By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 26, 2024) A mantra ever present in Volkswagen's branding of its huge Atlas SUV is the common refrain: "Built in America, for Americans." Offering the Atlas in either three-row or two-row seat configurations like the Cross Sport reviewed here, Volkswagen makes it perfectly clear the vehicle is targeted squarely at families looking for interior room, a road presences and an attractive sleek and sloping roof vehicle whose price won't bust the budget.

With the 2024 Cross Sport Volkswagen has given the pleasant SUV a minor refreshing for what's now its fifth model year with changes including revised front and rear design treatment by updating both the headlights and taillamp, adding an updated 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 34 more horsepower, and a much welcomed update to the interior with more pleasurable and hospitable materials. All but the base SE trim get a grille-spanning light bar and illuminated VW logo that looks great at night.

The Cross Sport is a mammoth-sized vehicle with an abundance of interior passenger and cargo space. Rear seat legroom is limo-like and absent a third-row of seats, cargo space is cavernous despite the shallower roofline. Otherwise, the difference between the Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas are minimal.

Available in a choice of five trim levels starting with the SE with a base price of $38,410 to the range topping SEL Premium R-Line at $53,305. Our test Cross Sport was the well-equipped mid-range SEL starting at $47,435 and included niceties like 20" alloy wheels, 4MOTION all-steel drive, heated and cooled leather seating, heated steering wheel, multicolored ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power tilting & sliding panoramic sunroof.

All Cross Sport trim levels come equipped with a configurable 10.3-inch digital display. It also is fitted with a 12.0-inch infotainment display. Unfortunately, VW's annoying touch-sensitive controls aren't as easy to use as a traditional knob or button. Other standard gizmos include six USB-C ports with fast-charge capability, wireless charging, six USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.



A new 269-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder is the only engine offered and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the road we found the new engine isn't particularly sporty nor fast but there's still a reasonable amount of punch and acceleration is brisk enough. Given its size, it's easy to drive and park, the ride is comfortable and handling predictable. Fuel economy wasn't impressive returning a paltry 20 MPG overall after a week of driving.

Overall, the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport is noticeably better than the previous one, yet despite the "Sport" badge it isn't particularly engaging to drive, nor unique enough in its features to surpass its class rival competitors.

Vital Stats

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Base Price: $47,435
Price as Tested:48,785
Engine: 2.0-Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission
Horsepower: 269
Seating: 5

Fab Features:
Nicely updated styling
Incredibly roomy interior
Comfortable, easy to drive