Volkswagen lives up to its name as “the people’s car” by meeting the growing demands of drivers with models like the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Although known for iconic vehicles like the Beetle, the German automaker discovered that bigger is sometimes better with the introduction of the Altas, its largest SUV, in 2018. Designed for families looking for a spacious SUV, the Atlas filled a gap in the Volkswagen lineup as a four-door vehicle with three rows of seating and plenty of cargo room. So, what prompted Volkswagen to develop the Atlas Cross Sport?
The Atlas found its niche among Americans, and that inspired Volkswagen to put a new spin on the family-friendly SUV. If the Atlas was great, then another model would be better, right? The Atlas Cross Sport debuted in 2020 as a slightly smaller, two-row SUV that offered the same power, capability, and performance as its larger sibling. Its size, however, means it is more agile and efficient, making it attractive to drivers who didn’t need or want a three-row behemoth.
Since its introduction, the Atlas Cross Sport has proven its practicality, versatility, stylishness, and sophistication. These features culminate in the 2022 model that sees even more technology added to its long list of features and conveniences. Considering its affordable starting price, it’s easy to see why the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is one of the most anticipated and top-valued SUVs to hit the road this year!
Starting at
Just as it does with the three-row Atlas, Volkswagen gives you a choice between two powertrains for the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard on the Atlas Cross Sport, or you can upgrade to the optional 3.6-liter VR6 engine. Both models balance efficiency and power with start-stop technology. This technology is most noticeable at red lights when the engine is idling, and the brake pedal is engaged. Instead of idling the engine for too long, however, the technology automatically shuts the engine off and eliminates fuel consumption to maximize efficiency. As soon as you engage the accelerator pedal, the engine seamlessly restarts.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers the Atlas Cross Sport’s best fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is impressive considering the engine churns out 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.** You’ll find even more power and capability when you opt for the Atlas Cross Sport with the 3.6-liter VR6 engine that delivers 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque to make the SUV quick to accelerate and respond. This increase in power doesn’t drastically reduce the SUV’s fuel efficiency, with the 3.6-liter rated for 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.**
Because of the VR6’s capability and power, every Atlas Cross Sport that’s equipped with the engine comes standard with a factory-installed trailer hitch. This allows you to take advantage of the SUV’s 5,000-pound towing capacity. For even greater capability, you can equip the Atlas Cross Sport with Volkswagen’s 4Motion Active Control all-wheel-drive system. The system is impressive since it engages before wheel slippage occurs to minimize traction loss in any condition. To do this, the system constantly calculates and delivers the torque needed for the current driving conditions.
While the all-wheel-drive system works behind the scenes, Volkswagen gives you greater control over how the Atlas Cross Sport performs with Active Control. This system offers four unique drive modes: Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. The Onroad mode offers four additional settings: Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Individual. Each mode and setting tailors how the engine, transmission, steering, and driving components work together. For example, Sport mode makes the Atlas Cross Sport more engaging to drive with its faster throttle response and agile handling, while the Snow and Offroad modes optimize performance in inclement weather and on harsh terrain.
The 2022 Atlas Cross Sport sees a host of new technology that’s designed to keep you connected and informed when you’re on the road. From behind the wheel, you’ll find one of the most innovative digital cockpits in the segment. Known as the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, the system is standard on every trim and includes either an 8.0-inch digital display or a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display. The standard display gives you two views and a variety of widgets that allow you to customize the display to your needs. The upgraded Pro offers three unique views with 21 viewing options and full-screen navigation, which means your route is right in front of you when you need it most.
Looking toward the center dashboard, you’ll find the Atlas Cross Sport’s infotainment system and center touchscreen display. Available in either a 6.5-inch or 8.0-inch screen, the infotainment system works like your smartphone and uses touch-sensor technology that makes it easier to navigate with one hand. It’s home to the App-Connect smartphone integration system, which allows you to sync your smartphone with the Atlas Cross Sport using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You’ll also find the display is home to SiriusXM with 360L, which is the most advanced entertainment platform available and gives you access to over 10,000 hours of On-Demand content that’s personalized to you the more you listen!
Listening to SiriusXM with 360L is even more enjoyable in the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport, thanks to Volkswagen’s partnership with Fender. The SUV comes standard with a six-speaker sound system, but you can upgrade to the Fender Premium Audio System, which was specifically designed to deliver an immersive listening experience for everyone in the SUV. It’s like a personal concert at every seat. The 480-watt system is phenomenal, with 12 speakers strategically placed throughout the vehicle along with a 12-channel amplifier to deliver an arena-like sound throughout the Volkswagen.
Your safety is a top priority for Volkswagen, and that’s why the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport is laden with active and passive safety features that extend your visibility and minimize the potential for collision. Beyond the standard airbags, anti-lock brakes, rearview camera, and tools like electronic stability control, the SUV is also equipped with Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System. In certain types of collisions, this life-saving system shuts off the fuel pump to reduce the risk of fire, unlocks the doors to improve your chances of exiting the vehicle, and turns on the hazards to minimize the risk of getting hit by oncoming traffic. The only thing you have to focus on is safely getting yourself and your passengers out of the vehicle.
Volkswagen also equips the Atlas Cross Sport with a suite of advanced driver-assist tools that give you more confidence when you’re behind the wheel. For example, Front Assist alerts you to potential collisions with Forward Collision Warning, while Autonomous Emergency Braking can bring the SUV to an emergency stop when a collision is imminent. Side Assist uses radar sensors at the back of the vehicle to alert you to vehicles in your blind spots. This makes changing lanes easier since the system uses a flashing LED symbol in your side mirrors when a vehicle is present. Lane Assist builds on this capability and can countersteer the SUV to avoid a collision if a vehicle is hidden in your blind spot.
You can also equip the Atlas Cross Sport with a Rear Traffic Alert System, which makes it easier to back out of busy areas by alerting you to crossing traffic. Like Front Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking, the tool can bring the SUV to an emergency stop to prevent a collision. Advanced Cruise Control with Stop & Go is one of the most notable features of the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport because it uses a front-facing radar to monitor the flow of traffic ahead and adjusts the SUV’s speed as needed. This means you don’t have to constantly set and reset the cruise control in congested highway traffic.
Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE system is another innovative feature and works worth Travel Assist to deliver a semi-autonomous driving experience. Using a collection of sensors, the system helps you keep the SUV centered in its lane and alerts you to obstacles in front of and around the vehicle. With Travel Assist engaged, the Atlas Cross Sport will steer, accelerate, and brake as needed just as long as you keep your hands on the wheel. This reduces driver fatigue and makes driving the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport more enjoyable on long journeys.