2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport: The 2-row Edition of this Favorite Family SUV Gets A Makeover
The 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport features more luxury features standard, including large digital screens, IQ Drive Assist and wireless charging, but which is the one to get?
Scotty Reiss
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For those who want it all, but in a smaller package.
If you heard recently that the VW Atlas got a makeover with all sorts of new bells and whistles and might have worried the Atlas Cross Sport was left out… worry not. The VW Atlas Cross Sport, the 2-row, 5 passenger version of the Atlas, got a new look and feel, too.
For 2024 the Cross Sport is adorned with the few minimalistic details that are also new to the exterior of the Atlas, and all the goodies that take the interior into the modern era.
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The front light bar on the 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport. Photo: Scotty Reiss
A (Slightly) New Look on the Front and Rear
It starts with new front and rear lighting, and light bars that span both the front and rear of the Atlas Cross Sport and new illuminated VW badges (in all but the base SE model) .
The good news is, that’s about all on the exterior. The Cross Sport still has its smaller size, distinct sloped roof and winged side badges on the door that spell out Cross Sport.
And, it’s still very roomy and comfortable, with a rear seat that can accommodate 3 kids car seats or several very tall passengers. The legroom is impressive, as is the cargo space, which is also quite sizable.
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The front seat of the 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport. Photo: Scotty Reiss
A More Elegant Interior
But it’s in the front seat where all the best new features are: VW’s top-end Digital Cockpit Pro is now standard across all models (Digital Cockpit was previously the standard), as are the upgraded larger 10 driver information screen and a 12” multimedia screen with vibrant new graphics. “Hey Volkswagen” voice activated assistance— a feature I really love— is also part of the package. Activate the wake word and ask for what you want and the assistant obliges.
Also standard across all trims are heated and ventilated front seats either in leatherette, which has always been standard, or in leather in the SEL and above models. Add to that wireless phone charging, wireless “app connect” for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4 USB-C ports, IQ driver assist and safety systems, a rear seat reminder system and seat belt detection. That’s a really nice package of premium features.
A new interior design is anchored by a new more open center console design. The lever gear selector has been replaced by a demure and elegant toggle; just pop the car into gear and go.
There are cubbies for your phone, key fob and other things; there is under-console storage large enough for a small handbag, and storage under the arm rest.
Adding to the elegance of the interior are 8 paint choices, 5 upholstery colors — including Chalk, a creamy white color— and two interior trim colors. Of the models we saw, all looked refined and beautiful, with a lot of thoughtful details.
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The Cross Sport has an updated look for 2024. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Smaller Engine, But More Power for 2024
VW simplified its approach to the engine: one more powerful 4-cylinder turbo engine for all Atlas models. The new engine increases horsepower to 269 HP and 273 torque, up from 235 HP and 258 torque in the base model engine, though the prior 6 cylinder generated 276 HP and 266 torque. The 2024 model maintains the Atlas’s tow rating of 5,000 lbs.
The new engine makes the Cross Sport even more fun and confident on the road. It has plenty of power underfoot when you need it, and with the size of a 5 passenger SUV, you never feel like you’re hauling around a lot of space; you feel as all the power is right in your hands, as it should be.
Legroom is ample and roomy in the Cross Sports rear seat. Photo: Scotty Reiss
5 Elegant Editions, but No Peak Edition
While VW added more premium features to the Atlas Cross Sport, there is not a Peak Edition adventure trim in this model; it’s only available on the 3-row Atlas. However, there are 5 versions of the Cross Sport to choose from:
- SE base model, with all the standard features as well as a 10-way driver’s seat, rain sensing wipers, WiFi, keyless entry and 18” wheels, priced from $36,715
- SE Tech edition with 20” wheels, dash cam, tow hitch, rear seat power outlet and rear sunshade, priced from $40,655
- SEL adds all wheel drive leather seating, heated rear seats, 30 color ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, head up display and predictive adaptive cruise control, priced from $47,435
- SEL R-Line adds R-Line bumpers stainless steel pedal caps and a sport steering wheel, priced from $48,885
- SEL-Premium R-Line adds 21” wheels, R-Line styling elements, Harman Kardon premium sound, park assist semi-autonomous parking and surround view camera, from $51,445
- Add AWD to the SE models for $1,900
- Add a panoramic sunroof to the SE models for $1,200
- Destination fee, $1,350
The rear tail light on the Cross Sport. Photo: Scotty Reiss
The One to Get
The SEL model is packaged with the most irresistible features: Leather seating, head up display, AWD and a panoramic sunroof. Those features add up to a lot of luxury but are standard on this model. Buyers who want larger wheels and a few more sporty details can upgrade to the R-Line models, but for all the necessities, the SEL is very nicely equipped.
It’s nice to be able to downsize to a non-mom car and still get all the things you’ve gotten used to: The ride height, comfortable seats and flexible cargo space, but not have the added heft of a third row that you’ll never need. And that’s the idea behind the Atlas Cross Sport: more sport, less space and everything we love about the Atlas.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Volkswagen for this test drive. Travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own. Additionally, A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from affiliate links in this story.
The view from the drivers seat. Photo: Scotty Reiss
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