The term Cross Sport typically conjures up images of sharper performance and rugged capability and at first glance, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport seems to have embraced this trend. However, look closer and you’ll find that the Cross Sport is more of a design-focused entry versus an outright performance model. However, does the Atlas Cross Sport have the art of style and versatility in perfect harmony?
2024 Atlas Cross Sport models spearhead minor updates
With the Atlas Cross Sport being heavily updated, it’s holding down the fort at Volkswagen dealers with the 2025 version focusing on minor updates including a new SEL R-Line Blackline model. These minor differences will make them hard to spot when compared to a 2024 model like our tester but at least the outgoing model lays down a solid foundation with the front fascia getting a bigger front grille and new LED headlights. While we wish that VW designers gave the Cross Sport a meaner face to make it stand out from its slightly more sensible cousin, it’s an improvement over the old model with higher grade models like our tester adding a light-up VW emblem and other minor trim changes.
The sloping rear roofline is still a distinctive trait of the Cross Sport and it slopes down to updated rear taillights which give the rear a more assertive look. That newfound assertiveness could help the Cross Sport in the long run with its key rival the Ford Edge potentially biting the dust in the near future. The Cross Sport also looks great in certain colors with the vivid red on our example making the lighting and chrome elements pop while also making us forget how much of a mouthful its full moniker is to say when describing it to strangers.
Carryover interior continues to deliver comfort
Slip inside the interior and you’ll find that comfort continues to be front and center with the Cross Sport sharing alot of its core DNA with the three-row model. The cabin gets higher quality materials and reworked seats that promise more comfort and support on long road trips (our lower back was pleasantly surprised.) It also doesn’t hurt either that the front seats get standard heating and cooling. Our tester also had heated rear seats to help keep passengers comfortable on cold days.
The sloping roofline does exact a small penalty in headroom for taller passengers but the Cross Sport (as is the case with other Atlas models) is still a spacious place to spend time in with the second-row seats folding down to help enhance cargo space. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is standard and is partnered with a 12-inch infotainment screen. The screen is an improvement over older models but while there are some analog buttons scattered about, the system still uses touch-based controls that are annoying and frustrating to use. Thankfully, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and occupants also get a standard wireless phone charging pad too. Visibility is good for the most part, but the rear window is small thanks in part to the sloping rear roofline.
Four-cylinder performance is a gamble
One of the biggest gambles that Volkswagen made was axing the V6 and making all Atlas models four-cylinder powered with all of them getting a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. These figures are impressive but while the engine is sufficiently torquey, the Cross Sport is not a track star with our tester needing 7 seconds to make the sprint to 60 mph.
The chassis didn’t get any major changes and while that means the ride is still composed and comfortable, it will not stimulate the senses when going through corners with the Cross Sport handling that task with little to no fanfare even when placed in sport mode. An eight-speed automatic is the lone transmission available and the Cross Sport can still tow up to 5000 lbs. Fuel economy is still on par with rivals with a front-wheel drive equipped Cross Sport getting 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg in freeway driving. Adding 4Motion does make these numbers slide slightly with our tester losing 1 mpg in each category.
Value Quotient
Pricing for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts at $36,985 for the base SE model with the pricing ladder inching upwards as you make your way up the trim ladder. The SEL model is the volume seller with that model starting at $47,870. Our range-topping SEL Premium R-Line tester had pricing to match its premium ambitions with a base price of $51,880. Light options and assorted fees helped our tester go past that figure.
Volkswagen is hoping that the Premium R-Line’s equipment and its good looks will help draw buyers in. However, the high price tag also exposes a problem with the Cross Sport’s place in Volkswagen’s lineup. While its exterior styling is distinct enough, the rest of it doesn’t stand out too readily from the three-row version and that model’s ability to haul extra passengers makes it a better long-term pick than the Cross Sport. Let’s hope that if the Cross Sport comes back for a new generation, Volkswagen will give it the personality that it rightfully deserves.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.