The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV

Just what is the new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport? We’ll tell you what it is not. It is not boring looking. It isn’t weenie or narrow, like some others. Finally, it isn’t for everyone. And in the end, that’s where its strength lies. The sexy sibling of the Volkswagen Atlas, it is an exciting design that appeals to those looking for a more cosmopolitan look over what has become the typical two-box design in SUVs. Hop in as Napleton News takes a look at this unique SUV.

What’s the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport all about?

The Atlas Cross Sport is a five-passenger, four-door hatchback crossover that is based on the slightly larger VW Atlas SUV. It has been enhanced for 2024 with a slight facelift, more standard features and a new engine. Here, we’re talking about a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Our sampler was equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive with Active Control (complete with drive mode selector control).

This new four-cylinder replaces both the outgoing 4-banger and the larger V6 engine, producing the same power but with better efficiency than the V6.

How does the Atlas Cross Sport look?

As the Cross Sport enters the mid-point of its life, it is inevitable that VW issues a mid-life refresh. This includes a standard gloss black grille and a more sporty looking rear diffuser. Looking at the profile, though, will have you feeling you’ve been here before.

What about inside the Atlas Cross Sport?

The interior of the Atlas Cross Sport has received some vital updates including a digital gauge cluster, wireless charging, a new 12-inch enhanced infotainment system with a wire smartphone connectivity and six USB-C ports. The VW Digital Cockpit Pro is now standard in the Cross Sport, with a configurable 10.25-inch digital gauge screen for Music info, navigation maps , vehicle data and more.

Other standard features include heated and ventilated front seats, a three-zone automatic climate control and for those living in frosty neighborhoods in other parts of the country, a heated steering wheel.

Despite the Atlas Cross Sport being an SUV, it is actually more like a coupe than any other shape. As a result, it offers more rear seat headroom than other Coupe styles and doesn’t cut down on headroom the way other manufacturer’s models may do.

Behind the wheel of the Cross Sport.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport is a satisfying SUV that is very capable in its off-road capabilities and a suitable on-road runner anywhere you want to go. That doesn’t mean it’s ready to run the Baja 1000 through the Mexican Baja Peninsula, though. Instead, what we have here is a steady cruiser that can go all day and then some.

But all is not perfect. When getting up to speed on the Florida Turnpike, this turbo four-banger tends to make a bit of racket. In fact, it’s downright loud getting up to speed. Perhaps the merchants of Wolfsburg (Volkswagen’s Home town) can spring for some extra insulation inside the cabin, in an effort to tone things down.

At $53 Large, we think they can afford to take a hit in the net profit department.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line