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2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review by Mark Fulmer +VIDEO


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An SUV for Small Families with Big Cargo

By Mark Fulmer
The Auto Channel


Some families need 3 rows of seats and for them there is the VW Atlas. For smaller families who do not need the 3rd row and yet need plenty of cargo space, there is the Atlas Cross Sport with the same wheelbase of its big brother, and even with a body that's a couple inches shorter and a slight slope to the hatch there is ample room for equipment and supplies.


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Engine choice is between a 235 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 276 hp V-6. Fuel economy numbers are 21city/24 highway for the 2.0T FWD (which also has AWD available), and 16/22 for the V-6 AWD.


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Check out this cargo space with the 2nd row flattened. You could put an Aerobed in there for family members who get kicked out of the tent during camping trips due to excessive snoring or other unsociable processes. Also useful for over-sized pets, over-teched teenagers, and overkill shopping at Costco.


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When those back seats are in their upright positions, your adult passengers will be pleased to have the extra inches of seat and legroom, as well as climate controls and USB power jacks. Wherever you are seated, the Atlas is a smooth, solid and quiet ride. The instrumentation is pure Volkswagen: simple, direct, practical, and purely logical - a nice departure from style-over-substance glitz.


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Here's a sneak peak and the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport which will offer my favorite car color: RACING GREEN. Yeah, baby.