I drive the 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport an find out if it's a bargain Audi
This is the 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport and it’s had a makeover with an upgraded interior, and more power so the goal today is to find out how much “Sport” there is to this version of VW’s midsize SUV.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:21 Exterior
1:38 Cargo Space
2:35 Wheel and Tires
2:47 Engine and Transmission
3:41 Pricing
4:02 Interior and Tech
8:16 Driving
15:20 Verdict
For 2024, VW has tried to address the negative feedback it received about the previous model by revamping the powertrain and making other updates to inject more "sport" into the Cross Sport and bring it more in line with what the competition offers.
It's not a complete redesign since it's pretty much the same vehicle underneath, however, the Cross Sport is way cooler looking than its bigger sibling the Atlas even more so for 2024 thanks to styling updates to the front including a more modern, LED-lit face and more aggressive grille.
It does have adaptive lights with dynamic cornering, which means they just swivel when you turn the steering wheel. At the rear, it emphasizes its sportiness with a sloping roof, some fake quad exhaust outlets, the real exhaust being hidden under the bumper, and a functional rear spoiler. Since my tester was an SE model with Tech it wore 20-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.
Engine and Transmission
The Atlas Cross Sport was previously available with either a V-6 or a turbocharged four-cylinder, but now the turbo 2.0-liter four is your only option.
It has more power though, 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, slightly less power but more torque than the previous 3.6-liter V-6. This one drives the front wheels, but you can get 4Motion, and it's mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
O-60 takes around 7.2 seconds, four-tenths quicker than the old V6. It's more fuel efficient too with an expected 27 miles to the gallon on the highway so with its 18.6-gallon fuel tank, you should be able to go about 500 miles.
2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport SE Numbers
BASE PRICE: $40,665
PRICE AS TESTED: $42,400
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, FWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: 2.0 L turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4
POWER: 269 hp @ 5,500 rpm
TORQUE: 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic
0-60 MPH: 7.2 sec
CURB WEIGHT: 4,173 lb
TOWING CAPACITY: 5,000 lbs
CARGO CAPACITY: 40.3 ft³, 77.8 ft³ with seat area
EPA CITY/HWY/COMBINED: 20/27/23 mpg
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 20.9 mpg
PROS: Improved powertrain, nice new interior, competent handling
CONS: Annoying new infotainment controls