3-row SUVs are hot these days. We recently tested the Kia Telluride, and the Mazda CX-90 both great vehicles. Another player we like a lot is the VW Atlas. Putting all the VW traits of fun-to-drive, good value and Euro-style together makes for a popular vehicle.
And VW is smart, too. They realize there are some buyers who like the big size, but don’t really need that 3rdrow. And that frees up the designers to do something a little sportier. So, they created the Atlas Cross Sport. Well, it’s been a few years, and VW has just brought an updated Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, with new looks, a new engine and more. So, when we offered a chance to test the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport, we jumped at the chance.
Hello Sport!
All Atlas models enjoy a fresh front end that definitely looks more aggressive. Stacked LED headlamps feature LED daytime running lamps that wrap around the headlights for a signature look that forms a strong horizontal line across the hood. More than just good looks, all Sport Cross models feature VW’s Adaptive Front Lighting System with dynamic cornering lights.
The large front grille features a more aggressive design with integrated air intakes and a lower mesh grille that looks equally tough. For those playing at home, the Atlas 3-row gets a similar front end, but Atlas Cross Sport models feature gloss-black grille details and a gloss-black “X” design element stretching across the lower fascia, similar to VW’s smaller Taos SUV.
Of course, the easiest way to tell if an Atlas is the Cross Sport, is the profile. With no 3rd row seat to worry about, the stylists take a hack at the square back (Not to be confused with a VW squareback!) and creates a sharply raked rear hatch that’s quite sporty. The Atlas is still quite a large vehicle – close to the Kia Telluride – so while that sliced ‘n diced hatch does catch your eye, the overall proportions make this vehicle look large and powerful. Our tester was the entry-level SE trim, so it rode on handsome 18-inch alloy wheels, but we really like the way the upper trims 20-inch rims really add some visual pop.
Like the front, the rear gets a new look, with new LED taillights that now tie across the width of the rear hatch with an illuminated light bar. A larger rear spoiler adds some aero cred, while a more aggressive rear diffuser finishes off the look. Our tester wore a handsome Silver Mist Metallic paint – a fitting color for a classy, elegant European SUV!
Upscale Interior
The cabin gets a refresh as well. And here, it’s really impressive what the entry-level SE model brings to the party, including a quilted leatherette that could fool you into thinking it’s moo-cow hides, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel with paddle shifters and 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
Since the Atlas was designed as a 3-row SUV, without that rear row, the rear seats have a generous amount of legroom, and even with the 2nd row up, cargo space is huge. Drop the flat-folding seats and it’s incredibly spacious.
Speaking of upgrades, the Cross Sport tech gets a nice bump too, with the standard configurable 10.3-inch multi-color Digital Cockpit Pro. VW, along with its luxury sibling Audi, was one of the first to offer these kinds of displays, and their leadership shows – everything is clear and simple.
Well, except for the infotainment system. OK, let’s start with the plusses – it’s a handsome 12-inch table-style display. Like some other manufacturers, there’s no volume knob, but unfortunately the touch-sensitive controls you do get leave you guessing. It took a little while, but we did get the hang of it. And we’ll also point out that standard dual-zone climate controls are a nice feature on an entry level trim.
We also found the layout of the different screens was confusing at times too. On the bright side, VW gives you voice control so you can just ask what you want. The rest of the tech is up to date, with 4-USB-c ports, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging.
European Road Manners
Driving the big VW is big fun.
It starts with an all-new, 2.0-liter, turbo 4-cylinder engine that’s your only choice in the Atlas now. It’s a powerhouse too, with 269 horsepower, and 273 lb.-ft of torque –and on regular fuel, too! It’s a major improvement of 34 horses and 15 lb.-ft over the previous 4-cylinder, and even 7 more lb.-ft of torque than the previously available VR6 6-cylinder. Interesting, since the Mazda CX-90 we just tested featured a new 6-cylinder powerplant.
Hooked up to a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic, the big SUV gets with the program, and really pulls hard in sport mode with a satisfying growl. We also like the stubby little shift lever that lets you pop into sport mode without having to look away. And for fun, paddles shifters on the steering wheel give you added control.
Our tester was a front wheel drive model (4Motion AWD is available) and you could tell there was plenty of power at the wheels with the steering doing a little wiggle as it was trying to put the power down. And with a combined 23 mpg, the Cross Sport is impressively efficient as well.
While the Atlas is powerful, what really impresses is how quiet it is. This feels like high-end luxury travel, with a very smooth ride and no road noise to speak of. It’s a funny thing – where the Mazda CX-90 we drove felt smaller than it was, the Cross Sport actually feels larger – big and luxurious.
Which is not to say it’s a boat. The steering is typical VW – light, precise, and easy to place where you want. It’s no GTI hot hatch, begging you to find the nearest canyon road, but it is enjoyable to drive just about anywhere, and it has that European feel that many pay thousands more for brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes.
Being a family-type vehicle, VW has made sure the Cross Sport is loaded with safety equipment, including standard IQ.DRIVE system on all models, including Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, and Lane Assist Lane Keeping System. All good stuff.
VW Priced Value
While we usually get a high-end trim tester, we’re glad that VW gave us the most cost-friendly front-wheel drive SE model. Starting at $36,985 it’s beautifully equipped with things like heated and cooled front seats, full digital display and more. Add in $1,425 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $38,410. (Fully load up a top trim Cross Sport and you can go well over $50k.)
We mentioned the Kia Telluride and at $39,485 it’s worth considering, a little more on the trucky side than European lux, but still excellent value. The Mazda CX-90 is a beautiful choice and at $39,815 also competitive. We’d also consider the Honda Passport, but at $43,295 It’s a considerable step up. Hankering after something European? An Audi Q5 Sportback will set you back a cool $53,990 for the least expensive model.
Fresh new looks, added tech and a powerful new engine make the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport a stylish alternative to stodgier traditional SUV’s!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.