Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

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.

The Facts
Class Midsize SUV
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels Front-wheel drive, All-wheel drive
Manufacturer Volkswagen
Nation of Manufacture USA
Base Prices S 4-cyl: $32,050
AWD S 4-cyl: $33,950
SE 4-cyl: $35,400
AWD SE 4-cyl: $37,300
SE w/Technology 4-cyl: $37,440
AWD SE w/Technology 4-cyl: $39,340
SE w/Technology V6: $38,840
AWD SE w/Technology V6: $41,290
SE w/Technology R-Line V6: $40,240
AWD SE w/Technology R-Line V6: $42,690
AWD SEL 4-cyl: $42,920
SEL V6: $42,820
AWD SEL V6: $44,720
SEL R-Line V6: $44,520
AWD SEL R-Line V6: $46,420
AWD SEL Premium 4-cyl: $47,720
AWD SEL Premium V6: $49,520
AWD SEL Premium R-Line V6: $51,220

Base Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
235
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
20-21
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
24

Optional Engine
3.6-liter V6
Horsepower
276
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
16-18
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
22-23

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 5
100%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 4
80%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 4
80%

For complete ratings click here.

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