2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport FIRST LOOK by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

VW’s one-two SUV punch is about to be joined by a 3^rd model. 

Based upon the impressive 3-row Atlas is the new Atlas Cross Sport: a more emotive 5-seater that preserves a large portion of its bigger brother’s cargo volume. 

 

 

 

About 3” shorter and 2” lower, the Cross Sport presents as more athletic and dynamic, especially when outfitted with the optional 21” wheels. 

 

 

 

R-Line® trims get a unique bumper with chrome and piano black treatments around the lower front air scoops for an even more emotional look. 

Riding upon the same wheelbase as the bigger Atlas, the powertrains also carryover: a 276-horsepower V6 and a 235-hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

 

 

 

Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and are available with 4Motion® all-wheel-drive. The V6 is rated at 5,000 pounds for towing, when equipped with the factory-installed Towing package.

Gas mileage for the 4-cylinder AWD model is 20mpg in combined driving.  VW says the interior is a new treatment for them with a redesigned steering wheel and available two-tone seat inserts. 

 

 

 

The Audi-derived Digital Cockpit is available on the highest level SEL models – 8 trims are offered in total. 

 

 

 

 

Built in Chattanooga, the Atlas Cross Sport arrives at dealerships in the Spring of 2020 with pricing to be announced closer to launch.