Preview: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Boosts Power and Promises Fuel Economy Improvements

The Atlas Cross Sport continues to carve a unique niche with limited direct competition. Its rivals are technically two-row midsized SUVs from other mainstream brands, like the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Passport, but nothing quite aligns with its mission and design. Instead, the Atlas Cross Sport’s styling has more in common with a few premium-branded models, like the Audi Q5 Sportback, BMW X6, Infiniti QX65, and even the Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

It continues to offer the same sportier-looking alternative to boxy SUVs, with numerous incremental upgrades. However, that styling often compromises cargo capacity compared with boxier SUVs such as the Passport. We are eager to see how the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport perform in our fuel economy tests, as their past performance was low for the class. We expect that the upcoming hybrid powertrain will add significant appeal to this promising model.

The new Atlas Cross Sport is the same length as before, about 196 inches. It is about 5 inches shorter than the three-row Atlas. Again, the Cross Sport has a more athletic appearance than the larger Atlas.

Compared to the previous generation’s bodywork, the new Cross Sport is a bit more rounded, losing the crisp lines that were used across the Volkswagen product line. The result shifts the new VWs toward the styling of the latest Mercedes-Benz models. 

The front and rear light designs are bolder, with available enhancements that increase lighting and even illuminate the front VW logo. To further distinguish the coupe-inspired Cross Sport from the regular Atlas, all versions have body-color rocker panels beneath the doors for a more harmonious, monochrome appearance. Speaking of chrome, the Cross Sport eschews the Atlas’ black bumper trim for silver accents. 

The base version wears 18-inch wheels, while the other trims are fitted with 20- or 21-inch wheels. 

The cabin employs a contemporary design with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a large center-dash screen that looks like an oversized tablet computer, dual wireless charging pads, a rotary controller dial, and a pair of cupholders. 

That dial in the center console performs several functions, such as adjusting volume, drive models, and “atmospheres.”

The base Atlas Cross Sport has a 12.9-inch infotainment screen. Most versions get a large 15-inch display. The standard audio system has nine speakers. The top trim is available with a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon setup. 

Two phones can be charged side by side up front using Qi2 technology (with magnetic positioning), and there are five USB-C ports throughout the vehicle to keep everyone’s devices topped off. 

Three interior colors are available: black, brown, and gray. The contrasting palettes give the interior a premium look. All versions have a black headliner, which can be trimmed with olive-green stitching. 

The seats in the base Cross Sport are upholstered in leatherette, while higher trims can be wrapped in more premium Varenna or Nappa leather, and a massaging function is available for the driver and front passenger.

Several subscription-based services will be offered via myVW+, including navigation with real-time traffic and points-of-interest information, speech recognition with generative AI, and Premium Radio with access to more than 30,000 radio stations. Plus, WiFi hotspot capability can connect as many as four devices.

The Atlas Cross Sport once again employs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For 2027, power rises from 269 hp to 282 hp. As before, the engine is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In our tests, the previous Atlas ran 0-60 mph in a modest 7.7 seconds and returned 20 mpg overall in CR tests. Volkswagen claims that the redesigned Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will see improved fuel economy. If there is an increase, we expect it will be quite modest. 

Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Maximum tow capacity remains unchanged at a competitive 5,000 pounds. 

Volkswagen announced that a midlife refresh, presumably in two to three years, will introduce a new hybrid version. 

The 2027 Atlas Cross Sport gains a front-center airbag, bringing the total to seven standard airbags.

The standard IQ.Drive safety system features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, lane centering assistance, and adaptive cruise control. 

The hands-on active driving assistance system, called “Travel Assist” by Volkwagen, is capable of performing lane changes when the driver initiates the process (likely using the turn signals) and can also guide the SUV to the side of the road in the event of an emergency. An enhanced Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control on the top two trims adjusts speed through curves, roundabouts, and exit ramps.