The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a stylish and comfortable two-row SUV that offers a sleeker design compared to its three-row counterpart, the Atlas. While it may not be as compelling as some of its competitors, such as the Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Honda Passport, the Cross Sport still has plenty to offer.
For the 2024 model year, Volkswagen has given the Atlas Cross Sport a major refresh. The front and rear ends have been revised with updated headlights and taillights, giving the SUV a more modern look. The interior has also been upgraded with more upscale materials, providing a more luxurious feel.
One of the standout features of the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport is its new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. With 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, this engine offers more power than the previous options. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
While the Cross Sport may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, it offers a comfortable ride and a quiet cabin. It’s well-suited for cruising on the highway rather than aggressive driving on two-lane roads. However, it does have a respectable towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it a good choice for those who need to haul trailers or other heavy loads.
In terms of fuel economy, the EPA estimates that front-wheel drive models should achieve 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive models have slightly lower estimates of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Real-world fuel economy will need to be tested to get a more accurate picture.
Inside the cabin, the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport offers a more upscale ambiance with improved materials. Standard features include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, and a leatherette-trimmed dash. Higher trims offer heated rear seats and quilted leather seats with diamond stitching. The SUV provides ample passenger and cargo space, with 112 cubic feet of passenger volume and 40 cubic feet of cargo volume.
When it comes to technology, the Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t disappoint. It comes equipped with a configurable 10.3-inch digital display and a 12.0-inch infotainment display. However, some may find VW’s touch-sensitive controls to be less user-friendly compared to traditional knobs or buttons. The SUV also offers six USB-C ports with fast-charging capability, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An optional eight-port configuration is available for those who need even more connectivity options.
In terms of safety, Volkswagen has equipped all Atlas Cross Sport models with its IQ.Drive driver assistance tech. This includes features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trim levels offer more advanced driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. Crash-test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are not yet available for the 2024 model year.
Volkswagen offers a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty for the Atlas Cross Sport, which is slightly longer than what most mainstream brands offer. The powertrain warranty is also four years/50,000 miles. The first two years of scheduled maintenance are covered by VW.
Overall, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a stylish and comfortable two-row SUV that offers a refreshed design and upgraded features. While it may not be the most exciting option in its segment, it provides a comfortable ride, ample space, and a range of technology and safety features.
