2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review

The 2-row, 2020 VW Cross Sport slots between the smaller Tiguan and larger Atlas.

But, to be clear the Cross Sport also shares the Atlas name.  So, technically it’s called the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Since the brand new model is the newest entrant into VW’s crossover SUV lineup it arrives with considerable anticipation.

And that goes for me too.  So, I was excited to pick one up from my friends at Ontario Volkswagen for this review.

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117.3-inch wheelbase & 195.5-in overall length

In the evergrowing world of crossover SUVs, it can be hard to keep track of all the sizes and seating arrangement options.

So, before diving into the Cross Sport review I’ll clarify Volkswagen’s lineup.

And I like to note a couple of things about Volkswagen’s overall lineup.

First, Atlas Cross Sports’ bigger sibling,  the Atlas is huge inside.  And it’s third-row of seating is definitely suitable for adults.

Second about, Atlas Cross Sports’ smaller sibling, the Tiguan.  It has an optional third-row of seating.  And the Tiguan’s third row is more designed for kids than adults.

So again, Atlas Cross Sport fits between the Atlas and Tiguan.  And now that we have that clear – on with the review of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is offered in 8-different trim configuration levels.

But when it comes to VW crossover SUVs, there trim options can at first appear confusing but here’s what to remember.

Eight trim options

There are really three primary trim categories.  And that’s the S, SE, and SEL.  Then you can have the top-tier Premium option.  And the R-Line sporty aesthetic package.

VW’s AWD – 4MOTION

Other than that you’re left with the engine and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options.  And in VW’s world all-wheel drive is called 4MOTION.

*Starting MSRPs

So, with all those different trim options, the decisions you’re left with are largely interior and exterior colors and accessories.

Atlas Cross Sport is 78.4 inches wide

But no matter what, go see my friends at Ontario Volkswagen.  Because there you’ll get the best of everything – price, selection, and overall deal and buying experience.

When it comes to engines, you have two options.

First, there’s the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder.  And it puts out 235-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.  Plus towing capacity with the turbo-4 is 2,000-pounds.

Then you also have the bigger 3.6-liter V6 engine.  This one delivers 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.  And towing capacity with the V6 bumps up to 5,000 lbs.

*City/highway 

All 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sports come with the same 8-speed automatic transmission.  And that’s both smooth-shifting plus delivers solid fuel economy.

4-different drive modes

Additionally, changing drive modes is intuitive and simple.  Options include snow, on-road, off-road and off-road custom – allowing you to personalize your settings.

So the all-new VW Atlas Cross Sport looks a lot like its bigger sibling that it shares a name with – the Atlas.   At first glance, they’re quite similar from the front and rear views.

Rear Atlas badge

So, it can take a bit of an educated eye to differentiate between the Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas.

*Additional charge

Because even from the rear, the Atlas Cross Sport has a badge that only states ‘Atlas.’

Raked Cross Sport roof-line

However, the Cross Sport’s profile is where you can really tell the difference.  First, by the ‘raked’ (downward sloping) roof-line in the rear.

Cross Sport side-badges

But also from the subtle ‘Cross Sport’ badging on both the driver and front passenger doors.

Standard LED headlights DRLs

LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs) are standard.  Additionally, LED taillights are also standard.

Standard LED taillights

Also, roof rails come standard on Atlas Cross Sport.  And, depending on your trim level, Atlas Cross Sport comes with handsome 18, 20 or 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

*All inches 

So, to answer the common question; the 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport is 195.5 inches long.  And that’s shorter than the 2020 VW Atlas at 198.3 inches.

But the Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport share the same wheelbase at 117.3 inches long.

And one of my favorite features inside (arguably outside too) the 2020 VW Cross Sport is the ginormous panoramic sunroof.

Panoramic sunroof  4′ x  3.5′

Because this sunroof is so big it seems to define the term panoramic.  In fact, the optional feature is approximately 4-feet-long and 3-and-a-half feet wide.

5-passenger Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport’s interior, like the Atlas itself, is very spacious.  And that, of course, holds true even though Cross Sport is a slightly smaller vehicle.

Because again, the Cross Sport seats up to 5 whereas the Atlas seats up to 7.

Cavernous backseat

There’s just over an inch difference between front-seat and backseat legroom.  So, at 5’10”, I was tremendously comfortable in the backseat.

Standard 60/40 split backseat

And even with the Atlas Cross Sport’s shorter overall length and raked rear roof-line it still delivers up to 77.8 cu-ft of cargo space.

Volkswagen’s digital cockpit is available on the 2020 Cros Sport.  And it replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable digital screen.

VW’s digital cockpit

Plus, a top feature within the digital cockpit is the ability to customize and save multiple driver profiles.

6.5 and 8″ touchscreen availability

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers two infotainment touchscreens.  Both are very user-friendly.  Depending on the trim level, there are 6.5-inch or 8-inch options.

Additionally, there’s an optional upgrade to a 12-speaker Fender brand premium sound system from the standard 6-speaker system.

Optional wireless smartphone charging

And through VW’s App-Connect select applications can be run directly from your smartphone including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

All the latest driver assistance and safety tech is either standard or available on the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Standard:

Available:

Plus another standard safety feature that VW includes on Atlas Cross Sport.  And this is one that I think all carmakers should include – automatic post-collision braking system.

So, it does what it sounds like.  In the event of a collision, and the vehicle continues to move, it will stop itself automatically.

Finally, circling back on my Top-3 Things I like about the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Courtesy of Ontario Volkswagen

And if a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a vehicle that has you interested.  Or, any other Volkswagen for that matter.  Then be sure to connect with my friends at Ontario Volkswagen in the Los Angeles suburb of Ontario, California.  Or email me and I’ll personally connect you: tom [at] idrivesocal [dot] com.

The Latest Volkswagen News HERE.