There aren’t many midsize two-row SUVs in the marketplace, which works within the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s favor. Of the few opponents it has, most are previous and are not the perfect values. The Cross Sport capitalizes on that by providing lots (actually) of SUV for not an entire lot of cash. It is one of many extra inexpensive ones within the section, whereas additionally being fairly giant and fairly enticing.
The Atlas Cross Sport is predicated on the boxy, three-row Atlas, however drops that third-row and lowers its roof-line for added type. Mixed with the pronounced fenders and chiseled form, it is arguably the best-looking SUV within the section. Additionally, as a result of it is pretty shut in measurement to its typical counterpart, it nonetheless has a great deal of inside house, even with the low roof. With a strong array of normal options and a comparatively low price ticket, it is a high-value proposition.
It isn’t good, although. With a concentrate on retaining the value low (and income up), this huge, American-made VW would not really feel fairly as high-quality as we might hope, with considerably low-cost inside supplies. It is also solely superb when driving. It is snug, however that is about it, with lackluster dealing with and an ungainly transmission. It isn’t sufficient to write-off the Cross Sport, because it’s nonetheless nice worth and really fashionable, however there are higher driving choices on this class with nicer interiors such because the Honda Passport and Nissan Murano.
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo Area | Efficiency & Gasoline Financial system
What it is prefer to drive | Pricing & Options | Crash Scores & Security Options
What’s new for 2022?
The Atlas Cross Sport is barely modified for 2022. The largest replace is the inclusion of the 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument panel display screen as normal tools on all trims. The road-up has been narrowed to 6 trim ranges, and there are a few minor normal characteristic modifications to a few of the trims. The VR6-equipped SE with Expertise trim now has a typical tow hitch, the SEL trim now has all-wheel drive and 20-inch wheels as normal, and the SEL Premium good points 21-inch wheels.
What are the Atlas Cross Sport’s inside and in-car expertise like?
The Cross Sport inside is just about equivalent to its larger sibling, although with a decrease roof and no third row. The sprint design is subsequently equally upright, squared-off and easy. Tight gaps and crisp edges make it look good on first inspection, however look nearer and the plastics are disappointing for this value level with coarse graining and fairly a number of exhausting surfaces. It is also fairly drab in relation to coloration and trim, however choosing some contrasting upholstery on larger trims actually cheers it up.
The entrance seats haven’t got a lot form, however padding is thick sufficient and so they’re large sufficient that they are fairly snug for a wide range of physique shapes. The rear seats are fairly flat as nicely, however that’s not so uncommon for a midsize SUV. Fortunately, they recline and the huge quantity of house ought to make becoming a rear-facing little one seat straightforward.
On the controls and expertise entrance, the Atlas Cross Sport fares extraordinarily nicely. The infotainment system is easy-to-read and responsive. It has loads of quick minimize buttons and bodily knobs for quantity and tuning, plus handy knobs and buttons for all of the local weather capabilities. Included in each Cross Sport is the VW Digital Cockpit instrument display screen. It too is crisp and clear, and gives plenty of info that make it really feel a bit extra premium than others within the section.
How huge is the Atlas Cross Sport?
The Atlas Cross Sport is the most important of the two-row midsize SUV section, which incorporates the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevy Blazer, Ford Edge and Nissan Murano. Just like the equally giant Passport, the Atlas Cross Sport is a shortened model of a bigger three-row (the Pilot for the Passport and the Atlas for the Cross Sport). As such, there’s huge quantities of leg and shoulder room in each rows of the Cross Sport. Head room is sweet for the entrance occupants, however it is a bit tight for rear passengers.
Cargo house is spectacular due to the Cross Sport’s measurement. Behind the rear seats is 40.3 cubic toes, which is vastly greater than the norm for two-row midsize SUVs, and never far off what you’d look forward to finding in a three-row SUV with the third row folded. Fold the rear seats down, and it has a equally voluminous 77.8 cubic toes. Admittedly, the Honda Passport has barely larger figures and doesn’t undergo from the Cross Sport’s low roof, which might current a difficulty for some cumbersome gadgets. However, the Cross Sport can carry fairly a bit.
What are the Atlas Cross Sport gas economic system and efficiency specs?
Two engines can be found within the Cross Sport. Each include an eight-speed automated transmission and might have both front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Commonplace is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. With front-wheel drive, it will get 21 mpg metropolis, 25 mpg freeway and 23 mpg mixed. All-wheel drive drops these numbers 20/24/22. That is common gas economic system for the section, however most opponents have extra energy.
