Volkswagen has unveiled the second-generation Atlas Cross Sport with a boxier, more sophisticated design and a stronger focus on interior practicality and styling. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport remains the sportier version of the larger, family-oriented Atlas, trading its third row for additional cargo space while adding a lower ride height and sportier appearance.
A Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Designed for America
The Atlas Cross Sport retains the practicality expected from a large SUV, with abundant interior space, a long wheelbase, and extended cargo room. Its exterior is completely new, with a more squared-off shape and greater attention to aerodynamics, including a longer aerodynamic element that stretches across the roof over the rear windshield.
Wheel designs also contribute to the new look, with 20-inch wheels standard and 21-inch wheels available. The new Atlas Cross Sport is 5.4 inches shorter than the original model, with Volkswagen saying the reduction comes entirely from the space between the top of the doors and the roofline.
“Because the cabin is low and the rear overhang short, it gives the car a really sporty stance. Both the proportions and the use of body color trim elevate its look to the premium class. These chunkier proportions make it look really planted,” said William Lee, Atlas Exterior Designer.
Inside the rear seats, legroom remains particularly generous. The SUV also maintains a high, square hood, while new double-stacked LED headlights and a masked upper grille give the front end a distinctive appearance.
The redesigned taillights continue the pixelated lighting theme introduced at the front. Dynamic turn signals, along with coming and leaving home lighting animations, are standard.
Volkswagen Gives the Interior More Character
The Atlas Cross Sport also receives significant interior changes as Volkswagen works to give its cabins more character. Gray wood on the dashboard is standard, while contrasting colors and stitching add additional visual depth.
Leatherette is standard on the entry trims, while the top two trims receive Varenna leather and Nappa leather, respectively. Available interior colors include “airy pebble grey, moody black, and a medium brown.”
A 10-color ambient lighting system is standard and shines through perforated door panels, with an upgrade available to 30 colors. A 12.9-inch freestanding infotainment screen is standard, while a 15-inch display is available.
Every trim also receives a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster. Between the seats, the redesigned center area includes a new volume dial that also controls “mood” lighting presets, along with two Qi2 wireless charging pads.
Practical Features Get More Attention
Volkswagen has also redesigned several elements around how owners use the Atlas Cross Sport. Moving the drive selector to the steering column creates space in the center console for two phones to be charged.
The volume control is positioned within easy reach of both the driver and passenger, while a large open lower section provides storage for a smaller purse.
New standard equipment includes a power liftgate with Easy Open, rear sunshades, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, dual hatch lights, and front and rear Park Distance Control.
Subscriptions and Driver Assistance
Some technology features are now grouped into a single subscription. Premium Navigation, Premium Speech using AI, Premium Radio, and four-device WiFi hotspot capability are bundled together as one subscription “for convenience.”
Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control is available on the top two trims. When the onboard navigation system is being used, the system can adjust speed for curves, roundabouts, exit ramps, and speed bumps. Park Assist Plus, however, is limited to the top trim.
The standard driver assistance package has also been upgraded with refinements to Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE system. Its semi-automated hands-on driving capability now supports driver-initiated lane changes.
Emergency Assist Plus can also guide the vehicle toward the side of the road if it detects a medical emergency.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Powertrain
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are Volkswagen’s models most tailored for the U.S. market, making them critical models for the brand. The new Atlas Cross Sport is powered by the fifth generation of the EA888 four-cylinder engine, which is turbocharged to produce 282 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
Volkswagen “anticipates” improved fuel economy, while all-wheel drive is available. Buyers looking for a more substantial improvement in fuel economy may want to wait for the planned hybrid variant, which is expected to arrive with the midcycle refresh.
The next-generation Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport combines its new exterior design with more distinctive interior materials, expanded standard equipment, updated driver assistance technology, and a 282-horsepower turbocharged engine.
