What’s the Difference Between the VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport?

SUV shoppers frequently encounter two notable options: the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. These German-engineered SUVs cater to distinct consumer requirements. The Atlas is a spacious three-row model that fits seven people, while the athletic Atlas Cross Sport has two rows to fit five comfortably. Our Lokey Volkswagen team invites you to explore the differences between the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport to get you into the one that best fits your needs.

Design and Style

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas comes in six trims: SE, SE with Technology, Peak Edition SE with Technology, SEL, Peak Edition SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. This midsize three-row SUV has room for seven people and bulky cargo for your family road trips. You can purchase the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport in five trims: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. This smaller SUV features room for five in the two rows, offering more space for increased comfort.

Both vehicles got a new look for the 2024 model year, featuring distinctive designs from the front grille to the taillights. The three-row variant now boasts a more assertive front end, while the two-row version maintains its athletic aesthetic with minor changes. You can pick from many colors and wheel styles for both models, allowing you to customize your vehicle.

Both models show off Volkswagen’s skill through well-made, high-quality materials. While they feature similar dashboards that prioritize user-friendliness and legibility, the Atlas Cross Sport may feel more responsive because of its setup. Both are comfortable with adjustable seats; however, the Atlas Cross Sport has bigger seats because it has fewer of them.

The Atlas is all about being practical with its spacious third row and moveable seats, while the Atlas Cross Sport offers more luxury features.

Performance and Handling

These Volkswagen SUVs offer identical powertrain options. Both have a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a 3.6-liter V-6 if you want more power. Both can have 4MOTION all-wheel drive, which helps the vehicle grip the road when it’s wet or slippery or take you off the beaten path with some off-roading.

How spacious these SUVs are changes how they drive, which could be a deciding factor. The Atlas Cross Sport feels agile and effortless to move around, providing an exhilarating drive. The Atlas provides a more stable and comfortable ride for family journeys.

While the Atlas Cross Sport accelerates faster due to its lighter weight and performance-oriented design, both SUVs deliver ample power for urban commutes and highway cruising. The Atlas is a better choice for drivers who want to haul more.

Technology and Features

Embracing innovation, the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport showcase cutting-edge technology. Their infotainment systems have easy-to-use controls and quick-acting touch screens up to 12 inches. Both are compatible with your smartphone. The digital dash shows essential info clearly.

Connectivity is critical in modern vehicles, and these models deliver. Both have useful features, such as a trunk that opens when you wave your foot and remote start capability. These SUVs blend advanced technology with user-friendly interfaces — the screens and menus work fast, almost like they know what you want before you do.

Safety and Reliability

The Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport stand out in terms of durability and safety, receiving top safety ratings. These vehicles also incorporate intelligent driver-assistance technologies to enhance safety and driving experience. Standard features include:

• Adaptive cruise control.
• Forward collision warning with automatic braking.
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.
• Blind-spot intervention.
• Lane-keeping system.

Car-Net is an intelligent assistant for your ride. It can help you find your stolen vehicle or report a collision. Remote monitoring is also available, even when you’re away from your vehicle.

Price and Value

Navigating the pricing landscape of the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport reveals their competitive edge. While the more compact and sporty Cross Sport has a lower price tag than its larger counterpart, both SUVs offer competitive starting prices within their segment and boast impressive features even in their base models. The base trim of the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport has a starting MSRP of $36,985, while the base 2024 Atlas starts at $37,995.

Higher trims offer additional features at a higher price. The top-of-the-line 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has an MSRP of $52,890, while the SEL Premium R-Line features a $51,880 starting point.

Making the Right Choice: Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport?

When it comes to choosing between these two Volkswagen models, it comes down to your specific needs and preferences. The Atlas might be ideal for you if you have a large family or require ample room. The Cross Sport, with two rows and a sporty look, could be a great pick if you prefer a sportier look and feel.

Urban dwellers typically prefer the compact version’s dimensions, which are advantageous for limited parking spaces. Larger households might want the larger vehicle’s spaciousness. While both models offer excellent driving experiences, the Cross Sport attracts more attention on the road, so consider what aspects are most important to you.

Discover Your Perfect Volkswagen SUV With Lokey Volkswagen

Visit Lokey Volkswagen in Clearwater, Florida, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, or 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Call us at 727-799-2151 or complete our secure online form to get started. We’re ready to answer your questions, give you a tour of our showroom, or set up a test drive to help you compare the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport in person. We welcome your trade, offer a top-notch service center, and have financing options, making Lokey Volkswagen your one-stop dealership.