2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is an interesting idea; take the three-row Atlas, cut out the third row, and add some sportier, coupe-like styling. This approach to creating a mid-size SUV isn't brand new, as Honda used it to create the Passport a year prior to the Cross Sport's arrival, although the Passport does without the coupe-like roofline. We must give Volkswagen credit for creating a handsome SUV that doesn't sacrifice on interior space or practicality. In many ways, the Atlas Cross Sport takes the idea spawned by the BMW X6, but with superior execution at a much lower price point.

The Atlas Cross Sport competes at the smaller end of the midsize SUV spectrum. Rivals include the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, aforementioned Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, and Nissan Murano. Though it's not the cheapest in this group, the Atlas Cross Sport provides an appealing combination of size, style, and features. CarBuzz spent a week driving the mid-level Atlas Cross Sport SE With Technology R-Line, and we found it to be a competent option in the midsize space.

One of its best attributes, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a much more dynamic-looking SUV than the three-row Atlas and it doesn't deviate much from pictures of the Atlas Cross Sport Concept that first surfaced in 2018. In front, there is a three-bar chrome grille with standard LED headlights, along with LED daytime running lights. Silver roof rails are standard and a panoramic sunroof is available. The angled rear hatch is where the Atlas Cross Sport deviates most from the three-row Atlas, giving it a far sportier silhouette. Lower trims have 18-inch alloy wheels, but 21s are available further up in the lineup. R-Line variants get bespoke bumpers and glossy black trim elements to set them apart, but no performance upgrades.

Compared with the Atlas, the Atlas Cross Sport is over five inches shorter and over two inches lower, sacrificing a third seating row for its sportier lines. Its key dimensions include a length of 195.5 inches, a wheelbase of 117.3 inches, a width of 78.4 inches, and a height of 68.3 inches. The curb weight starts at 4,098 pounds and goes all the way up to 4,484 lbs.

On the entry-level model, there are just five color choices. Fortunately, none of them cost anything extra. Along with Pure White, there are four metallics including Deep Black Pearl, Platinum Gray, Pyrite Silver, and Tourmaline Blue. The SE shares the same color palette, but the SE with Technology adds the choice of Pure Gray and Aurora Red Metallic, with each costing $395 extra. None of the R-Line derivatives have access to Platinum Gray, while the SEL and SEL Premium offer all seven shades mentioned above. The Atlas Cross Sport isn't supposed to be a wallflower, so we'd opt for Aurora Red Metallic to make this SUV stand out even more. Our tester came wearing Pyrite Silver, a better color for blending in.

The standard engine option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that manages 235 horsepower, with power going to the front wheels exclusively or to all four corners via an available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. A more powerful 3.6-liter VR6 engine manages 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, and it too can be paired with either FWD or AWD. Based on independent testing, the V6-engined model with FWD will go from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-seven-second range (VW claims 7.2 seconds), which is acceptable but not as quick as another V6-powered SUV, the Honda Passport. The Honda will shave around 1.5 seconds off the VW's sprint time. By contrast, the 2.0-liter model will take around 7.9 seconds to complete the same sprint according to VW.

Neither version of the Atlas really encourages you to go chasing its top speed on a track, but then again, that's far from this vehicle's intended purpose. If you intend on towing, the Atlas Cross Sport V6 is much better-suited to the task as it has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, far exceeding the four-cylinder's 2,000-pound maximum. The Honda Passport can also tow up to 5,000 lbs.

Although each engine has a unique character, they aren't dramatically different in terms of how quickly they move the Atlas Cross Sport down the road. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine produces 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Doing without forced induction, the larger-capacity 3.6-liter VR6 manages 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, which we took no issue with.

Although the SUV can't be accused of being slow, it doesn't feel especially sporty, as we found on our test drive. The VR6 engine isn't quiet, but its rate of progress doesn't quite match the acoustics emanating from the engine bay. At higher speeds on the highway, passing slower traffic will often require a firmly planted right foot. Our biggest gripe with the VR6 is how it delivers power. Peak power isn't reached until 6,200 rpm and peak torque comes in at 3,500 rpm. This requires the engine to rev more than its four-cylinder counterpart, which reaches peak power and torque at 5,000 rpm and 1,600 rpm, respectively.

