2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0L TSI (273 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Volkswagen introduced a refreshed version of the Atlas lineup on the U.S. market in 2023 and facelifted the Cross Sport version as well.

The German automaker developed and produced the Atlas lineup on top of the MQB platform shared with other vehicles made by it, such as the Golf or the Jetta. Thus, the big crossover could be easily adapted and transformed. In addition, it was available with front- or all-wheel drive systems. Last but not least, the sportier-looking Cross Sport version was made for those who didn’t really need a seven-seat vehicle.

But the Atlas Cross Sport shared more than its platform with the regular version. It also sported a similar-looking front fascia that featured the adaptive front-light system (AFS). This consisted of a light surrounding the headlights and a light strip that ran across the upper section of the main grille. But the main difference between the Cross Sport and its seven-seat sibling was in the profile, where the Cross Sport featured a raked-forward tailgate at the back, in a Kammback styling.

Inside, the automaker installed bolstered front seats and a bench profiled for three in the back. Since it didn’t have to worry about the legroom for the third row, Volkswagen provided more space for the rear-seated occupants. Also, in the 2024 model-year, the Atlas Cross Sport featured a new dashboard design that was adorned with a 12″ center touchscreen atop the center stack for the infotainment system, while the driver fronted a 12.5″ display for the instrument panel.

Underneath the hood, the engine cover left the impression that there was a transversely-mounted V8. But that was only an illusion since the car was powered by a turbocharged inline-four that produced 269 hp (273 PS), which was more potent than the previous VR6 was capable. Power went to the front or in all corners of the car via an eight-speed automatic transmission.