2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line
Class: Midsize Crossover
Shade: Silver Mist Metallic
Seating Capability: 5
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | B+ |
| Match and End | A |
| Gasoline Economic system | A- |
| Worth | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 269-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4 |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Miles pushed: 201
Noticed gasoline financial system: 25.8 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 19/26/22 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Snow Efficiency: N/A
Base worth: $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, wonderful highway manners
The great: Straightforward on the gasoline, loads of energy
The not so good: Gradual and glitchy digital interface, an excessive amount of engine noise
Tom Appel:
It could really feel just a little unusual to ponder the present Volkswagen U.S. lineup. American VW Showrooms at the moment are comprised of 5 crossovers, and simply three automobiles. Now, these three automobiles, the Golf, Jetta, and Arteon, are break up by WV into quite a lot of fashions, however they now not account for a lot when it comes to gross sales quantity. And—unhappy information—the likable midsize Arteon is being killed off after the 2024 mannequin yr.
The fact is, if a carmaker goes to promote autos within the U.S., it wants a sturdy crossover lineup, and Volkswagen has accomplished a good job protecting all of the bases. The VW “truck” lineup begins with the small Taos, and consists of the compact Tiguan, and the largish midsize Atlas. All are provided with AWD, and all are arguably styled within the European idiom. Additionally obtainable is the compact ID.4 electrical crossover, and the topic of as we speak’s missive, the “tweener” Atlas Cross Sport.
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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 mentioned, there’s nothing odd in regards to the Sport’s attraction. In comparison with the usual Atlas, the 2-row Cross Sport is about 5 inches shorter in general size, and weighs about 150 kilos much less. It’s additionally priced about $1000 decrease, as properly.
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Which means, when you don’t want the third seating row, you possibly can take pleasure in the entire Atlas facilities in a barely tidier bundle that’s simpler to park, just a little faster, just a little extra gasoline environment friendly, prices much less, and is arguably higher trying. What’s to not love? And, as an additional benefit, VW doesn’t check with the Cross Sport as a “coupe,” a time period frustratingly utilized by some manufacturers to explain shorter, fastback model of their commonplace 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. Probably the most vital replace, nevertheless, comes inside. The cabin has been retrimmed as a part of a luxury-themed makeover, and the brand new Atlases comes off as legitimately premium, particularly for the worth.
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 embody sporty design prospers and distinctive front-end and grille remedies.
Probably to the chagrin of some returning Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport buyers, 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 technology 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 previous engines. Each Atlases come solely with an 8-speed computerized transmission.
Shopper Information lately 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 instructed, 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 wish to cowl up entrance: The infotainment interface, and the powertrain.
First Spin: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport
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 data displayed relating to content material being accessed vis Bluetooth is normally incorrect and from a track or podcast beforehand performed. It’s confounding how unhealthy this technique is. That mentioned, routing telephone calls by way of the system works simply positive, 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 creator.
As for the drivetrain, although it delivers loads of helpful energy, the small 4-cylinder engines sounds as if its straining to maintain up with driver calls for. This frequent transmission shifts and the comparatively loud engine mix for what’s perceived by Shopper Information editors to be “sporty,” or “unrefined.” As for this creator, 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 expensive, sporty crossover with loads of individuals house and a refined dynamic character. The cabin is roomy and properly appointed, and getting into an exiting both seating row is simple due to giant door openings and a straightforward step-in.
And, say what you need about engine refinement, the brand new Atlas powertrain is simple on the gasoline. Over 200 miles of principally metropolis driving we averaged 25.8 mpg, wonderful given the scale of the automobile and the obtainable energy.
In the end, the Atlas Cross Sport, even in top-trim SEL Premium R-Line guise, is a blended bag. It seems and appears like a luxurious automobile, however the digital interface is frustratingly cranky, and the engine might sound and really feel crude to some crossover buyers. If the Atlas Cross Sport is in your test-drive brief checklist, make certain and spend a wholesome period of time with the automobile earlier than committing to a purchase order. When you can reside 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 Gallery
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