They may look alike, share the same name, and offer nearly identical features, but the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are two distinct vehicles. One provides seating for up to seven, while the other is limited to five. As you might have guessed, the Atlas Cross Sport offers fewer seats, but it makes up for it with a more attractive and athletic design. In fact, this SUV from the German automaker follows the same concept found in many luxury brands' lineups: the sporty coupe-style SUV.
Prestige-brand formulas don't always achieve the same success in the mainstream market. Fortunately, that's not the case with the Atlas Cross Sport, which has proven to be highly popular. This German SUV is versatile, enjoyable to drive, and well-equipped. Volkswagen has done an excellent job with its interior finish, and the vehicle delivers a driving experience similar to that of much more expensive models. In short, it's easy to see why the Atlas Cross Sport won over buyers as soon as it hit the market.
Trims and Pricing
The Atlas Cross Sport is the kind of vehicle people buy not out of necessity, but for enjoyment—something reflected in its price range. However, Volkswagen has remained relatively reasonable with its pricing strategy. The SUV starts at $52,760 for the Comfortline trim, which includes all-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, a 12-inch infotainment screen, and ventilated front seats—features often optional even in luxury models.
Next is the Comfortline R-Line Black Edition at $56,760, featuring a sportier aesthetic. The Highline trim follows at $59,760, adding a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and more. Finally, the Execline trim tops the lineup at $62,760, positioning the Atlas Cross Sport as a near-luxury vehicle.
Segment and Competition
Some vehicle segments are designed to evoke strong emotions, and two-row midsize SUVs fall into this category. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is primarily appreciated for its style and presence, turning heads wherever it goes. Its sporty coupe-like concept brings it closer to luxury vehicles.
Rivals: Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-70, Toyota Highlander
Design and Technology
Design is at the heart of the Atlas Cross Sport's appeal. Compared to the standard Atlas, it has a slightly more muscular and athletic silhouette, thanks to a few additional styling touches, especially at the rear. This makes it stand out more in terms of aesthetics. The model also offers a diverse and attractive color palette.
Inside, the design is minimalist yet elegant. The driving position is very comfortable, and the ergonomic layout is well thought out. Volkswagen has made excellent material choices, and the finish is nearly flawless. The Atlas Cross Sport also boasts an impressive tech package, with one of the most visually appealing infotainment systems in the industry—not to mention a stunning digital dashboard.
Performance
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers only one powertrain option, which is unusual for this type of vehicle. However, this decision makes sense, as a more powerful engine could overshadow some Audi and even Porsche models.
As a result, the SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, it has a 5,000-pound towing capacity, which is competitive within its segment.
Weak Points
- Volkswagen could improve the interior design.
Strong Points
- Elegant styling, enjoyable driving dynamics, and impressive build quality.
Signature Element
- In many ways, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a luxury vehicle in disguise.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a vehicle that rarely disappoints buyers. It comes with a reasonable price tag, offers practicality and elegance, and is packed with desirable features. If you're looking for a luxury experience at a great value, this is a model I highly recommend.