2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

7 years ago, Volkswagen introduced the three-row Atlas utility designed specifically for the North American market. Clearly VW knows we Americans like our options because then they built a sportier two-row version called the Atlas Cross Sport. We briefly sampled the refreshed 2024 Atlas Cross Sport last year and now this one is here for an extended test. So, let’s dive into the details.

Let’s start with styling. Coming to us in Pure Gray paint, the 2024 Cross Sport’s front bumper gets a more aggressive look while all grades above base SE recieve a lightbar connecting the headlights…This Cross Sport comes in SE With Technology grade so it sits just above base and just below SEL. All grades get new wheels, but ours shares these 20-inchers with the aforementioned SEL. The rear sees a larger spoiler and another LED light ring.

As for the power that has also been upgraded, ditching the 3.6 liter V6, all Atlas models now come with a newly tuned 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder, sending 269 HP with 273 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic to all four wheels, or in our case, just the front wheels. At 23 MPG combined, not only is this engine more efficient than the VR6, it’s nearly a second quicker to 60.

Inside, the recent Atlas refresh added more premium materials on the seats and door trims – Leatherette here. Two-zone climate control now comes standard along with a redesigned center console, a 12-inch display screen, 4 USB-C ports and wireless charging. The driver gets a 10.25 fully configurable gauge screen and 10-way power seat.

With the technology package, our tester receives a hands free tailgate remote start and a second row 115V AC outlet.

All told, this 2024 Atlas Cross Sport stickers for $42,400 after destination.

Once we put a couple miles on the odometer we will give an official update, until then if you have any questions about our Atlas Cross Sport, reach out to us on our social sites at MotorWeek.

Time to meet the newest member of our long-term fleet, this 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Most may know this Atlas Cross Sport as the more stylish five-passenger version of the seven-passenger Volkswagen Atlas, but we’ve come to know it as a very spacious midsizer that’s quite fun to drive.

Fresh off a significant update for 2024, our Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE with Technology is just one step up from base, yet comes with 20-inch wheels, hands-free power lift-gate, automatic climate control with heated and ventilated front seats, and even remote start.

Inside, there’s a huge 12-inch touchscreen for multimedia, VW’s 10-inch configurable Digital Cockpit Pro gauge display, and V-tex simulated leather covering the five seating positions. Power comes from a 2.0-liter I4 turbo engine rated at 269 horsepower, working with an eight-speed automatic transmission. We stuck with front-wheel drive for this warm weather extended road test, so are looking to capitalize on the 23-Combined MPG rating.

One of the updates to this refreshed Atlas Cross Sport was actually a subtraction. The venerable V6 is no longer an option, so this turbo four-cylinder now shoulders all the weight. There’s enough low-end torque to get things rolling in a hurry, but since it all goes to the front wheels here a lead foot can break traction. But we don’t always mind that so much do we, guys?

KIDS: Nope!

Believe it or not, it’s time to wrap up our long-term test time with this two-row 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Our extended drive time in this Atlas Cross Sport has been a good reminder of what it’s like to live with this mid-size SUV as a daily commuter. Despite all this space and the commanding view over the sizable hood, it’s a breeze to maneuver this thing around town and in parking lots. The steering has a lot to do with that. It’s got a lightweight feel, yet it’s still very accurate.

With us for just over a month, we added 2,123 miles to its odometer, aided by a last-minute getaway down the Carolina Coast. Overall, we averaged a fine 22.5 mpg, from the very powerful feeling 269-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo eight-speed automatic combo.

This 2.0-liter delivers an additional 34 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque over last year’s version; enough for VW to do away with the previously available V6. We didn’t miss it.
And as great as it was in performing commuting duties, it was equally adept at extended seat time as well. All the tech features you need, great comfort up front, and plenty of room for up to three rear seat passengers to stretch out. Materials all around the cabin took a big step up for ’24; including nicer-looking trim on the dash and more soft surfaces. 40.3 cu-ft of capacity in the cargo area is technically much less than the three-row Atlas, but there’s a lot of floor space back here and it swallowed up plenty of luggage.

It is a great looking utility too, the updated face and LED lighting for ’24 really help it stand out both in the day and at night. And while it does follow the “coupe-style” utility trend, its hatch is not as severely raked as most. Atlas Cross Sport, we miss you already!