What’s the Difference Between the VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport?

Comparing Two of the Most Popular SUVs from Volkswagen

For those shoppers who know they’re going with an SUV, but haven’t yet selected a specific one, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport definitely deserve consideration. They are two of the best-selling SUVs to fly under the VW banner; however, some drivers have trouble differentiating the two.

Indeed, these vehicles have a lot in common. They share the same namesake, many of the same features, and they are strikingly similar in performance. To provide a comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down the similarities and differences between the two models of VW Atlas. Afterwards, we’ll provide the information you need to compare these vehicles in person with a test drive.

2023 VW Atlas vs. VW Atlas Cross Sport – What’s the Same?

The VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport are both categorized as midsize SUVs that come outfitted with either a four-cylinder 2.0L turbo 8-speed engine with Tiptronic or the same engine with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, depending on your selection.

Both vehicles yield up to 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Further, they both have an 18.6-gallon fuel tank capacity and clock the same estimated fuel economy at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. And it probably comes as no surprise that the VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport both have a max towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

But wait! There’s even more overlap. The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have the same new vehicle warranty, which Volkswagen calls Carefree Coverage. They also have nearly identical feature packages, which include VW Digital Cockpit, the myVW app, a high-definition touchscreen media display, and IQ.DRIVE, a suite of intelligent driver assistance features.

Finally, each SUV is offered in five trim levels, each with their own distinct feature package. They start with the SE entry-level trim and go all the way up to the SEL Premium R-Line trim. Clearly, the VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport have a lot in common.

What’s the Difference Between the 2023 VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport?

After all those similarities, you might think there isn’t much left that can set these two SUVs apart. However, there remains plenty to look at.

First, the 2023 VW Atlas is the slightly larger SUV with three rows of seating that can hold up to seven passengers. By comparison, the 2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row SUV that can seat up to five people. Further distinguishing these SUVs, the Atlas Cross Sport has a sportier look with two-toned upholstery and more interior room for passengers.

The VW Atlas is slightly bigger and provides more storage space. Whereas the VW Atlas Cross Sport offers up to 77.8 cubic feet of storage (with back row seats folded down), the standard Atlas has up to 96.8 cubic feet of storage (with back row seats folded down).

Finally, each corresponding trim level of the VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport slightly differs in price. Drivers will notice the Atlas Cross Sport is less expensive across the board. For example, the Atlas Cross Sport SE starts at $34,460 MSRP compared to the Atlas SE, which starts at $35,150 MSRP.

Visit VW SouthTowne to Make an In-Person Comparison of the VW Atlas vs. VW Atlas Cross Sport

We know comparing these two versions of the VW Atlas can be a little bit tricky. Remember, when sizing up the Atlas to the Atlas Cross Sport, be mindful of the following questions:

• Do you need seven seats, or would you prefer to have more cabin room with five seats?
• How much storage do you realistically need?
• Do you prefer a sportier look? Or are you a traditionalist?
• What is your price range and wish list of features?

Answering these questions makes the decision-making process easier when sizing up the standard Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. Another great way to help you figure out which side of the fence you’re leaning is by taking them both for a test drive.

Although their performance specs are identical, some drivers notice small nuances in handling when behind the wheel due to the size difference.

To arrange a test drive, reach out to the team at VW SouthTowne, conveniently located at 11000 South 290 West in South Jordan, Utah. You also can reach us by phone at (801) 988-5825, or via the contact form on our website.

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