2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport AWD: The Brand’s New Coupe-Like Crossover

Highlight: The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was birthed from the brand's three-row Atlas.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $40,300 (S Model: $31,565)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert system; a forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking system with pedestrian monitoring; blind spot monitor and a rear traffic alert system; hill hold control system; heated folded power mirrors with an integrated turn signal; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (S): 18-inch wheels; front-wheel drive; an engine start/stop system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; manually operated front seats; cloth seats; 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system; a manually operated climate control system with a pollen filter; electric parking brake; and silver roof rails

Standard Equipment (SE w/Technology): 20-inch wheels; a dual automatic climate control system; heated front seats; a power driver’s seat; a rear seat split seat with a center armrest; leather-like seating surfaces; automatic rearview mirror; audible parking distance control system; a keyless door system; a hands free power rear liftgates; a push button ignition starter system; and a wireless charging system

Options: panoramic moonroof and heavy duty trunk liner

Other Trim Levels:

Eight trims are available with either a 4 cylinder or 6-cylinder engine in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration.

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 6-speaker with AM/FM/HD satellite

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/235-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 18-city/23-hwy

What’s New: Volkswagen Atlas Sport is an all-new vehicle to the mainstream German brand portfolio.

Why: The brand new five passenger Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is available in a front wheel drive and a rear wheel drive configuration. The Atlas Cross is available in two powertrains, a 4-cylinder or a 6-cylinder engine.

The Atlas Cross Sport, which is available in several trims, is slotted between the smaller Tiguan and the larger Atlas.

The all-new Atlas Cross Sport offers a more athletic profile than the larger Atlas, with its lower roofline and curvaceous rear hatch.

While Volkswagen’s newest entry can be configured into a number of trims, we spent time behind the wheel of an all-wheel drive SE outfitted with a technology package. Our test vehicle was also powered by the brand’s 4-cylinder engine, which included a fuel saver start and stop system.

Some of the features included in our midsize crossover ranged from 20-inch wheels to roof rails to leather-like seats to an automatic dimming rearview mirror to an automatic climate control system.  

And the technology package enhanced our vehicle by adding audible alerts for parking, a radar activated cruise control system, a forward collision warning system, a blind spot electronic monitor system, a hands free power rear hatch, a wireless in-car charger, Bluetooth connectivity and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Furthermore, depending on the trim, 21-inch wheels, leather seats, a memory operated driver’s seat, heated rear seats, a navigation system and traffic jam assist driver’s aid system are available on the all new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

But: For the 2020 model year, Volkswagen adjusted their new car and powertrain warranty this year. The warranty has been downgraded from 6 years and 72,000 miles to 4 years and 50,000 miles for the 2020 model year.

Moreover, our test model, with the $40,000 price tag, lacked a navigation system. In order to have features such as a navigation system and leather seats one must step up to the premium trim levels.

Verdict: As the crossover craze has accelerated, Volkswagen has not benefitted from the market shift, because of their car heavy platform. The roomy, value packed Atlas Cross Sport has arrived at the right time. With its Audi-esque look, which it shares with its premium priced German sibling, its sure to attract a number of new buyers to the brand seeking a midsize crossover that does not make one feel like they’re behind the wheel of a car specifically designed for soccer moms.

Competition: Chevrolet Blazer; Ford Edge; Honda Passport; Nissan Murano; and Toyota 4Runner