2022 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 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport drops its base S trim level and sees a few standard equipment changes The Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row version of VW’s three-row Atlas midsize crossover SUV. 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. 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. 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. Other available features include park assist, automatic high-beam headlights, hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, overhead-camera view, and LED headlights. 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.