2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review, Prices, Trims And Photos

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a midsize SUV.  But it joins its slightly larger sibling, the VW Atlas in the midsize SUV category.

Here’s the deal.  Atlas Cross Sport is a 2-row whereas the larger VW Atlas is a 3-row.  The differences pretty much start and stop there.

So if you have kids at home go with the Atlas.  And if you don’t you’ll probably opt for the Atlas Cross Sport.  Because it’s a bit sleeker, sportier, and even more European-looking.

However, you cannot go wrong either way.  Because both the Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport are great overall values.

✅  Test drive Atlas Cross Sport midsize SUV at Southern California’s Volkswagen HQ –> Ontario Volkswagen.

See the difference in the below picture?

Atlas Cross Sport is on the left.  Its roofline slopes down.  And it’s shorter from the rear wheel to the rear bumper.

Conversely, Atlas is on the right.  Its roofline doesn’t slope much.  And it’s longer from the rear wheel to the rear bumper.

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2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Midsize SUV

So here’s what’s new for the 2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport.  The 2-row midsize SUV now comes in eight trim levels.  Plus there’s new technology.  And that includes driver assistance features.

For example, new tech includes VW’s next-gen MIB3 infotainment system.  Additionally, it also can come with wireless App-Connect pairing for multiple compatible phones.

Plus Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features are available for 2021.

Trim Configurations And Prices

Since 2021 is the second model year for Atlas Cross Sport it’s typical for carmakers to add more trim options.  Hence the more robust offering of trims this year.

Manufacturers suggested retail pricing is provided for reference.  You need to get your Cross Sport equipped to your liking.  And the place to do that is Ontario Volkswagen in the Los Angeles suburb of Ontario, CA.

Engines, Transmissions, And MPG

Depending on the trim config you select, there are two engine options.

Engines

First, there’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4cylinder.  It puts out 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Second, there’s the bigger 3.6L V6.  And that creates 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.

However, having driven both – without data to back up the statement.  I’m pretty sure the turbo 4-cylinder accelerates quicker than the V6.  Maybe not 0 to 60 mph.  But off the line.  (Aka from a dead stop.) It feels quicker.

Transmission

Regardless of the engine, Atlas Cross Sport comes with the same transmission.  And that’s an eight-speed automatic that helps produce solid fuel economy for a vehicle that size.

Although the eight-speed trans is standard there can be a decision to make.  You may have to select whether to go with a two-wheel drive (in front – FWD) or an all-wheel drive.

MPG

The EPA-estimated fuel economy differs slightly with the different engine and drives combinations.

It’s important to note that the midsize Atlas Cross Sport is a hefty vehicle.  Again, configuration depending, it can have a curb weight from 4,098 pounds up to 4,484 lbs.

What Does VW Atlas Cross Sport Look Like?

So the Atlas Cross Sport is tough to differentiate from its larger sibling Atlas.  And that’s clear from the comparison picture of their rear ends above.

But either way, it’s a handsome, athletic and, bold European design.  Undoubtedly it’s a Volkswagen.  That is from the front and rear.  Or anywhere you spot the badge.

However, when you go with an upper trim configuration Atlas Cross Sport can make you look twice.  For example, the first time I spotted one on the road I thought for certain that I’d seen an Audi.

Inside ’21 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

And inside Atlas Cross Sport is huge.  Volkswagen has a knack for engineering great use of space which is displayed inside its ’21 Atlas Cross Sport.

The People’s SUV is well laid out inside.  Functional and clean, with quality surfaces.  And Volkswagen’s legendary attention to detail, fit and finish.

And with the backseats folded down, the 5-passenger midsize sport-ute provides up to 77.8 cubic feet of cargo space.  Plus, even with the backseats raised Atlas Cross Sport delivers 40.3 cu-ft of space for your stuff.

Infotainment And Safety Technology

When it comes to technology Cross Sport has everything available.  For instance, IQ.DRIVE, Volkswagen’s suite of driver assistance features and App-Connect enabling Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

But you can also step it up in trim configurations and get Volkswagen’s digital cockpit.  Accordingly, the digital cockpit replaces analog instruments (shown above) with an in-dash monitor.  Moreover, that monitor is completely customizable and you can save multiple profiles within in.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Top-3

Finally coming back full-circle to my Top-3 for the 2021 Volkswagen Cross Sport midsize sport utility vehicle.

1. Overall value – The proposition Atlas Cross Sport poses is a tough one to beat.  European styling, fit, finish, and tech, it’s all there at a great price-point.
2. Exterior styling – Atlas Cross Sport is a handsome vehicle in every trim configuration.  Especially when you opt for the upper-tier trims.
3. Interior engineering – Volkswagen’s attention to fit and finish (now mentioned 3x’s in this article) is truly legendary.  And that’s why the brand has a cult-like following.

A final note on Cross Sport and its bigger sibling Atlas.

“Cross Sport” badging is located only on the sides.

 

• Volkswagen,