2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

With a suite of available performance features — like the 3.6L V6 engine with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque — the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is equipped for the journey ahead. A turbocharged four-cylinder is standard, but a V-6 is optional, as is all-wheel drive. A host of technology features is offered and the cabin is comfortable for long-haul drives, but we wish the big VW channeled its smaller stablemates such as the Golf GTI hatchback and the Tiguan SUV and offered more excitement from behind the wheel. For more on-road refinement, rivals such as the Honda Passport and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are simply better choices.

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 in this vehicle, that powertrain pushed the three-row VW to 60 in 7.1 seconds. During our test drive, we found the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 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.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The four-cylinder 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Sport comes with EPA fuel-economy ratings of 21 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive model and 20, 24, and 22 mpg, respectively, for the all-wheel-drive version. The V-6 is thirstier, with ratings of 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined for both the front-driver and models with the optional all-wheel-drive system. On our 75-mph highway loop, the front-drive V-6 Atlas Cross Sport averaged 25 mpg. For more information about the Atlas’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Those familiar with the three-row VW will find the 2022 Volkswagen 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. In our testing, the Cross Sport held 30 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded and 14 with the rear seats in use. Those results are better than the Ford Edge (29 cases with seats down and 12 with seats up) and the Hyundai Santa Fe (27 cases with seats down and 12 with seats up).

Infotainment and Connectivity

All Atlas Cross Sports come with a touchscreen infotainment display providing both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration; a reconfigurable digital gauge display is also standard across the lineup. Navigation is optional, as is 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

Volkswagen is equipping all 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 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. For more information about the Atlas’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites

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Full Specifications

Full Specifications