2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Pros: Excellent room in both front and rear seats; respectable acceleration from 4-cylinder engine; easy-to-use control system

Cons: Disappointing fuel economy; hefty exterior dimensions for a 5-passenger midsize SUV

CG Says: The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a new infotainment system and a couple of new driver-assistance features. Travel Assist uses adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist to steer and accelerate the vehicle within a lane, however it requires the driver to pay attention and keep his/her hands on the wheel. Emergency Assist will stop the vehicle if it senses that the driver is incapacitated. Volkswagen added a new 5-passenger midsize SUV to its lineup for 2020. The Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row version of VW’s three-row Atlas midsize crossover SUV, which debuted as a 2018 model. Although the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport share the same wheelbase, the Cross Sport is 5.2 inches shorter in overall length and 2.2 inches lower; it also has a sloping rear roofline that gives it a sportier look. Both Atlases have the same powertrains: a 235-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 276-hp 3.6-liter V6. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Atlas, which only offers front-wheel with the 4-cylinder, the Cross Sport has a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with both engines. Available safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic post-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. Other available features include park assist, automatic high-beam headlights, hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, overhead-camera view, and LED headlights. Like Honda did when it created the two-row Passport from its three-row Pilot SUV, Volkswagen has taken the quick route to fielding a new 5-passenger midsize SUV. The Atlas Cross Sport shares the pleasant driving manners, well-finished interior, and generous passenger room of the Atlas, but adds a sportier look. The Cross Sport gets even better second-row legroom in the bargain, but you’ll of course lose the benefits of the regular Atlas’s extra cargo room and third seating row. And, the Cross Sport isn’t that much more affordable than its three-row sibling.