From behind the wheel, it's tough to tell the Cross Sport apart from the standard Atlas. The steering is extremely light, as is characteristic of Volkswagen products, but the front wheels respond quickly to driver inputs. There's decent body control for such a large vehicle, but we wouldn't call it sporty. As for the ride, it's pretty forgiving, but certainly on the firm side compared to other options in this segment. Even with the larger VR6 engine, the Cross Sport isn't the quickest in its class, nor is it the best for towing. The VR6 engine sounds rough at higher rpms, so we'd think about getting the smaller four-cylinder engine. We have to compliment Volkswagen on the eight-speed automatic transmission, which is one of the smoothest in this segment.

When driving on paved roads, the Atlas Cross Sport offers four drive modes: Eco, Sport, Normal, and Custom. There isn't a massive difference between any of them, but the Sport mode does come with the added benefit of tightening up the steering feel to a sportier level. Along with the traditional drive modes, the Cross Sport adds a winter mode and two off-road modes should you ever find yourself on a dirt trail. The Atlas Cross Sport is not a thrill to drive, nor does it leave you yawning.

Often, average acceleration figures are balanced out by impressive economy figures. This isn't the case with the Atlas Cross Sport, which falls short of some competitors in this aspect. With the smaller engine and FWD, the EPA estimates gas mileage of 21/24/22 mpg city/highway/combined. Fortunately, the addition of AWD doesn't affect the economy too much, with this model returning 20/24/22 mpg. Equipped with the V6 engine, the Atlas Cross Sport will manage 18/23/20 mpg, dropping to 17/23/19 mpg when AWD is paired with this power plant. Our V6 tester with AWD yielded 18.6 mpg during a week of testing.

Comparing apples with apples, the quicker Honda Passport returns a superior 20/25/22 mpg with its V6 engine and FWD, while the popular Kia Telluride can attain 20/26/23 mpg with FWD and its bigger 3.8-liter V6.

VW has fitted the Atlas Cross Sport with a 19.5-gallon gas tank, which means that depending on the model and configuration, the range between refills works out to between 370 and 429 miles.

Volkswagen is known for its classy, restrained, and logical interiors. In this respect, the Atlas Cross Sport doesn't disappoint. The cabin feels expansive and airy, while the controls are sensibly positioned for easy, quick adjustments on the move. That said, the ventilation controls are similar to what we've seen in other VW's for some time; they don't look all that slick, but we'd always side with function over form. Most versions have the latest MIB3 infotainment interface, while SEL trims and above make use of the brand's classy digital gauge cluster. As expected, storage space for odds and ends is generous. The base model has manual air conditioning and a manually-adjustable driver's seat, but higher-spec derivatives boast dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, remote start, and a large panoramic sunroof.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is purely a five-seat vehicle with two rows of seats. If you need a third row with seating for seven, you have to step up to the regular Atlas. Since this five-seat model boasts similar proportions as the bigger Atlas, passengers receive plenty of space. Room in the front is nearly identical to the regular Atlas with 41.6 inches of legroom and 39.4 inches of headroom (without the sunroof), while the rear-seat legroom is actually more spacious with 40.4 inches. Headroom in the rear is slightly less impressive though, with 37.8 inches (37.3 inches when a sunroof is fitted). The Atlas Cross Sport is one of the roomiest vehicles in the two-row mid-size space, with few others matching it on size.

Basic cloth upholstery in a quilt-style pattern is the order of the day for the entry-level Atlas Cross Sport. These seats only come in a rather somber black. With the SE, the steering wheel is wrapped in leatherette and the seats are covered in the same material. Here, customers can choose between Titan Black and Dark Beige/Titan Black colors. In some cases, your exterior color choice will limit the interior color scheme; for instance, Platinum Gray exterior paint can't be paired with the Dark Beige/Titan Black interior. R-Line models have a leather-wrapped steering wheel and stainless steel pedal caps, while the SEL Premium/SEL Premium R-Line get genuine leather upholstery for the seats. The SEL also adds the option of a Stone Blue/Titan Black interior, in addition to the aforementioned color schemes. Finally, the luxurious SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line's cabins can be finished in a choice of Cinnamon Brown/Titan Black, Dark Burgundy/Titan Black, or Titan Black/Quartz.

A spacious passenger compartment would be disappointing if let down by a small trunk, but as we found in our Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport review, that's fortunately not the case. Behind the rear seats, there is 40.3 cubic feet of space, matching up well with the competition. You'll have little trouble loading a few large suitcases back there. For larger items, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats can be tumbled, opening up a cavernous 77.8 cubes of space.

