The VW Atlas Cross Sport is a US-only SUV/Coupe thing

By topgear, 15 October 2019
The VW Atlas Cross Sport is a US-only SUV/Coupe thing

Our avid readers from across the pond will recognise the above as the Volkswagen Atlas. But wait, this is no standard Atlas SUV – this is the new, less practical, five-seat coupe-fied version of the Volkswagen Atlas known as the Cross Sport.

Forget the obvious impracticalities for a moment, though, and let us know in the comments below what you think of the Cross Sport’s looks compared to the standard Atlas (non-Americans – Google it).

The Cross Sport is 7cm shorter and almost 6cm lower than its seven-seat sibling, and there are new lights and a three-bar chrome grille up front. The rear-end gets the biggest update of course, with a raked boot, more new lights and a new rear bumper featuring some of the worst fake exhausts we’ve seen this year.

There are chunky arches, though, and R-Line models get even sportier bumpers and the option of 21-inch wheels. In total there are eight - yes eight - different trim levels.

Only two engines are available, both of which burn petrol rather than diesel. The largest of the two is a 276bhp V6, whilst the smaller is a turbocharged four-cylinder with 235bhp. Both are connected to an eight-speed auto ‘box and are available with all-wheel-drive. There’s plenty of safety tech too, with the base model getting Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Alert.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport is a US-only SUV/Coupe thing
The VW Atlas Cross Sport is a US-only SUV/Coupe thing

Inside, the Americans don’t get the option of the Touareg’s 15-inch Innovision Cockpit so have to make do with a smaller screen, but there are still customisable digital dials on SEL models. Trim level permitting, you can also get heated rear seats, a Fender Premium Audio System and much more besides.

Plus, you’ll get access to VW’s Car-Net system which allows you to control a whole host of features – including starting the engine – via an app on your phone. Occupants will then be able to connect four different devices to a Car-Net hotspot.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport is a US-only SUV/Coupe thing