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Intelligent, award-winning, and spacious even in their back rows, the VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport variants are perfect choices for a family vehicle. These first-rate models take two- and three-row SUV designs to new heights, leaving you with the difficult choice of picking one. Either way, you’ll have access to available Carefree Coverage.1
If an updated SUV is in your future, the 2024 VW Atlas and 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport, winners of the IIHS Top Safety Pick award,2, 3 should be top contenders on your shortlist. Join us as we delve into the VW Atlas seating capacity, specs, dimensions, trims, fuel economy, and design features. This review can help steer you toward your preferred model, and a test drive at our dealership can solidify your favorite trim.
Volkswagen engineers simplified the powertrain options in the 2024 redesign, so your choices are straightforward and reliable. New Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport trims all leverage a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic to tow up to 5,000 pounds,4 so you can load up the family and a trailer for your next adventure. Choose FWD or the automaker’s signature 4MOTION AWD to fit your driving needs!
| 2024 VW Atlas | 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport | |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl w/ Engine Start-Stop | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl w/ Engine Start-Stop |
| Horsepower | 269 | 269 |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD or 4MOTION AWD | FWD or 4MOTION AWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic w/ Tiptronic | 8-speed automatic w/ Tiptronic |
| Drive Modes | 5 FWD modes 6 AWD modes |
5 FWD modes 6 AWD modes |
| Passenger Seating | 7 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity (Behind 1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 96.6 / 55.5 / 20.6 cu ft | 77.6 / 40.3 / Not Applicable cu ft |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs4 | 5,000 lbs4 |
The VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport have truck-like towing capabilities, meaning their fuel consumption leans in that direction, too. You’ll find a shared EPA-estimated MPG of 20/27 (City/Highway)5 in every front-wheel drive VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport configuration and an EPA-estimated 19/26 MPG (City/Highway)6 with 4MOTION AWD on board.
| 2024 VW Atlas | 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.6 gal | 18.6 gal |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) FWD | 20 / 27 235 | 20 / 27 235 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) 4MOTION AWD | 19 / 26 226 | 19 / 26 226 |
The Volkswagen brand is designed by the people, for the people, and that commitment is evident even in the entry-level Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport trims. The VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport lineups are best explored in person, but here’s a sample of the luxury features you’ll find, even in the very first trim level of either model:
If you’re already familiar with past years of these SUV lineups, you’ll immediately notice the 2024 VW Atlas and 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport exterior updates. The refreshed Atlas sports a new front fascia, headlights, and wheel designs, while the Atlas Cross Sport shows off revised front and back ends, plus updated headlights and taillights.
Both SUVs also received interior refreshes this year: Inside the 2024 VW Atlas, you’ll find new standard features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a larger 12-inch infotainment screen. The 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport cabin adds increased safety technology and both sport-utes come with elevated interior accents and decor.
The biggest differences between the VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport are their dimensions and passenger seating. At 200.7 inches long, the 2024 Atlas is the larger of the two SUV siblings. Explore our VW Atlas lease deals to take home this minivan-like model in a stylish three-row SUV frame that seats up to seven.
The Atlas Cross Sport is a top-rated two-row SUV. This model measures 195.6 inches long, making it ideal for smaller parking spaces or garages – and our VW Atlas Cross Sport lease deals make its overall cost even smaller, too!
VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport cargo space is premium. The standard 2024 VW Atlas trunk is 20.6 cubic feet, but lay the third row down to gain 55.5 cubic feet and still seat five passengers. An Atlas Cross Sport trim comes with a standard 40.3 cubic-foot trunk, which is still plenty of storage.
Lastly, if you want to compare Volkswagen performance against the competition, take a look at this helpful VW Atlas vs. Kia Telluride comparison.
If this VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport review has you curious about how both SUVs handle on the road, then it’s time to visit the Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Kennesaw showroom! Stop by today to explore your favorite trims or discuss new VW special offers. We can’t wait to introduce you to the 2024 Volkswagen family.
The key differences between the new VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport are their exterior and interior dimensions. The Atlas is a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven, a 200.7-inch length, and a 20.6 cubic foot standard trunk. If smaller is your style, consider the two-row Atlas Cross Sport, which is 195.6 inches long with a 40.3 cubic foot trunk.
The refreshed VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport trims all house the same 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering the same gas mileage: an EPA-estimated 20/27 (City/Highway)5 in FWD or an EPA-estimated 19/26 MPG (City/Highway)6 with 4MOTION AWD. You’ll also gain 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque with the VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport engines.
The 2024 VW Atlas is the larger of the two SUVs, offering three rows of seats for up to seven occupants. A new Atlas Cross Sport can seat up to five passengers across its two rows. The Volkswagen Atlas is also longer, measuring 200.7 inches, while the Atlas Cross Sport is only 195.6 inches long. Both sport-utes provide ample backseat legroom and standard trunk space.
1Carefree Coverage available on all new MY24 vehicles. For vehicle eligibility details, visit vw.com/coverage. VW’s Carefree Maintenance Program provides 10,000- and 20,000-mile scheduled maintenance services or scheduled maintenance services for two years (whichever occurs first) as stated in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet. Does not include tire rotations, or other services or parts not specified in the owner’s literature. 3 years/36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) Roadside Assistance provided by a third party. 4 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty, maintenance program, and roadside assistance details, exclusions, and limitations. Car-Net Remote Access services require cellular connectivity, GPS signal, and acceptance of Terms of Service. Not all Car-Net services and features are available on all vehicles. Other Car-Net services require a trial or paid subscription. See additional important information at carnet.vw.com.
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volkswagen/atlas-4-door-suv/2024
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volkswagen/atlas-cross-sport-4-door-suv/2024
4Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.
520 city/27 highway mpg (2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport FWD). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
619 city/26 highway mpg (2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport AWD). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
