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What do our experts think of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport – vw.com | Shop 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport on Carsforsale.com
What’s new for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
Volkswagen introduced the Atlas Cross Sport back in 2020 and it continues this year with two engines, a single transmission choice, and either front or all-wheel drive. As a smaller five-seat alternative to the larger Atlas SUV, the Atlas Cross Sport offers a stylish package with great cargo space and good towing capability too.
Volkswagen shakes up the lineup for the Atlas Cross Sport in 2023. To that end, the SEL R-Line trim from 2022 is gone. The 10.25-inch digital cockpit gauge cluster is now standard on the SE with Technology trim as well.
The Breakdown
Elegant styling
Spacious cargo area
Complimentary maintenance
Poor fuel economy
Uninspiring driving dynamics
Somewhat pricey
An ok SUV that could use an update
2023 Atlas Cross Sport Specs
- 235 horsepower from base engine
- 258 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 40.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 77.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Towing capacity of 5,000 lbs
- 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- 5-star safety rating
- 2 years of free maintenance
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Powertrain
Under the hood of the base Atlas Cross Sport is a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Above that is a V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque which is available on most trims and standard on the top trim. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front or all-wheel drive.
In terms of total power, each one is adequate for the segment but neither is particularly inspiring. The Atlas Cross Sport is a comfortable cruiser that minimizes road noise and incorporates average handling and feedback for an SUV of its size. To put it simply, it’s not a vehicle that you buy based on how good it feels to drive. For that sort of thing we’d recommend the Mazda CX-30 or another comparable rival.
Towing & Payload
It might not make a lot of power but the Atlas Cross Sport can still haul up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Keep in mind that requires all-wheel drive and the V6 but it’s still a lot of weight to pull around for an SUV with a stated curb weight of just 4,123 pounds.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gets up to 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway according to the EPA. To achieve those figures, you’ll need to get the four-cylinder engine and stick with front-wheel drive only. Adding AWD causes a drop to 20 and 24 respectively while the V6 gets at best 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. VW would do well to incorporate a hybrid into the next generation.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Clean design is the big highlight inside of the Atlas Cross Sport. It closely mimics the styling found in the larger Atlas but in a slightly shrunken package. The visibility is good with clear sightlines out of each corner. Seating is comfortable with good support and adjustability in the front row and adequate space in the back row.
On the top trim, front seat bolsters and ventilation make the ride all the more comfortable. Unlike the Atlas, the Atlas Cross Sport is a five-seater only so there’s no third row and no option for second-row captain’s chairs either. We think that’s perfectly fine as it avoids compromising cargo space or comfort in the process. Speaking of cargo space there are 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row. That’s quite a lot of hauling capability.
Entertainment & Technology
Every Atlas Cross Sport comes with a digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. The former consists of an 8-inch unit on the base Atlas Cross Sport and as a full 10.25-inch version on higher trims. The latter is an 6.5-inch version on the base trim level and an 8-inch touchscreen starting with the SE with Technology trim.
While the user interface is a bit slow and hard to navigate at times we do like how configurable the system is. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard across the lineup and in most cases can connect wirelessly. Integrated navigation is also available as is a premium Fender sound system.
Safety Features
The Atlas Cross Sport achieved mostly ‘Good’ scores in safety testing with the IIHS but didn’t manage to snag any awards there. It did manage to achieve a five-star crash test rating with the NHTSA though. Its standard safety tech package falls short of rivals as it only offers blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision mitigation. Buyers can add other features for a price.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Trims & Pricing
SE – $35,755
The base Atlas Cross Sport comes with LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, heated front seats, faux leather upholstery, an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six speakers, forward collision mitigation, and blind-spot warning.
SE with Technology – $38,630
The SE with Technology makes the V6 available but also adds 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, an 8-inch infotainment system, wireless Android and Apple connectivity, dual-zone climate control, remote start, adaptive cruise control, a wireless charging pad, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors.
SEL – $45,525
This trim gets adaptive headlights, a heated steering wheel, automatic high beams, a panoramic sunroof, driver’s seat memory settings, a 10.25-inch gauge cluster, integrated navigation, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. Additional driver aids include blind-spot intervention, lane-keep assist, and emergency assist which can bring the Atlas Cross Sport to a stop if it detects an unresponsive driver.
SEL R-Line Black – $49,225
Consider this the sleek looking Atlas Cross Sport as it gets blacked out trim, black 20-inch wheels, more aggressive exterior styling, and an R-Line leather steering wheel.
SEL Premium R-Line – $52,920
As the top trim, the Premium R-Line includes heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, power-folding side mirrors, rear side-window sunshades, a premium sound system, park assist, and a surround-view camera system. The V6 and AWD are standard as is a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
Warranties
VW offers a very competitive warranty package with the Atlas Cross Sport. It includes four years or 50,000 miles of bumper to bumper coverage and two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. While that doesn’t keep up with Hyundai or Kia it bests just about every other rival.
What we think
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport – vw.com | Shop 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is an SUV largely focused on practicality over all else. To that end we like its storage capability and its towing capacity. Beyond that, we think that there are a number of more enticing options on the market that are worth consideration. That’s one reason that it lost out against the Hyundai Santa Fe in our direct comparison review. Still, if you’re dead set on putting an Atlas Cross Sport in your garage be sure to check out our article on new car incentives before you buy.
