Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport A Sporty Take on the Family SUV

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, a sleek and stylish SUV, stands out as a dynamic option for families seeking a blend of practicality and sporty performance. While the standard Atlas caters to larger families with its spacious three-row configuration, the Cross Sport focuses on a more compact and agile driving experience.

This two-row SUV offers a compelling combination of style, technology, and versatility, targeting those who value a sporty driving feel without sacrificing practicality.

The Atlas Cross Sport boasts a muscular exterior design, highlighted by sharp lines and a distinctive grille. Its sleek profile, coupled with a lower roofline, creates a sportier aesthetic compared to its three-row sibling. Under the hood, the Atlas Cross Sport offers a range of powerful engine options, providing ample acceleration and responsive handling.

The interior is designed with comfort and technology in mind, featuring a spacious cabin, premium materials, and an intuitive infotainment system. The Atlas Cross Sport also prioritizes safety, incorporating advanced driver-assistance systems to enhance peace of mind on the road.

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Overview

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of practicality, style, and performance. It is a stylish and versatile option for families and individuals who need a spacious and capable vehicle.

Target Audience

The Atlas Cross Sport caters to a wide range of buyers, including families, young professionals, and active individuals. Its sleek design, spacious interior, and available advanced features appeal to those seeking a stylish and functional SUV.

Key Features and Design Elements

The Atlas Cross Sport stands out with its distinctive design, which features a sloping roofline that gives it a sportier appearance than the standard Atlas. Key features that distinguish the Cross Sport include:

  • A bold front grille with integrated LED headlights
  • A sculpted hood and a distinctive character line that runs along the side of the vehicle
  • Available 20-inch alloy wheels
  • A spacious and comfortable interior with a range of technology features

Performance and Handling

The Atlas Cross Sport offers a choice of two powerful engine options:

  • A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque
  • A 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available on all trims. The Atlas Cross Sport provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and precise steering.

Engine Performance

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. It provides a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers more power and torque, making it a better choice for those who prioritize acceleration and towing capacity.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

The Atlas Cross Sport handles well for a vehicle of its size. It feels composed and stable on the road, with minimal body roll in corners. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback.

Interior and Comfort

The Atlas Cross Sport boasts a spacious and comfortable interior that can accommodate up to seven passengers. The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout.

Interior Design and Layout

The interior features a clean and modern design, with a focus on functionality. The dashboard is driver-oriented, with easy-to-use controls and a large touchscreen display. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and the second-row seats offer ample legroom and headroom.

Comfort and Spaciousness

The Atlas Cross Sport provides a comfortable ride for all passengers, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and ample interior space. The third-row seats are best suited for children or occasional use, but they offer additional flexibility.

Technology Features and Infotainment System

The Atlas Cross Sport is equipped with a range of advanced technology features, including:

  • A standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • An available 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Available wireless charging
  • Available heated and ventilated front seats

The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, providing easy access to navigation, music, and other features.

Safety Features

The Atlas Cross Sport is packed with safety features to protect its occupants. Standard safety features include:

  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane departure warning
  • Adaptive cruise control

Safety Ratings

The Atlas Cross Sport has received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. It has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems

In addition to standard safety features, the Atlas Cross Sport offers a range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including:

  • Lane keeping assist
  • Traffic jam assist
  • Park assist
  • A surround-view camera system

These systems help to enhance driver awareness and safety, making the Atlas Cross Sport a more confident and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality

The Atlas Cross Sport offers decent fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.

Cargo Space and Practicality

The Atlas Cross Sport provides ample cargo space with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 77.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The vehicle also offers a variety of storage compartments and cup holders throughout the cabin.

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality Comparison

Compared to other mid-size SUVs, the Atlas Cross Sport’s fuel efficiency is in line with its competitors. Its cargo space is also competitive, offering ample room for passengers and cargo.

Competition and Market Position

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport faces stiff competition from a variety of other mid-size SUVs, including:

  • Honda Pilot
  • Toyota Highlander
  • Ford Explorer
  • Chevrolet Traverse
  • Mazda CX-9

Comparison to Competitors, Volkswagen atlas cross sport

The Atlas Cross Sport stands out from its competitors with its stylish design, spacious interior, and available advanced technology features. It is also competitively priced, making it a compelling option for value-conscious buyers.

Overall Market Position

The Atlas Cross Sport is a well-rounded mid-size SUV that offers a compelling blend of practicality, style, and performance. It is positioned as a stylish and capable alternative to more traditional family SUVs.

Pros and Cons

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers a number of advantages, but it also has some potential drawbacks.

Advantages

  • Spacious and comfortable interior
  • Stylish and modern design
  • Powerful engine options
  • Available advanced technology features
  • Good fuel economy
  • High safety ratings

Disadvantages

  • The third-row seats are best suited for children or occasional use
  • Some of the available features can be expensive
  • The ride can be a bit firm on rough roads

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros Cons
Spacious and comfortable interior Third-row seats are best suited for children or occasional use
Stylish and modern design Some of the available features can be expensive
Powerful engine options The ride can be a bit firm on rough roads
Available advanced technology features
Good fuel economy
High safety ratings

Customer Reviews and Opinions

Customer reviews of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are generally positive. Many owners praise its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and stylish design. Some customers have expressed concerns about the firmness of the ride on rough roads and the cost of some of the available features.

Common Themes and Insights from Customer Feedback

  • The Atlas Cross Sport is a comfortable and spacious SUV that is well-suited for families.
  • The ride is a bit firm on rough roads, but it is still comfortable for most driving conditions.
  • The interior is well-appointed and features high-quality materials.
  • The available technology features are impressive, but some can be expensive.

Top Positive and Negative Aspects Based on Customer Reviews

Positive Aspects Negative Aspects
Spacious interior Firm ride on rough roads
Comfortable ride Cost of some available features
Stylish design
Powerful engine options
Available advanced technology features

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs. Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a shorter and more stylish version of the standard Volkswagen Atlas. It offers a similar level of interior space and cargo capacity, but it has a sportier look and feel.

Key Differences in Size, Features, and Target Audience

The Atlas Cross Sport is 6.6 inches shorter in overall length than the standard Atlas, and it has a sloping roofline that gives it a more coupe-like appearance. The Cross Sport also offers a more limited selection of features, such as the lack of a third-row seat option.

The Atlas Cross Sport is targeted towards buyers who prioritize style and driving dynamics, while the standard Atlas is a more practical and family-oriented SUV.

Major Distinctions Between the Two Models

Feature Atlas Cross Sport Atlas
Overall Length 193.7 inches 199.9 inches
Roofline Sloping Traditional
Third-Row Seats Not Available Available
Target Audience Style-conscious buyers Families and those seeking practicality

Final Conclusion

In the competitive landscape of mid-size SUVs, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport emerges as a compelling contender. Its blend of sporty driving dynamics, practical features, and advanced technology positions it as a strong option for families and individuals seeking a versatile and stylish vehicle.

The Atlas Cross Sport delivers a satisfying driving experience, while its comfortable interior and comprehensive safety features make it a well-rounded choice for a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on weekend adventures, the Atlas Cross Sport offers a compelling combination of style, performance, and practicality.