For stashing smaller items, the cabin offers deep door bins, a well-sized center console that doubles as a front armrest, a useful glovebox, and twin cupholders between the driver and front-seat passenger. Most models have a fold-down center armrest at the back that houses another pair of cupholders. In total, though, there are 11 total cupholders/slots to accommodate beverages, although it's hard to imagine a scenario where all of these would be used at the same time. Finally, front seatback map pockets are useful for storing magazines, books, or tablets.

At the bottom of the lineup, the Atlas Cross Sport S makes do with manual air conditioning and a six-way manually-adjustable driver's seat. There are also three 12V power outlets, along with a multifunction color display, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rearview camera, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian monitoring. That's not bad if you're concerned about how much you're spending on a new SUV and want to stick to the most affordable option. The SE is a better bet as it adds some essentials like heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and wireless charging. Higher up in the range, the VW gets remote start, front/rear parking sensors to avoid scraping those shiny bumpers, a digital gauge cluster, a panoramic sunroof, and a top-view camera system. Between the eight trims, there should be something to suit every budget.

The base Atlas Cross Sport includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen while all other trim levels get a newer eight-inch unit powered by Volkswagen's latest MIB3 platform. Even on the base variant, connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are equipped. Two USB-C ports and an SD card slot are also included at this level, as is App-Connect (wireless on models above the S). With the eight-inch screen, HD Radio, and a further three USB ports are added.

Higher trim models get a redesigned navigation system with new maps. SiriusXM with 360L is available as well, bundling more than 10,000 hours of on-demand content. We found this system easy to operate, but far from the most impressive in the segment. A lackluster six-speaker audio system comes on the lower trim levels, while a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system is available on the SEL Premium trim. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit gauge cluster is this cabin's highlight tech feature, but it's only available starting on the SEL trim.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has not escaped the teething troubles that often affect all-new models. According to the NHTSA, the 2020 model was affected by no less than five recalls. These issues varied, ranging from a front seat backrest frame that was poorly welded to a driver's side headlight that was aimed too low, overcured tires that could result in a crash, and two separate recalls for a damaged steering knuckle that could fail. There have been no recalls for the 2021 model so far, so let's hope that reliability has improved.

VW's limited warranty runs for 50,000 miles or four years, as does the powertrain warranty. Two years or 20,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance is included as well.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport safety reviews that have taken place have returned pleasing results. Following an evaluation by the NHTSA, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport attained an overall safety rating of five-out-of-five stars. It received a four-star rating for the frontal and rollover tests, along with a five-star rating for the side crash. The IIHS' review backed up these results with maximum Good ratings for every crashworthiness test, although the SUV's headlights were rated as Marginal for the lower trims.

The Atlas Cross Sport's impressive crash-safety ratings are little surprise given its many safety systems. All the expected features are in place from ABS brakes to electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, and a rearview camera. There are a total of six airbags which includes curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions.

On the base model, VW has equipped blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, and pedestrian monitoring. Elsewhere in the lineup, the Atlas Cross Sport gets front/rear parking sensors, a top-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, dynamic road sign display, travel assist, lane assist, and emergency assist. Travel assist makes partially-automated hands-on driving possible at speeds not exceeding 95 mph.

Starting with a traditional SUV and trying to make it into a sporty coupe doesn't always result in success, but we think the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gets the formula right. By starting with the standard Atlas and eliminating the third row, the Cross Sport maintains its practicality while also achieving a sportier design. It's not the most exciting vehicle in its segment and its engine options are far from perfect, but we think the Atlas Cross Sport is an acceptable combination of style, size, and features.

There are no shortage of other options in the mid-size segment, some of which offer a third-row seating option. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are each cheaper than the Cross Sport, and the former offers seating for six or seven. The Honda Passport is a bit more expensive, but it offers more power, superior off-road capabilities, and slightly more cargo space. Meanwhile, the three American options (the Chevy Blazer, Ford Edge, and Jeep Grand Cherokee) all have more potent engines. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport may not stand out as the best vehicle in its class, but it's worth consideration.

Pricing for the VW Atlas Cross Sport range spans nearly $20,000, so there is plenty of choice within the lineup. The most affordable Atlas Cross Sport is the S, which carries an MSRP of $30,855 excluding a destination fee in the US of $1,195. Following this is the SE with a base price of $34,205 and the SE with Technology at $36,245. If you want 6 cylinders, the SE with Technology R-Line is the first derivative to get the VR6 engine as standard and retails for $39,045, while the better-equipped SEL reverts back to the four-cylinder engine as standard and costs $41,625. The final three models are the SEL R-Line at $43,325, the SEL Premium at $46,525, and the SEL Premium R-Line at $50,025. All of these prices represent the trims in their cheapest configuration - various configurations of each make it possible to upgrade the engine, the drivetrain, or both, adding to the price.

