2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Overview

Based on the boxy Atlas, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopts a more rakish design but loses the third row of seats in the process. Other than that, the Cross Sport is nearly identical to its brother. Even the powertrain options are the same: A 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter is standard, and a 276-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is optional. Both come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Despite the lower roofline and abbreviated rear end, the Atlas Cross Sport offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. But while the Atlas Cross Sport is a nicely packaged mid-size SUV, we find that rivals such as the Honda Passport and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer more appeal.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#19 in Best Mid-Size SUVs for 2021

1

Kia Telluride

STARTING AT: $33,415

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2

Hyundai Palisade

STARTING AT: $33,860

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3

Ford Bronco

STARTING AT: $29,995

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4

Mazda CX-9

STARTING AT: $35,385

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Kia Sorento

STARTING AT: $30,565

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19

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

STARTING AT: $32,050

SHOP Atlas Cross Sport

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What's New for 2021?

Volkswagen's mid-size two-row SUV sees no significant changes for 2021.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'd spec the SE model and tack on the optional Technology package, which includes automatic climate control, faux-leather upholstery, passive entry, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. We'd also opt for the V-6 over the standard turbocharged four-cylinder. That adds $1400 to the price. And we'd probably choose the $1900 all-wheel-drive system. Shoppers who plan on pulling anything with the Atlas Cross Sport will want to get the V-6 Towing package, too.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Of the two powertrains offered, we've tested only the 3.6-liter V-6 with front-wheel drive. Delivering a 7.5-second 60-mph time, it proved to be slightly quicker than a similarly equipped three-row Atlas. While we haven't tested the 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, that powertrain pushed the three-row VW to 60 in 7.1 seconds. During our test drive, we found the Cross Sport lacks the sporty driving dynamics that its fastback rear end would suggest. The ride quality is less refined than expected, too, with the wheels pounding over every imperfection and pothole they cross.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The four-cylinder Atlas Cross Sport comes with EPA fuel-economy ratings of 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive model and 18, 23, and 20 mpg, respectively, for the all-wheel-drive version. The V-6 is thirstier, with ratings of 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined for the front-driver. The all-wheel-drive model with the six-cylinder returns the same combined rating but drops to 16 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. On our 200-mile highway loop, the front-drive V-6 Atlas Cross Sport averaged 25 mpg, nearly 10 percent better than what the EPA suggests.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Those familiar with the three-row VW will find the Atlas Cross Sport's interior quite familiar, despite an updated steering wheel and stitched door panels. Adults should find comfortable seating positions in either of the SUV's available rows of seats, but unlike the regular Atlas, the Cross Sport offers only a bench for its second row. We have yet to see how many carry-on suitcases will fit in the cargo hold, but we expect the Cross Sport to offer similar cargo space to the Ford Edge and the Hyundai Santa Fe.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

All Atlas Cross Sports come with a touchscreen infotainment display providing both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Navigation is optional, as is a reconfigurable gauge display and SiriusXM satellite radio. VW's Car-Net connectivity app allows for remote starting and analytics. Plus, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot lets occupants remain connected to the internet while on the go.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Atlas Cross Sport a five-star overall crash-test rating but it missed out on a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Volkswagen is equipping all Atlas Cross Sports with automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, but if you want more advanced driver-assistance features, you'll have to go with one of the higher trim levels. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
• Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

While most mainstream brands start with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, Volkswagen offers a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper policy. The powertrain warranty falls behind others, which stretch to five or even 10 years. As some consolation, VW covers the first two years of scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED
$40,710 (base price: $39,765)

ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
220 in³, 3598 cm³
Power
276 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque
266 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.2-in vented disc/12.2-in disc
Tires: Goodyear Assurance Finesse, 255/50R-20 105T M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.3 in
Length: 195.5 in
Width: 78.3 in
Height: 67.8 in
Passenger volume: 112 ft³
Cargo volume: 40 ft³
Curb weight: 4285 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.5 sec
100 mph: 19.3 sec
110 mph: 24.4 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.9 sec
1/4 mile: 15.7 sec @ 90 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 116 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.82 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 25 mpg
Highway range: 460 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 19/17/23 mpg

More Features and Specs