Sizing Up the VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for Summer Car Shopping

How the VW Atlas Cross Sport Compares to Its Upsized Counterpart

Another summer is upon us, and you know what that means – it’s time to travel. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks or a day trip to St. Joe to check out Chiefs training camp, you and your family will be spending more quality time in the car together.

If you’re rolling with a large crew with sizable summer plans, you’ll need ample seating and interior space, enough cargo room for your gear, and plenty of infotainment and comfort features to keep your passengers happy. Family road trips can be rough if you don’t have the right vehicle.

Fortunately, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas for sale is one of the best options for big families with demanding storage needs. Its slightly smaller counterpart – the VW Atlas Cross Sport – is leaner in build while delivering the same performance metrics as its big brother.

It can be difficult to differentiate between the two at first glance, which is why we’re going to break down how the VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport are unique. However, before we dive into that, let’s review the attributes they have in common.

Overlapping Stats the VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport Share

On paper, the VW Atlas and the VW Atlas Cross Sport are practically twins. Both SUVs can be outfitted with either a four-cylinder 2.0L turbo 8-speed engine with Tiptronic or the same engine with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive. Because they’re outfitted with the same engine, that means both iterations of the VW Atlas deliver 266 lb-ft of torque and 276 horsepower. Further, they both can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Regarding the Volkswagen Atlas’ gas mileage, it probably comes as no surprise those stats are also mirrored. Both VW Atlas models provide an estimated 21 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, and each SUV has a fuel capacity of 18.6 gallons.

Moving on to features and infotainment, there’s a lot of consistency between the two. Both the VW Atlas and the VW Atlas Cross Sport are offered in five different trim levels; each trim level has its own distinct set of features and aesthetic upgrades. Drivers will notice IQ.DRIVE, touchscreen media display, and VW Digital Cockpit appear throughout the various trim levels. You’ll be hard pressed to find a feature offered by one Atlas that isn’t offered by the other.

Finally, both models of the VW Atlas come with the same new vehicle warranty – Carefree Coverage. It consists of a package of protections and services that helps Atlas owners keep their SUVs in tip-top condition. It also provides limited-time roadside assistance and access to remote features via the myVW app.

How Is the VW Atlas Different from the VW Atlas Cross Sport?

Although the VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have a lot in common, there are some key things that set them apart. The most noticeable difference pertains to size and seating. The standard VW Atlas is the larger of the two SUVs and features three rows of seating that can hold up to seven passengers. The VW Atlas Cross Sport is slightly scaled down and sportier looking in terms of design and build. It can accommodate up to five passengers within its roomy cabin featuring two-toned seating.

Different vehicle sizes means different storage capacities between these two SUVs. The standard VW Atlas offers up to 96.8 cubic feet of storage while the VW Atlas Cross Sport offers 77.8 cubic feet. In both models, the rear seats must be folded down for max storage.

Finally, there’s a slight price difference between both Atlas models. The standard Atlas has a starting MSRP of $35,150 while the Atlas Cross Sport clocks in at $34,460. No matter which trim level you’re comparing, the Atlas Cross Sport always has a slightly smaller price tag.

Deciding Which Volkswagen Atlas for Sale Is Right for You

Choosing between the VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport is far easier to do in person, especially once you’ve had a chance to test drive them. Some drivers find the behind-the-wheel experience is an effective tiebreaker. The best way to take advantage is by stopping by the VW Lee’s Summit dealership. Once you’ve had a chance to experience both varieties of the VW Atlas, you’ll have a much easier time deciding which one is right for you and your family.

As a nice little incentive for our customers, we’re always running great deals on Volkswagen products, services, and VW parts in our specials section. Make sure to check back every month to see what type of deals we’re currently running. Well qualified buyers can usually secure low rates or discounts other dealerships can’t match.

You can visit VW Lee’s Summit at 2225 NE Independence Ave. For questions, call us at (816) 841-7252 or email us using the contact form on our website.

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