2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review: Your Comprehensive Guide to VW's Stylish SUV

Are you in the market for a mid-size SUV that blends sporty aesthetics with practical versatility, but without the need for a third row? The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport might just be the vehicle you're looking for. With a significant refresh for the new model year, VW has aimed to enhance its appeal, offering updated styling, a more powerful engine, and a host of new standard features. But does it hit the mark for everyday drivers?

In this comprehensive 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport review, we'll dive deep into what makes this two-row SUV stand out. We'll explore its design, performance, interior comfort, technology, and safety, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your lifestyle.

What's New for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?

Volkswagen has given the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport a substantial refresh, marking its fifth model year with notable improvements. Key updates include:

Revised Exterior Styling: Expect updated headlights and taillights, along with revised front and rear ends that give it a more modern and refined look.
Enhanced Engine: The previous engine options have been replaced by a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This new powertrain delivers a robust 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, offering more power than the outgoing four-cylinder and even the previous VR6 engine.
Upscale Interior Materials: The cabin receives a significant upgrade with improved materials, aiming for a more premium ambiance.
More Standard Features: Volkswagen has generously equipped all 2024 Atlas Cross Sport models with a range of newly standard features, including heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control.
Standard IQ.DRIVE: VW's suite of advanced driver assistance technology, IQ.DRIVE, is now standard across all trims, enhancing safety and convenience.

Design & Styling: Athletic Presence Meets Practicality

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport maintains its distinctive "coupe-like" SUV silhouette, setting it apart from its three-row Atlas sibling. It's essentially a two-row version of the Atlas, shedding the third row in favor of a sleeker, sloping roofline. While technically about 5.2 inches shorter in length and over 2 inches shorter in height than the standard Atlas, it still boasts a substantial presence on the road.

The refreshed exterior styling, with its updated LED headlights and taillights, and available illuminated grille and VW logo on select trims, contributes to a more athletic and sophisticated stance. Depending on the trim, you'll find alloy wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches, further emphasizing its sporty character.

Performance & Driving Experience: Competent and Comfortable

Under the hood, the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport features a single, more powerful engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. This engine produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This is a significant bump in power compared to the previous four-cylinder and even surpasses the torque of the former VR6.

While the Atlas Cross Sport's muscular haunches might suggest a truly athletic driving personality, reviews indicate it's more focused on competence and comfort. The steering is often described as light and easy to manage, making it feel smaller than its actual size, though some might find it a bit vague on-center. The ride quality is generally comfortable and quiet, making it well-suited for daily commutes and long road trips.

For those seeking enhanced traction, the Atlas Cross Sport is available with Volkswagen's 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system, which is standard on SEL and higher trims. The towing capacity remains respectable at up to 5,000 pounds.

Interior & Comfort: Upscale Ambiance and Ample Space

Step inside the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and you'll immediately notice the upgraded interior, designed to offer a more upscale ambiance. Soft-touch materials and a leatherette-trimmed dash are now standard. Higher trims elevate the experience with features like quilted leather seats with diamond stitching and adjustable ambient lighting with up to 30 selectable colors.

Comfort is a priority, with newly standard heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel across all trims. Heated rear seats are available on higher trims, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The Cross Sport offers comfortable seating for five passengers across two rows. Despite its sloping roofline, it provides generous passenger volume, with approximately 112 cubic feet of total passenger space. Rear legroom, in particular, is ample, offering a "limo-like" experience for backseat passengers.

Cargo Space

Practicality is a strong suit for the Atlas Cross Sport. It offers:

40.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.
77.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the second row folded down.

The standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat enhances versatility, allowing you to easily configure the space for passengers and cargo.

Technology & Features: Connectivity at Your Fingertips

The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport comes packed with modern technology designed to keep you connected and entertained. Standard features include:

10.3-inch Digital Cockpit Pro: A configurable digital instrument display that shows vital vehicle information.
12.0-inch Infotainment Display: A large touchscreen that serves as the command center for the vehicle's functions. While some touch-sensitive controls can be tricky, the system is generally responsive and customizable.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamless smartphone integration.
Wireless Charging: Convenient charging for compatible devices.
Multiple USB-C Ports: Six USB-C ports with fast-charge capability are standard, with an optional eight-port configuration available.
4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot: Keeps occupants connected on the go.

Higher trims add features like an integrated navigation system, a head-up display, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Safety: A Top Performer

Safety is paramount, and the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport excels in this area. It has earned the prestigious 2023 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This top rating is a testament to its strong performance in various crash tests, including the updated side test and frontal crash tests.

All 2024 Atlas Cross Sport models come standard with Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE® advanced driver assistance technology suite, which includes:

Front Assist: Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring.
Active Side Assist: Blind Spot Monitor.
Rear Traffic Alert: Helps detect vehicles approaching from the side when backing up.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
Lane Assist: Lane Keeping System.
Emergency Assist: Semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency.
Good Rated Headlights: Both available headlight systems earn good ratings, crucial for visibility.

Value & Trims: Finding Your Perfect Cross Sport

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is available in five distinct trim levels, offering a range of features and pricing to suit different budgets and preferences:

SE
SE with Technology
SEL
SEL R-Line
SEL Premium R-Line

The base SE model, especially with the newfound standard content for 2024, offers strong value. As you move up the trim ladder, you gain more luxurious features, larger wheels, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. All-wheel drive (4MOTION) is optional on the SE and SE with Technology trims and comes standard on SEL and above.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Refreshed, Upscale Interior: Significantly improved materials and comfort features.
Ample Passenger and Cargo Space: Especially roomy second row and versatile cargo area.
Powerful New Standard Engine: The 2.0L turbo provides plenty of power for daily driving.
Comprehensive Standard Safety (IQ.DRIVE): Top safety ratings and a full suite of driver-assistance features.
Sleek Styling: A more athletic and distinctive look compared to the standard Atlas.

Cons:

Touch-Sensitive Controls: Some users find the infotainment system's touch controls less intuitive than physical buttons.
Driving Dynamics: While competent, it's not the most engaging or "sporty" SUV in its class.
No Third Row: A con if you occasionally need more than five seats.

Who is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport For?

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is an excellent choice for individuals or small families who:

Prioritize style and a distinctive look over a third row.
Need generous passenger and cargo space but don't require seven seats.
Value a comfortable and quiet ride for daily commutes and road trips.
Appreciate a strong suite of standard technology and safety features.
Are looking for an SUV with a more premium feel without stepping into true luxury brand pricing.

If you're seeking a mid-size SUV that blends practicality with a touch of flair and robust safety, the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport is certainly worth a closer look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What's new for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?

A1: The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport receives a major refresh, including revised exterior styling, a more powerful standard turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (269 hp), a more upscale interior with improved materials, and newly standard features like heated/ventilated front seats and the IQ.DRIVE safety suite.

Q2: Is the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport a 7-seater?

A2: No, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row SUV with seating for five passengers. The standard Volkswagen Atlas offers three rows and seating for seven.

Q3: What is the cargo space like in the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?

A3: The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport offers 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a maximum of 77.6 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

Q4: What are the main competitors for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?

A4: Key competitors for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport in the mid-size two-row SUV segment include vehicles like the Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Blazer.

Ready to see if the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport fits your lifestyle? Visit your local Volkswagen dealership to experience its updated features and comfortable ride firsthand. Share your thoughts in the comments below – what do you look for in a mid-size SUV?