece that is more befitting a vehicle in this class. The infotainment system itself is much more responsive and intuitive to use. There's even a fast-charging 45-watt USB-C charging port that helps phones charge more quickly.
As before, the front seats are extremely comfortable and well padded. They provide ample support and great long-haul comfort. The second-row bench is also quite comfortable. Both offer generous head and leg room. And there's easy access thanks to large opening doors. Outward visibility is also a plus thanks to the airy greenhouse.
From a safety and technology perspective, Atlas Cross Sport has it all and most is standard as long as you start at the SE with technology package. There's wireless support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play as well as a suite of connected services available without the help of a phone. In addition, both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen are quite customizable, something a bit unique and a welcome way to tailor the vehicle to specific driver needs.
Being a large 2-row crossover has benefits when it comes to cargo capacity. Rear seats in use Atlas Cross Sport offers 40 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Fold the rear seatbacks flat and you net out at almost 80 cubic feet of space. Both numbers are impressive but could be a little better if the Cross Sport didn't have that distinctive sloping rear roofline. Interior storage is great with lots of open and covered bins throughout.
Bottom Line -- Atlas Cross Sport offers a great blend of comfort, performance and affordability in the class. The downside is that the interior makeover got stuck in between generations of tech. Volkswagen has been roundly criticized for implementing a touch-based control array and has been backing off in recent models, but Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport only got half of the message. Still, the prices are quite attractive and Atlas Cross Sport is one of the roomiest in the class. Lots of pluses if you can live with the muddled controls.
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