View Photos of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

Michael SimariCar and Driver

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the sportier-looking two-row analog to the three-row Atlas SUV. It’s based on VW’s transverse-engine MQB architecture, which is the basis for a slew of other vehicles ranging from the Tiguan to the GTI. None of the GTI’s over-the-road magic is on display in the Cross Sport, though, despite this SUV’s name and sporty looks.

Read the full review

View Gallery

30 Photos

1 of 30

Our test vehicle was the well-equipped SEL R-Line trim, which comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and eight-speed automatic. A 276-hp naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 is optional.

2 of 30

Our instrumented testing revealed that the Cross Sport’s base 235-hp 2.0-liter turbo four matches the 276-hp 3.6-liter V-6’s 15.7-second, 90-mph quarter-mile sprint.

3 of 30

If your towing needs require you to pull a trailer of more than 2000 pounds, you’ll have to opt for the V-6. The larger engine sports a tow rating of 5000 pounds.

4 of 30

While there are some fun-to-drive mainstream SUVs, the Cross Sport isn’t one of them. Blame the absence of steering feel and a soft ride. Instead, its specialty is comfortable cruising.

5 of 30

The SEL R-Line sits near the top of the Cross Sport’s 13 trims. The R-Line package is modest and adds only a few items to the SEL trim, including revised front and rear bumpers, dark gray five-spoke alloys, and a leather-covered wheel. Oh, and you get an “R” badge on the grille and in the instrument cluster.

6 of 30

The Cross Sport’s taut sheetmetal shows just enough sinew to create the expectation that it could be a trail-hardened off-roader or maybe even a nimble on-road handler. It’s neither.

7 of 30

The Cross Sport boasts a voluminous cabin. Six-footers will find limo-like legroom in the rear seat. The cabin is also quite wide, giving the impression that this is a larger SUV than it actually is.

8 of 30

Behind the second row, the Cross Sport offers 40 cubic feet of cargo space, enough room for 14 carry-on bags. Drop the second-row seat and there’s space to haul 30 carry-ons.

9 of 30

The SEL R-Line model is well equipped and comes with a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, dual-zone HVAC, navigation, auto-levelling adaptive headlamps, and a host of driver-assist tech.

10 of 30

The interior’s design is simple, businesslike, and dated. Hard plastic is much in evidence, and the 8.0-inch infotainment screen is small relative to many competitors.

11 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

12 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

13 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

14 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

15 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

16 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

17 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

18 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

19 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

20 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

21 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

22 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

23 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

24 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

25 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

26 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

27 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

28 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

29 of 30

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T R-Line

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io