Optionally out there is a 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 engine (aka VR6) making 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Each front- and all-wheel drive return the identical gas economic system with the VR6: 18 mpg metropolis, 24 freeway and 20 mixed. That is beneath common for the section.
Each engine configurations are rated for towing, however the VR6 might be the one you need in case you’ll be towing typically. The four-cylinder is rated for two,000 kilos, whereas the VR6 can deal with 5,000 kilos.
What is the Atlas Cross Sport prefer to drive?
The Atlas Cross Sport is a reliable if not notably inspiring automobile to drive. The bottom four-cylinder is ample for one of these automobile, offering strong torque and energy within the low- and mid-range. Although not notably loud, it’s a bit coarse. The optionally available VR6 engine gives extra energy, however testing completed by different publications has instructed that benefit doesn’t equate to stronger acceleration. Fairly the other, in actual fact. We have additionally seen that the turbo simply feels faster even when the VR6 is smoother, higher sounding and allows you to tow extra.
Each engines get the identical eight-speed automated transmission, which, once more, works superb, however is not the perfect in school. Gear modifications are typically awkward and sluggish. The default shift mode is not very prepared to vary down, both. However the “Sport” mode is fairly good, being far more aware of your proper foot and holding gears longer. It additionally doesn’t lock out prime gear for environment friendly freeway cruising as different sport modes do – principally, it is aware of while you wish to drive with some enthusiasm and when it’s OK to loosen up.
Experience high quality is sweet within the Atlas Cross Sport. You do really feel many of the bumps, however they’re considerably softened, and it would not heave or bounce over giant holes and undulations. This huge SUV would not lean a lot in corners, both, however is way from a nook carver regardless of the “Sport” in its identify. It isn’t particularly fast to react to inputs, and the steering is numb, mild and sluggish. It may be hustled, nevertheless it’s happiest cruising.
What different VW Atlas Cross Sport evaluations can I learn?
2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport First Drive | Extra and fewer of factor
We check out VW’s smaller, sleeker model of the Atlas for the primary time.
How a lot is the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport value and what options can be found?
The bottom Atlas Cross Sport is the SE, and it begins at $34,395 together with the $1,195 vacation spot cost. It is geared up with the four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is offered for an extra $1,900. On the surface, it has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, heated mirrors, roof rails, proximity entry and push-button begin. Inside, the Cross Sport will get a 10-way energy driver seat, heated entrance seats, single-zone guide local weather management and leatherette on the seats and steering wheel. All Cross Sports activities additionally get a completely digital instrument show, which measures 8 inches on the SE trims, and 10.25-inch screens on the SEL and above. The SE additionally will get a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display screen, whereas SE with Expertise and above get an 8-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are additionally normal, together with two USB_C ports up entrance.
There are a plethora of different options out there as choices or on larger trims. Exterior upgrades embrace heated washer nozzles, hands-free energy hatchback, bigger wheels, a panoramic sunroof and the R-Line exterior bundle. There’s an R-Line possibility with black trim as nicely. Upgrades for the inside embrace heated rear seats, ventilated entrance seats, dual-zone automated local weather management, leather-based upholstery. An upgraded stereo and surround-view digital camera can be found as expertise upgrades along with the bigger info screens.
Full pricing for the Atlas Cross Sport is beneath:
- SE: $34,395
- SE w/ Expertise: $38,565
- SEL: $44,165
- SEL R-Line: $44,370
- SEL R-Line Black: N/A (out there later this yr)
- SEL Premium R-Line: $51,565
What are the Atlas Cross Sport security scores and driver help options?
The Atlas Cross Sport has carried out moderately nicely in crash testing. NHTSA provides it a five-star total score. Extra particularly, it obtained a four-star score for frontal impression and rollover testing. In side-impact testing, it received 5 stars. In IIHS testing, the Cross Sport did nicely in crash checks, however its headlights might be improved. The entire crash checks resulted in the perfect “Good” score, and the usual collision prevention system obtained the highest “Superior” score for vehicle-to-vehicle (vehicle-to-pedestrian hasn’t been examined). The usual headlights had been solely rated “Marginal” the second-lowest score, however the optionally available lights had been rated “Good.” Baby seat LATCH anchor entry was rated “Marginal.” The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t get the IIHS Prime Security Decide score due to the headlight score.
There are some welcome normal security options on the Cross Sport. It options automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, automated headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Obtainable as choices or as normal tools on larger trim ranges are many different security options. They embrace lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help, adaptive cruise management with lane-centering steering help, corner-adaptive headlights with automated high-beams, parking sensors, surround-view cameras, and automated parking capabilities.
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