2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a three-row SUV featuring an available 3.6L V6, 4MOTION with Active Control, including four different all-wheel-drive modes as well as available IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology designed to enhance safety. The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has several available trim levels, including SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black and SEL Premium R-Line.

All 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport  models stand out with sleek contours and a raked roofline that emphasizes its modern and sporty design, while an innovative interior includes notable features across the lineup, such as V-Tex leatherette seats, driver-focused media and intuitive tech within reach, first-class legroom, a roomy second row and a cargo capacity of up to 77.8 cubic feet.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A 235-hp turbocharged four-cylinder is standard and a 276-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is available as an option; both engines are offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. With the V-6 and front-wheel drive, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport hit 60 mph in 7.5-seconds in our testing. That’s slightly quicker than a similarly equipped three-row Atlas we tested but 0.1-second slower than the all-wheel drive model with the turbo four. During our test drive, we found the Cross Sport lacks the sporty driving dynamics that its fastback looks would suggest. The ride quality is less refined than expected, too, with the wheels clumping over imperfections and potholes.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The four-cylinder Atlas Cross 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, and the turbo four model delivered 26 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 Atlas will find the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ‘s interior familiar despite an updated steering wheel and stitched door panels. Adults will find comfortable seating positions in either of the SUV’s rows 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 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. 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. 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

Photos

Specifications