On the cheapest three trims, upgrading from FWD to AWD will add $1,900 to the price. Not every trim is compatible with both engine choices, but the SE with Technology is one example; here, upgrading from the 2.0-liter turbo-four to the 3.6-liter V6 will cost $1,400.

There are a total of eight trims comprising the new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport lineup: S, SE, SE with Technology, SE with Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. The S, SE, SE with Technology, SEL, and SEL Premium all come standard with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. All other trims get the 3.6-liter VR6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft by default. Every trim besides the SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line have the choice of both FWD or AWD, but these two trims are only compatible with AWD. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the lineup.

Going for the S gets you LED exterior lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, and power-adjustable wing mirrors. Inside, there is manual air conditioning, six-way manually-adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The safety spec includes blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning.

The SE looks much the same from the outside, but the cabin gets a welcome lift by virtue of leatherette upholstery. Comfort goes up a few notches with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The MIB3 infotainment system with a larger eight-inch touchscreen is added as well.

Next is the SE with Technology which wears larger 20-inch alloy wheels. It can also be optioned with a panoramic sunroof. This model boasts a 115V power outlet, adaptive cruise control, and park distance control.

The SE with Technology R-Line, like other R-Line variants, has sportier body styling with unique bumpers and badging. It also enjoys a leather-wrapped steering wheel and stainless steel pedal caps.

If you want most of the bells and whistles, the SEL is a good place to start. This model comes with travel assist, dynamic road sign display, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a memory system for the driver's seat, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. It's also the first trim to get a digital cockpit and navigation.

The SEL R-Line blends the R-Line's racier appearance with the SEL's generous selection of standard features. Here, 21-inch alloys are standard. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and stainless steel pedal caps are shared with the cheaper SE with Technology R-Line.

The SEL Premium distinguishes itself from previous trims with power-folding side mirrors housing puddle lights. Climb inside, and there's genuine leather in place of leatherette. This trim also has ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 12-speaker Fender sound system.

Last but certainly not least, the SEL Premium R-Line is the ultimate Atlas Cross Sport. It has all the aesthetic trimmings of other R-Lines along with the SEL Premium's many upscale features. This trim is only available with the VR6 engine and AWD.

With eight trims on offer, Volkswagen hasn't availed too many optional upgrades besides the engine and drivetrain. On the base model, you can only really add a few accessories such as a cargo box carrier for $499. The SE with Technology offers one of the first notable upgrades in the form of a panoramic sunroof for $1,200. It would have been appreciated if owners could customize their purchase to a greater extent, but for most, the various trim options should suffice.

There are eight different ways to buy a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, since most of the options are bundled into trim levels rather than packages. Prices range dramatically depending on the trim, going from $30,855 on the low end to $50,025 at the top. While it misses out on some cool tech features, we think the SEL trim is the best value of the bunch. This model will set you back $41,725 with the four-cylinder plus AWD, $41,625 with the VR6 and FWD, or $43,525 with the VR6 and AWD. As we mentioned, we prefer the four-cylinder's power delivery, so we'd save the money here.

If you occasionally need to carry extra passengers, the bigger but more conservative Atlas could be worth a look. It doesn't look as sporty as the Atlas Cross Sport, but it has a third row of seats to increase its seating capacity. The Atlas has more cargo space behind its second row, but the Atlas Cross Sport surprisingly wins when it comes to cargo space behind the first row. Both model ranges offer a similar driving experience as they have the same engine choices, as well as the option of either FWD or AWD. Similarly, there isn't a big difference between the equipment levels. The Atlas starts off at a slightly higher price point, but that's not surprising considering its extra seating. If you don't need to seat more than five people, the Atlas Cross Sport is the pick with its more appealing styling.

Audis are often unfairly accused of being little more than overpriced Volkswagens, but while the Q8 starts at over double the price of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, the only thing these two SUVs seem to share is their coupe-like SUV body styles. Even then, it's clear that the Audi is a more upscale product. To justify its much higher price, the Q8 comes with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 335 hp. It can accelerate to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds; by comparison, the VW doesn't come close. The Q8 feels a world apart from the Atlas Cross Sport on the road, with superior handling and a more comfortable ride. It also comes with a panoramic sunroof and a digital cockpit as standard. The VW does have more cargo room, though. If nothing else, the Q8 gives you an idea of what to expect from a premium manufacturer, but you do pay for the privilege.