Atlas Cross Sport a strong performer and good value
Volkswagen hit a trifecta with the Atlas Cross Sport five-passenger SUV: Looks, value and features.
After struggling to cash in on the SUV boom for years, VW’s model line has caught up with the American customer. With the appealing Cross Sport on sale now, SUVs’ share of VW U.S. sales should be even higher this year.
VW will surely continue to add SUVs — every automaker will, experimenting with shapes, features, sizes and prices to reach every possible customer. With the Atlas, though, VW is now a serious player in three of the most important segments: the compact Tiguan; midsize family carriers, with the three row Atlas; and five-seat midsize SUVs with the Cross Sport.
The Cross Sport competes with strong models including the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano.
That’s a murderer’s row, but the Atlas Cross Sport is up to the challenge.
The Cross Sport is satisfying to drive, but one of its strongest selling points is obvious at a standstill: This is one good-looking SUV.
The Cross Sport is more than a just shortened version of the visually undistinguished three-row Atlas. It adds flared rear fenders and square taillights that are vaguely reminiscent of the design of big American sedans and muscle cars. Multispoke 21-inch wheels drive and good-looking. 2020 VW ATLAS CROSS SPORT
Base price: and tires on the loaded SEL Premium R-Line I drove added to the Cross Sport’s presence.
The rear pillar and hatch are dramatically raked. The sides tuck in more than the boxy three-row Atlas as they approach the roof.
The Cross Sport’s performance lives up to its looks. The V-6 delivers solid acceleration around town and on the highway, with fast tip-in in sport mode. The transmission is smooth and quick.
Road and wind noise are mild, and the suspension muffles bumps well. Body roll, squat and dive are minimal.
The steering is quick and firm in sport mode, with good on-center feel.
Cross Sport prices start at $30,545 for a frontwheel-drive model with a 235-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
All-wheel-drive models start at $32,445. Across the line, Cross Sports cost about $2,000 less than three-row Atlases with the same trim and feature levels.
Cross Sport prices compare well to the competition, thanks to the VW’s plentiful standard features.
I tested a top-of-the-line Cross Sport V6 SEL Premium with the sporty R-Line package. It stickered at $50,030 with just one option: a $295 heavy duty liner for the cargo floor.
The Cross Sport is among the roomiest vehicles in its class. It has the same 117.3-inch wheelbase as the 5.2-inch longer three-row Atlas. The room made available by ditching the kiddie seats goes toward more passenger and cargo space.
The spacious front seat had a wide center console with a deep storage bin. Controls included an easy to use touch screen and buttons and dials for climate, volume and tuning.