Difference Between 2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport

If you’re searching for a new SUV to complete school drop-offs or take weekend getaways, you may consider the Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport. While these two SUVs have similarities, a few key differences set them apart. Below, you can explore a comparison of these two vehicles, including their exterior, cargo space, and seating arrangements.

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Exterior Design & Height

Images used with permission via Volkswagen US Media Site

Volkswagen has differentiated the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport slightly by their exterior sizes. The Atlas is marginally taller and longer than the Atlas Cross Sport. The height difference is between 3 and 5 inches, depending on which trim levels you compare. The difference in length is around 5 inches, but this also depends on the compared models. Both vehicles have a 117.3-inch wheelbase, so the extra length comes from the body.

Upon first glance, you may have some trouble distinguishing the differences between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. While they may look similar at first, you’ll find that the Atlas Cross Sport has a slightly raked roofline upon closer inspection. While this difference is subtle, it helps the vehicle live up to the “sport” in its name. The athletic look makes it more of an adventure-style SUV, while the Atlas assumes more of a traditional SUV aesthetic.

Interior Seating & Storage

When you hop inside the Atlas Cross Sport and then make yourself comfortable in the Atlas, you’ll notice a few key differences. The most obvious is the vehicles’ seating arrangements. The Atlas has a seven-seat configuration with two in the front row, two in the second row, and three in the back row. The Atlas Cross Sport only offers five seats with two in the front row and three in the second row. While the Atlas Cross Sport lacks passenger seating, it makes up for it with cargo space.

When you use all the seats in the Atlas Cross Sport, you have access to around 40 cubic feet of cargo space. If you fold down the second-row seats, you expand the available cargo space to around 78 cubic feet. The Atlas has comparable storage space but only when you put down at least one of the rows.

With all of the seating rows in use in the Atlas, you have access to around 20 cubic feet of storage. When you fold down the third row, you can access around 55 cubic feet of space. If you and a front-seat passenger are hitting the road alone, you can fold down all the back seats to get nearly 100 cubic feet of space in the Atlas.

If you don’t plan on driving with many passengers, you can opt for captain’s chairs in the second row and turn the Atlas Cross Sport into a four-passenger SUV. This creates more seating room for the two back-seat passengers. You can also free up some cargo space on the floor where that third middle seat would typically be.

Engine and Performance

Both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offer the same base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine. This engine boasts an impressive 235 horsepower, which is more than enough to make any driver feel powerful behind the wheel. Both vehicles also come with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission that takes all the work out of changing gears. If you prefer an all-wheel-drive system, you can upgrade to it with most trims of both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport.

The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offer a more powerful engine depending on your preferences and towing needs. This engine is a 3.6-liter V-6 that delivers 266 lb-ft of torque and 276 horsepower. Both vehicles can haul around 2,000 pounds when they have this engine to power them through towing jobs. With the optional tow package for either the Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport, the towing capacity increases to around 5,000 pounds.

The Atlas is typically a few hundred pounds heavier than the Atlas Cross Sport, no matter which trim level you get. Despite this size difference, the vehicles offer a very similar fuel economy. Whether you’re partaking in city or highway driving, you can expect to get anywhere between 17 mpg and 23 mpg with either vehicle.

As far as maneuvering and handling go, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offer similar experiences. The acceleration and handling are nearly identical. The most important thing is that both vehicles offer a smooth ride, and they can tackle back roads with no issues.

Before you buy any vehicle, it’s a good idea to test drive it and experience its power yourself. Visit us at VW of Marion to test drive the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, or any other new or pre-owned Volkswagen vehicle that captures your interest. Our friendly team will get you behind the wheel of any vehicle and answer any questions you have regarding financing, maintenance, and dealer trade in value.

Subtle Trim Level Differences

The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are both available in the following trim levels:

• S
• SE
• SE with Technology
• SE with Technology R-Line
• SEL
• SEL R-Line
• SEL Premium
• SEL Premium R-Line

The differences in these trim levels are subtle, but they can add an element of luxury to what otherwise may be a standard family vehicle. The differences are most notable in the Atlas Cross Sport. As you move up in trim levels, you can access features like door panel stitching and two-tone exterior color schemes.

Standard Infotainment & Technology Upgrades

Each Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport has a standard infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch screen. This system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s also compatible with Volkswagen’s Car-Net app and comes with a Wi-Fi hot spot and a six-speaker stereo. Some technology upgrades you can experience as you move up in trim levels include an 8-inch touch screen, a voice recognition system, and multiple USB-C charging ports.

Emphasis on Safety Features

Volkswagen has equally prioritized safety in both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. In the base versions of each vehicle, you get access to features like a rear-view camera, rear cross-traffic warning, and a blind-spot monitoring system. With higher trim levels, you can access safety features like road sign recognition, adaptive headlights, and lane-keeping assist.

If you’d like to test drive the Atlas, Atlas Sport, or another Volkswagen SUV, stop by VW of Marion. You can also contact our team to discuss everything from new vehicle specials to signing up for a Volkswagen maintenance plan.