The smaller Atlas Cross Sport is VW’s edgier take on the Atlas three-row SUV. This five-passenger version shares mechanical underpinnings with the regular Atlas but loses some cargo volume in favor of a more angular design and look. Because we already tested the 2024 Atlas SE with the same turbo four-cylinder engine as well as a 2020 Cross Sport, our experts agreed that the refreshed 2024 Cross Sport was too similar to justify purchasing. This road test is based on our test results from the 2024 Atlas SE as well as the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport; the Cross Sport's test results will be noted as such.
Overall, we found the Atlas Cross Sport to be a pleasant-driving SUV that doesn’t sacrifice too much functionality for its style.
The 269-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in our tested Atlas packs a good punch, and it’s a second quicker from 0 to 60 mph than the previously-tested V6 version. But it’s not as smooth, and our fuel economy testing of the Atlas returned a low 20 mpg overall, a touch behind similarly sized vehicles such as the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90, and Toyota Grand Highlander. The Cross Sport is rated for 23 mpg overall by the EPA, and given its similar size and curb weight, we would expect it to achieve similar fuel economy to the three-row Atlas in our testing. The Cross Sport is available with front- or all-wheel drive.
The Cross Sport we tested handled capably on winding roads, and exhibited a more nimble character than you’d expect from such a large vehicle. It was predictable and secure when pushed to its limits around our test track, making it easy for the driver to adjust the line mid-corner. The suspension absorbs larger bumps well, but overall the ride is on the firm side.
The brakes were truly one of the highlights of our tests with the Cross Sport. Stopping distances were consistently short and drama-free on both dry and wet surfaces.
You can see reasonably well out front, however, the Cross Sport’s width and tall hood can make it feel cumbersome in crowded parking lots. Its sleek roofline, thick rear pillars, and wide but squat back window also make for difficult rearward views.
The cabin ambiance in our three-row Atlas test car is a step above the previous model. You’ll find a fair amount of padded and contrasting-stitched surfaces. We would totally understand if your passengers thought you bought one of the pricier German SUVs instead of a relatively pedestrian VW. Most will find the multiple adjustments for the seat and steering wheel accommodate just about any size driver.
Taller drivers found the front seats comfortable, while those with shorter legs said the bottom cushion is too long; the armrests are also low and faraway. The second-row seat has lots of headroom but the bottom cushion is light on leg support.
At just over 37.5 cubic feet, our previously tested Cross Sport measured about 13 cubic feet of cargo space less than the three-row Atlas.
Unfortunately, most climate controls are now within the confusing infotainment touchscreen. We found that wrestling with the finicky touch-sensitive sliding controls for temperature and audio volume on our tested Atlas was inherently more tedious than using a simple knob or button. Plus, we’re appalled that they aren’t lit at night, which makes them even more difficult to use. We also found the customizable driver’s instrument screen to be complex and distracting to use while on the road.
Despite the extensive updates VW did to the Atlas, these controls need to go back to the drawing board.
Standard active safety and driver assistance features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, along with automatic emergency braking that operates at highway speeds, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, reverse automatic emergency braking, lane centering assistance, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high beams are standard beginning with the 2025 model year.