Overview
Chopping the roof of the squareback Atlas and eradicating that mannequin’s third row of seats is the components Volkswagen adopted when creating the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport. Normally when a producer turns its SUV right into a coupe, it compromises cargo space, however the Atlas Cross Sport avoids this end result and actually gives more room inside than a number of key rivals. A turbocharged four-cylinder is commonplace, however a V-6 is non-obligatory, as is all-wheel drive. A number of expertise options is obtainable and the cabin is snug for long-haul drives, however we want the massive VW channeled its smaller stablemates such because the Golf GTI hatchback and the Tiguan SUV and supplied extra pleasure from behind the wheel. For extra on-road refinement, rivals such because the Honda Passport and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are merely higher decisions.
What’s New for 2022?
The bottom S trim has been culled from the Atlas Cross Sport lineup for 2022, leaving the better-equipped SE because the entry-level mannequin. The SE positive aspects an 8.0-inch digital gauge show as commonplace, and fashions outfitted with each the Know-how bundle and the non-obligatory V-6 engine additionally now embody a trailer hitch receiver. The midrange SEL now comes commonplace with all-wheel drive and 20-inch wheels, whereas a brand new SEL R-Line Black trim consists of blacked-out exterior trim and black-painted wheels.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
We might spec the SE mannequin and tack on the non-obligatory Know-how bundle, which incorporates computerized local weather management, faux-leather upholstery, passive entry, heated entrance seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. We might additionally go for the V-6 over the usual turbocharged four-cylinder. That provides $1750 to the value. And we would most likely select the $1900 all-wheel-drive system. Buyers who plan on pulling something with the Atlas Cross Sport will wish to get the V-6 Towing bundle, too.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
Of the 2 powertrains supplied, we have examined solely the three.6-liter V-6 with front-wheel drive. Delivering a 7.5-second 60-mph time, it proved to be barely faster than a equally outfitted three-row Atlas. Whereas we have not examined the 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder on this car, that powertrain pushed the three-row VW to 60 in 7.1 seconds. Throughout our take a look at drive, we discovered the Cross Sport lacks the sporty driving dynamics that its fastback rear finish would counsel. The experience high quality is much less refined than anticipated, too, with the wheels pounding over each imperfection and pothole they cross.
Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG
The four-cylinder Atlas Cross Sport comes with EPA fuel-economy rankings of 21 mpg metropolis, 25 mpg freeway, and 23 mpg mixed for the front-wheel-drive mannequin and 20, 24, and 22 mpg, respectively, for the all-wheel-drive model. The V-6 is thirstier, with rankings of 18 mpg metropolis, 24 mpg freeway, and 20 mpg mixed for each the front-driver and fashions with the non-obligatory all-wheel-drive system. On our 75-mph highway loop, the front-drive V-6 Atlas Cross Sport averaged 25 mpg. For extra details about the Atlas’s gasoline economic system, go to the EPA’s website.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
These aware of the three-row VW will discover the Atlas Cross Sport’s inside fairly acquainted, regardless of an up to date steering wheel and stitched door panels. Adults ought to discover snug seating positions in both of the SUV’s obtainable rows of seats, however not like the common Atlas, the Cross Sport gives solely a bench for its second row. In our testing, the Cross Sport held 30 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats folded and 14 with the rear seats in use. These outcomes are higher than the Ford Edge (29 instances with seats down and 12 with seats up) and the Hyundai Santa Fe (27 instances with seats down and 12 with seats up).
Infotainment and Connectivity
All Atlas Cross Sports activities include a touchscreen infotainment show offering each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration; a reconfigurable digital gauge show can also be commonplace throughout the lineup. Navigation is non-obligatory, as is SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio. VW’s Car-Net connectivity app permits for distant beginning and analytics. Plus, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot lets occupants stay linked to the web whereas on the go.
Security and Driver-Help Options
Volkswagen is equipping all Atlas Cross Sports activities with automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, however if you would like extra superior driver-assistance features, you will must go along with one of many larger trim ranges. For extra details about the Atlas’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:
- Normal automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
- Normal blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert
- Out there adaptive cruise management with a semi-autonomous driving mode
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Whereas most mainstream manufacturers begin with a three-year/36,000-mile guarantee, Volkswagen gives a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage. The powertrain guarantee falls behind others, which stretch to 5 and even 10 years. As some comfort, VW covers the primary two years of scheduled upkeep.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary upkeep is roofed for 2 years or 20,000 miles
