Hold on, have you been sleeping on the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport? Because missing out on this luxurious mid-size SUV could be a serious mistake. It’s impressively well-rounded with only two drawbacks to consider. 

How is the Volkswagen Atlas different from the Atlas Cross Sport? 

You may have noticed that there is a regular VW Atlas model and the Cross Sport. So, what’s the difference? The Cross Sport doesn’t have a third row, so it only seats up to five passengers. Also, it has more passenger space. 

The Atlas can haul up to seven passengers and has a pretty spacious third row for children and shorter folks. 

Two potential VW Atlas cons 

1. All of the tech is controlled by touch 

Using the infotainment system in the Atlas might be a little distracting because it relies on a touch screen and touch sensitive buttons. It’s the only vehicle I’ve ever driven with touch-sensitive HVAC bars and sunroof controls. 

Also, the cruise control system constantly keeps you really far away from cars in front of you. It’s a little frustrating the be held so far back. 

But overall, the tech is excellent. The system is powered by Google, but wireless Apple CarPlay is easy to connect. Also, Apple CarPlay doesn’t automatically pop up, but it’s ready to go as needed. 

The touchscreen is vibrant with logical system menus and plenty of customization options. I set all of the LED accent lighting to hot pink for the next reviewer to enjoy. 

2. The reverse camera is lacking 

The Atlas isn’t too large and doesn’t have massive blindspots, so it doesn’t need a 360-degree camera. However, the reverse camera is a bit of a let down compared to rivals. The screen is small and pixelated. 

Upgrade to the R-Line for a 360-degree camera, automated parking system, and massaging front seats.  

What do I like about the VW Atlas?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas is extremely comfortable. For example, the front seats are massive with tons of adjustment controls, and the second row  has tons of space for adults. Plus, the second row seats offer plenty of room for adults. 

In Comfort mode, the cabin is quiet and peaceful. The VW Atlas easily glides over road imperfections and settles impacts before you notice them. Also, the automatic climate control is very smart and rarely needs adjusting. 

You can pump up the fun in Sport mode for an athletic performance that stiffens the suspension and provides a louder engine roar. But the gear shifts are a bit more aggressive, and the brakes could be more confident. 

Each model has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.3 seconds. It’s no slouch and corners well with a convenient turning radius. 

It can go over 450 miles on a single tank of gas, meaning fewer fill ups. But this SUV is thirsty. It gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and up to 25 mpg on the highway. 

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provides 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 77.8 cubes overall. There’s so much storage space, including tons of trays, bins, and cubbies, like a pass-through tunnel under the center console.

You can put extra gear on the roof and use the Atlas and use it to tow up to 5,000 lbs. It’s luxurious, but can be rugged. It’s excellent off-road with superior control and plenty of grip. 

Last but not least, the interior is lavish and attractive with plush leather upholstery, a massive panoramic sunroof, metal accents, accent stitching, and wood trim. Textured patterns break up large areas of dark materials, and the ambient lighting sets the mood for a fun ride. 

Overall, the Volkswagen Atlas is comfortable, engaging, spacious, and easy. It only needs a few tech updates.