Video: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Vs. Atlas: What Are the Differences?

The regular Atlas has three rows and seating for up to seven, and the Atlas Cross Sport has two rows and seating for five, but the changes go much deeper than the number of seats. So let's take a look at what you get and what you don't get in the Atlas Cross Sport. The biggest difference on the outside is gonna be the roof line, because overall, the height is shorter than the regular Atlas, about two and a half inches, and then after here, it just dips really aggressively all the way to the back. And then in the back you have unique styling, and also the rear bumper treatment. Lower bumper treatment is unique to the Atlas Cross Sport. And when you're looking at it from this rear three-quarter view, you do see a lot of Audi Q8. And I think that is attributed to its sleek roof line, this really, really trick lighting. I mean, it's super distinctive, and the rear VW badge lights up. It's something that's really notable here. But as far as other qualities of an Audi Q8, really, that kind of squint-and-see-it styling is about all you get in the Cross Sport. The Cross Sport receives the same upgrades as the regular Atlas, so that means an updated interior that's really nicely done. It's mostly at eye level here, 'cause that's really what's most important, but there are new materials, new styling, new lighting. It's a much richer experience than the previous Atlas. And there's also a redesigned center console that has storage underneath, which is just great in everyday use. Still struggling to call the new multimedia screen and controls an upgrade. Actually no, we're not struggling at all. The way that you interact with this system is not an upgrade versus the previous system, although the screen itself, the graphics, the resolution is much nicer, and feels more appropriate, especially in this trim level that's over $50,000. But the biggest difference between the regular Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport is in the backseat, where this is your only seat. So it's two row, there's room for three back here. And while this does recline, it doesn't slide. And that's kind of a bummer, because the Atlas three-row, this second row slides, and gives you more cargo versatility. So the Atlas has a lot of room in the second row, so you can slide it forward and have more cargo room, and still not really sacrifice too much room. But the Atlas Cross Sport doesn't have that function, which is kind of a bummer. And otherwise, though, there's also less headroom because of that lower roof line. Still, there's a lot of room to give from the regular Atlas. So I'm still very comfortable here in the backseat. Another thing you're not not getting in the Atlas Cross Sport that you are in the Atlas is a rear climate control for backseat passengers. It's just not offered on the Cross Sport at all. So that aggressive and shorter roof line also has implications in the cargo area, where there's less cargo space than the three-row Atlas. Now this is still a lot of cargo space for a two-row SUV, but it does cut into cargo space, and you lose that sliding second row functionality. So if you do need more while keeping passengers in the back seat, you don't have that option. The cargo specs have not changed from the previous version to this version. And in our testing of the previous version, we observed 44% more cargo area in the regular Atlas. So again, that's one of the hits you're gonna take going to the Cross Sport. And there are a couple other ways on how the Cross Sport is different than the regular Atlas, specifically, how it drives. The Cross Sport is 300 pounds lighter in this top SEL premium R-spec trim level, and that's a significant weight savings. It gets one mile per gallon better in combined EPA ratings to 22 miles per gallon combined. And perhaps most notable, for 2024, you don't have to choose between power and performance in the turbo four cylinder, because, well, it's the only engine offered. And this is a new engine that makes its maximum power on regular octane gasoline, which is a change from the previous version, where the maximum advertised power ratings only came on premium. So I know I've been talking about what the Atlas Cross Sport doesn't have, but that also means you're saving money. It's a thousand dollars less expensive, trim level to trim level, than the regular Atlas. And even though it has less headroom, less seating capability, less cargo room, it's still a really roomy SUV for the price. And we like most of the improvements that happen to the Atlas for 2024 except that multimedia and control system, which you're gonna have to check out and use. Take it for a nice long test drive, see if it's something you can live with. Otherwise, though, if you really like the way the Cross Sport looks, and you don't need a third row, there's still a lot to like in the Atlas Cross Sport. (upbeat music)