I lived with the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T SEL R‑Line—commuting across the Washington, D.C. area, darting up to Baltimore, cruising I‑270 and I‑70 into the Appalachians, and even stopping by Volkswagen’s U.S. headquarters in Virginia to catch up with a great colleague and friend.
The Atlas Cross Sport never made a spectacle of itself; it just kept showing up with space, poise, and tech that felt thoughtfully integrated into my day.
The 2024 refresh did this SUV a favor: a stronger 2.0‑liter turbo now puts out 269 hp and 273 lb‑ft, paired to an 8‑speed automatic. That broad torque band matters in real life—merges, on‑ramps, and two‑lane passes happen with less drama and more authority than you expect from a four‑cylinder this big.
Inside, the cabin steps up with a 12‑inch center display and Digital Cockpit Pro (10.25‑inch)—clean graphics, quick responses, and the right info where you want it. IQ.DRIVE brings adaptive safety and convenience features that reduce mental clutter when traffic gets dense, and wireless App‑Connect plus wireless charging kept my phone humming without cables. EPA efficiency for common AWD trims lands around 22 mpg combined (19/26)—solid for the size.
The SEL R‑Line dresses the shape with bolder bumpers, unique wheels, and those crisp LED signatures VW’s been leaning into. It’s athletic without begging for attention. Pricing varies by trim and options, but the story is consistent: the Atlas Cross Sport delivers a big, comfortable two‑row space with tech and torque that make the weekly grind—and the weekend drive—feel lighter.
Why it stuck with me: The Atlas Cross Sport fits the DMV’s mixed reality—city, suburbs, and spontaneous detours. It felt like a partner: calm, capable, and more premium inside than its badge sometimes gets credit for. For more information [media.vw.com]