2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV

　　

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　With shorter proportions than its larger Atlas counterpart, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport distills the winning traits of its namesake — stylish, Audi-esque looks, ample cabin space, generous bundle of standard features — into a tidy footprint for buyers who don't need three rows or massive cargo space. The Cross Sport measures 5.2 inches shorter in length and more than 2 inches shorter in height and genuinely looks like a smaller SUV thanks to its sporty tapering roofline. This year brings significant updates inside the cabin, under the hood, and within its tech bundle, making the Cross Sport an even more compelling pick among its midsize rivals.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$165/mo  for Atlas Cross Sport SE

　　Atlas Cross Sport SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,985 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,885 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $41,090 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $42,990 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,870 MSRPSEL R-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,320 MSRPSEL Premium R-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $51,880 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Six-cylinder power from four

The outgoing two-row Atlas Cross Sport was already one of our favorite midsize SUVs (we ranked it third in the class), but we found room for improvement. This year's refreshed Cross Sport addresses some of those concerns, especially under the hood where a new turbocharged four-cylinder replaces the earlier four- and six-cylinder options. The new engine makes similar power to the outgoing V6 and Volkswagen says it's about half a second quicker from 0 to 60 mph — good news, considering the last Cross Sport's lackluster acceleration. There are more than a dozen new standard features, from a synthetic leather-wrapped dash top to ventilated front seats, but the highlight might be the 12-inch touchscreen, double the size of the previous display. What it gains in size, though, it also gains in complexity. We're not overly fond of the same distracting touch-sensitive controls we've seen in newer VWs, or the menu-diving required for basic functions.

　　

Competitors to consider

We haven't rated a new Atlas Cross Sport yet, though we don't see it dropping in our midsize SUV rankings. But if you're shopping in this segment, the class-leading Honda Passport merits a close look, for its similar power and features but also for its off-road-oriented TrailSport trim. Of course, if trail capability is a priority, the Subaru Outback and Jeep Grand Cherokee are better choices with taller ground clearance and more robust all-wheel-drive systems. The Chevrolet Blazer is better suited to pavement and receives praise for its potent V6 engine and agile handling, but cargo capacity and rear passenger headroom are limited.

　　

Which Atlas Cross Sport does zzdcar recommend?

With the wealth of new standard features and singular engine choice, the base SE is a compelling choice. But we still think it's worth upgrading to the SE with Technology. Some of its upgrades are more style than substance — larger wheels, front and rear light strips — but the power liftgate and parking sensors are mighty handy. Plus it can also be equipped with a towing package rated up to 5,000 pounds and a sunroof.

　　

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport models

The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport is a midsize crossover SUV that seats five. It's available in five trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line. All are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (269 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque) joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the first two trim levels, but all-wheel drive is optional. All-wheel drive is standard on SEL and above trims.

　　SE

　　The base model SE starts off with:

　　18-inch alloy wheels Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Proximity keyless entry and push-button start Synthetic leather upholstery Heated and ventilated front seats Power-adjustable driver's seat Heated steering wheel with paddle shifters Dual-zone automatic climate control 10.25-inch digital instrument display 12-inch touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Wireless charging pad Six-speaker sound system VW's Car-Net connected services including Wi-Fi access (requires enrollment and/or subscription)Standard driver assist features on all Atlas Cross Sport models include:

　　Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot) Lane keeping assistance (steers the Atlas Cross Sport back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Cross Sport and the car in front) Emergency assist (with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping system active, can detect an unresponsive driver and bring the Tiguan to a safe stop) Safe exit alert (can prevent a passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind) SE with Technology

　　Adds a few extra conveniences and dash of style with:

　　20-inch wheels Hands-free liftgate Remote start 115-volt household-style power outlet Front and rear parking sensors Manual rear seat sunshadesSEL

　　A more tech-savvy trim level that pushes the Atlas Cross Sport into borderline luxury territory. It adds:

　　All-wheel drive Hill descent control (controls vehicle speed on steep downhill surfaces) Upgraded dual-projector headlights Automatic high beams Panoramic sunroof Heated nozzles for windshield fluid Leather upholstery Driver's seat memory settings Power-adjustable front passenger seat Ambient interior lighting Integrated navigation system Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) Predictive adaptive cruise control (works with navigation system to adjust speed for bends, curves or fluctuating speed limits)SEL R-Line

　　Takes features from the SEL and adds:

　　Sportier exterior styling 20-inch alloy wheels in silver finish Leather-wrapped steering wheel Heated rear seat Stainless steel pedalsSEL Premium R-Line

　　The top-trim Atlas Cross Sport comes fully loaded with:

　　21-inch wheels Power-folding side mirrors Upgraded diamond-quilted leather upholstery Heated rear seats 12-speaker premium Harman Kardon sound system Park Assist (automatic steering system allowing the Atlas Cross Sport to fit into tight parallel parking spaces) Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Atlas Cross Sport and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

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