2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport showcased a refreshed design that mirrored its three-row sibling, featuring new lighting elements at both the front and rear. The illuminated Volkswagen logos on the grille and tailgate, inspired by the all-electric ID.4, added a modern touch. The front light bar connected the daytime running lights, complementing the standard LED headlights, which contributed to a more Americanized aesthetic. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Cross Sport was designed with the U.S. market in mind. The rear of the Cross Sport, with its lower roofline, offered a silhouette reminiscent of German luxury crossover coupes, distinguishing it from other two-row midsize crossovers. It was 5.2 inches shorter and sat lower than the standard Atlas, enhancing its sporty appeal.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, available in five trim levels, presented a robust and upscale appearance with polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels. The Mountain Lake Blue color option resisted dirt, maintaining a clean look. Inside, the Atlas offered a premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, although the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use. The Atlas maintained a chiseled, muscular look that aged well, appealing to those seeking a commanding presence on the road.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 3.6-liter VR6, offering more torque and better performance. The turbo-four was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. Despite the engine's power, the Cross Sport's driving experience was less engaging, with a ride quality that left room for improvement, possibly due to the 21-inch wheels. The maximum towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated at 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas also featured the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering the same 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine was more refined than those in some competitors, like the Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse. The Atlas's engine offered a satisfying torque curve between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm, especially in Sport mode, though it impacted fuel economy. During testing, the Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall, slightly below the EPA ratings. The ride quality was a concern, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport added more standard equipment for 2024, including heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. The interior offered decent legroom, though the rear-seat headroom was compromised by the stylish roofline. Cargo space was competitive, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with them folded. The cabin was functional, with ample storage space and well-designed cupholders.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering one of the most comfortable third-row seats in its class. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt slightly stiff. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof overhead. Access to the third row was easy, and the seat provided adequate leg support. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with practical and well-finished compartments.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the haptic touchpads for controls were less intuitive. The Cross Sport offered up to six USB-C ports and a USB-C dash cam port on higher trims. The SEL trim included a head-up display, and the SEL Premium R-Line featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the VW Group's MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen. While the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the lack of traditional knobs and buttons made it less user-friendly. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential for a better experience. The Harman Kardon audio system on the SEL Premium R-Line was impressive, but the MIB3 system's glitches and lack of intuitive controls detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact crash testing. The IQ.Drive package, now standard on all models, included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like predictive adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick." The IQ.Drive package included comprehensive driver-assistance features, such as forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Atlas also offered a five-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, providing automatic crash notification and emergency assistance. The safety features were accurate and refined, contributing to a trustworthy driving experience.