The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport V6 SE with Technology - Review by Mark Fulmer


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

A Family Car with Roominess, Safety, Reasonable Price

Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL


For families of four or less, VW has created a stylish two row version of its three-row Atlas SUV, and gave it the designation Cross Sport. By loading it with a healthy dose of standard features and a reasonable price tag it looks to be quite competitive in its crowded class.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Powered by a 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 engine it has 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Its fuel economy: 18 mpg city, 24 highway and 20 combined. It comes with a standard tow hitch. It handles confidently and the suspension smooths out all but the worst bumps in the road. It takes the corners well, and visibility is quite good and appreciated on scenic drives.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The front seats are comfortable, padding is very good and they're wide enough to suit almost every body type. The interior not only feels big, it is indeed roomy, which is a plus for squirmy kids and teenagers with backpacks.
Front Legroom 41.7 "
Front Headroom 39.4 "
Front Hip room 58.2 "
Front Shoulder Room 61.5 "


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The rear seats are drew silent applause as they recline to various angles making adding a rear-facing child seat easy. With built-in rear sunshades the seats stay cooler and provoke one of the most beneficial side effects from young folks: sleeping.
Rear Legroom 40.4 "
Rear Headroom 37.8 "
Rear Hip room 58.0 "
Rear Shoulder Room 60.6 "


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

With a button press, you can switch from three hi-res digital dash displays. Very cool. And beautifully readable at a glance.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The infotainment system is also easy-to-read and has plenty of short cut buttons and physical knobs for for both audio and climate functions.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Cargo space is very important because families are an equipment sport. So the 40.3 cubic feet behind the second row is very good.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Fold the rear seats down, and you have access to 77.8 cubic feet - enough to stuff plenty of stuff from kids to adult toys.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

With a NHTSA five-star overall rating, active safety systems include:
- automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning
- lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- adaptive cruise control with lane-centering steering assist
- surround-view cameras, and automatic parking capabilities.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

So if you are family car shopping, check out the Atlas Cross, and be sure both you and your spouse test drive it.