2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line
Class: Midsize Crossover
Shade: Silver Mist Metallic
Seating Capability: 5
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortA
Energy and PerformanceB+
Match and FinishA
Gas EconomyA-
ValueB+
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not replicate Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup.
Massive & Tall Consolation
Massive GuyA
Tall GuyA
Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs269-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine TypeTurbocharged 4
Transmission 8-speed automated
Drive WheelsAWD
Miles pushed: 201
Noticed gas financial system: 25.8 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 19/26/22 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Snow Efficiency: N/A
Base value: $51,445 (not together with $1350 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: N/A
Value as examined: $52,795
Fast Hits
The good: Spacious and premium-feeling cabin, glorious highway manners
The nice: Straightforward on the fuel, loads of energy
The not so good: Gradual and glitchy digital interface, an excessive amount of engine noise
Tom Appel:
It might really feel a little bit unusual to ponder the present Volkswagen U.S. lineup. American VW Showrooms are actually comprised of 5 crossovers, and simply three automobiles. Now, these three automobiles, the Golf, Jetta, and Arteon, are cut up by WV into plenty of fashions, however they not account for a lot by way of gross sales quantity. And—unhappy information—the likable midsize Arteon is being killed off after the 2024 mannequin yr.
![2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/IMG_1316-1024x768.jpg)
The fact is, if a carmaker goes to promote automobiles within the U.S., it wants a strong crossover lineup, and Volkswagen has accomplished an honest job protecting all of the bases. The VW “truck” lineup begins with the small Taos, and contains the compact Tiguan, and the largish midsize Atlas. All are supplied with AWD, and all are arguably styled within the European idiom. Additionally obtainable is the compact ID.4 electrical crossover, and the topic of at this time’s missive, the “tweener” Atlas Cross Sport.
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![2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/IMG_1332-1024x478.jpg)
Excluding the ID.4, the Cross Sport is one thing of an odd duck categorically, slotting beneath the 3-row Atlas and above the compact Tiguan within the lineup. That stated, there’s nothing odd concerning the Sport’s attraction. In comparison with the usual Atlas, the 2-row Cross Sport is about 5 inches shorter in total size, and weighs about 150 kilos much less. It’s additionally priced about $1000 decrease, as effectively.
Check Drive: 2024 Mazda CX-90
![2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/IMG_1325-956x1024.jpg)
Which means that, if you happen to don’t want the third seating row, you’ll be able to take pleasure in all the Atlas facilities in a barely tidier bundle that’s simpler to park, a little bit faster, a little bit extra gas environment friendly, prices much less, and is arguably higher wanting. What’s to not love? And, as an additional benefit, VW doesn’t discuss with the Cross Sport as a “coupe,” a time period frustratingly utilized by some manufacturers to explain shorter, fastback model of their normal crossovers.
For 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport underwent minor beauty surgical procedure, all for the higher we’d argue, and had the two-drivetrain invoice of fare trimmed to a single providing. Essentially the most important replace, nonetheless, comes inside. The cabin has been retrimmed as a part of a luxury-themed makeover, and the brand new Atlases come off as legitimately premium, particularly for the value.
The ’24 Cross Sport lineup begins with the entry-level SE (about $38,000), and ascends by way of SE with Know-how ($42,000), SEL ($50,000), SEL R-Line ($51,000), and SEL Premium R-Line ($53,000). R-Line fashions embrace sporty design thrives and distinctive front-end and grille therapies.
Probably to the chagrin of some returning Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport customers, the super-smooth 3.6-liter V6 has been retired for 2024, changed in all fashions by an up-power 2.0-turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplant, the “EVO4.”
Volkswagen code EA888, the brand new 4-cylinder engine produces a reported 269 horsepower, that’s considerably greater than the earlier era 4 (235), and simply shy of the retired V6 (276). And, per VW, the brand new 4 cranks out extra torque than both of the outdated engines. Each Atlases come solely with an 8-speed automated transmission.
Client Information not too long ago spent every week with a Cross Sport in topline SEL Premium R-Line trim, in Silver Mist Metallic with Titan Black leather-based cabin trim. All advised, together with vacation spot, our check automobile got here to $52,795. Sadly, as a lot as we respect the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, each endure from a pair of points we’d prefer to cowl up entrance: The infotainment interface, and the powertrain.
First Spin: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport
![2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/IMG_1322-961x1024.jpg)
First, the infotainment system is among the many worst within the trade. The touchscreen is sluggish to reply to inputs, the menu system is complicated and illogically organized, and the knowledge displayed relating to content material being accessed by way of Bluetooth is normally incorrect and from a track or podcast beforehand performed. It’s confounding how dangerous this technique is. That stated, routing cellphone calls by way of the system works simply effective, which is a bit of excellent information. And, regardless of the horrible interface, the Harman Kardon sound system is great, particularly when tasked with reproducing the mid-century American jazz favored by this writer.
As for the drivetrain, although it delivers loads of helpful energy, the small 4-cylinder engine sounds as if its straining to maintain up with driver calls for. Frequent transmission shifts and the comparatively loud engine mix for what’s perceived by Client Information editors to be “sporty,” or “unrefined”–there isn’t a center floor. As for this writer, the engine noise and responsive transmission felt athletic, and added to the Cross Sport’s typically nimble character. You may learn extra about our tackle the Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport infotainment system and drivetrain right here.
Shifting past these points, the Atlas Cross Sport shines as an opulent, sporty crossover with loads of individuals area and a refined dynamic character. The cabin is roomy and effectively appointed, and coming into an exiting both seating row is straightforward because of giant door openings and a simple step-in.
And, say what you need about engine refinement, the brand new Atlas powertrain is straightforward on the fuel. Over 200 miles of principally metropolis driving we averaged 25.8 mpg, glorious given the dimensions of the automobile and the obtainable energy.
Finally, the Atlas Cross Sport, even in top-trim SEL Premium R-Line guise, is a combined bag. It appears and looks like a luxurious automobile, however the digital interface is frustratingly cranky, and the engine might sound and really feel crude to some crossover customers. If the Atlas Cross Sport is in your test-drive brief record, be certain and spend a wholesome period of time with the automobile earlier than committing to a purchase order. For those who can stay with the Sport’s faults, there’s lots right here to like.
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![2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/IMG_1315-1024x596.jpg)
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