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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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