2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Overview
The highly competitive crossover market has become more interesting since Volkswagen introduced the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport. Noting the popularity of the larger Atlas, the veteran German manufacturer created a smaller version of that SUV. With two rows of seats instead of three and showcasing a sportier, more streamlined profile, the Atlas Cross Sport is perfect if you want an Atlas but don't need the extra space. The Cross Sport makes the platform smaller, without sacrificing interior comfort, engine oomph or off-road capabilities. A wide array of trim choices tailors the vehicle to each driver’s specific needs. This SUV comes in eight trims: the S, SE, SE with Technology, SE with Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. Within each category are further breakdowns, for four cylinders or six, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the full or minimal technology package. The Cross Sport aims to please.
The Perfect Ride for …
The young at heart, who occasionally stray off the beaten path but want to get there in style, with sufficient creature comforts, endless technology. This demographic extends into the middle-aged set with a few bucks to spend. Although the price tag for the S trim is accessible, the higher trims offer luxurious appointments and lavish features. With the appropriate technology options, the Cross Sport can nimbly handle both the open country road and the stop-and-go urban commute. Even better, that commute won’t break the bank. The S model with front-wheel drive boasts 21 miles to the gallon in the city, 24 on the highway.*
Drive and Handling
Shorter and lighter than its Atlas progenitor, the Cross Sport offers the same two engine choices: a turbocharged 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque or a 3.6-liter, naturally aspirated V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both have respectably short acceleration times. Both come with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
With the optional 4Motion® with Active Control, handling can be fine-tuned to individual preferences. This all-wheel drive package lets the driver choose from four different modes. Snow Mode shifts up at lower revs to prevent the wheels from getting too much power too quickly in dicey conditions. On-Road Mode is intended for normal driving conditions, but still contains four subcategories affecting road feel, comfort level, and steering response. Off-Road Mode optimizes traction for tricky road surfaces and includes Hill Descent Control to guide the vehicle down steep grades without burning out the brakes. Finally, there’s Off-Road Custom Mode, allowing the driver to select various road feel and steering feel options.
Key Features
Safety
The Cross Sport offers some technology new to Volkswagen—dynamic road sign display and traffic jam alert—as well as such increasingly common aides as adaptive cruise control (maintaining a pre-set distance from the car ahead), blind-spot monitoring, parking assist (to steer the vehicle into and out of tight spots) and a lane-keeping system (to discourage drifting outside lane markers when the turn signal is off). With the mobile app Volkswagen Car-Net, Cross Sport drivers can remotely turn the engine off and on, lock and unlock the doors, honk the horn, flash the lights and locate their parking space. Volkswagen is keeping your family safe on or off-road with the features packed into the new Atlas Cross Sport. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist are available for the 2021 model year.
Technology
Enjoy the ability to easily utilize the feature-packed infotainment system thanks to the available 8-inch touchscreen. With the available navigation, wireless charging, and Wi-Fi hotspot, you never need to feel like you’re far away from what’s important while you’re on the road. Get vital information presented to you via the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit with a 10-inch display that shows navigation, fuel economy, and more. For audiophiles, upgrading to the 480-watt Fender® Premium Audio System is well worth the price. Recreate the sound of your favorite songs with the quality you’d expect from professional equipment, every time you take a drive.
Alternative Options
If you need more space, there’s no better option than the original Volkswagen Atlas. This SUV was created before the Cross Sport model and offers the style and performance with even more space for the entire family to enjoy. Prefer a sedan? The Volkswagen Passat offers a luxurious experience at an attainable price.
For more information about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport or any of the amazing models in the 2021 Volkswagen lineup, contact the sales team at Jack Daniels Volkswagen.
Image Credit: Volkswagen
* 21 city/24 highway mpg (20211 Atlas Cross Sport 2.0L TSI®, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.