Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport generations, specs and prices by year

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row, five-seat SUV built alongside the Atlas in Chattanooga and sold since the 2020 model year. The 2026 Cross Sport costs $38,300 to $53,620 before destination, with a 269-hp, 273 lb-ft 2.0L turbo four, an 8-speed automatic and up to 5,000 lbs of towing.

Type
Two-row, five-seat midsize SUV (FWD or 4MOTION AWD)
Price (MSRP)
$38,300–$53,620 (2026 MY) · Starting MSRPs in VW's online builder on Nov 5, 2026, which still listed 2026 models; excludes destination. Low = SE (FWD); high = SEL Premium R-Line with 4MOTION. 4MOTION adds $1,900 on the SE and SE with Technology.[1]
Powertrains
Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T FWD (2026), Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T 4MOTION (2026), Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T (2020–2023), Atlas Cross Sport 3.6L V6 (2020–2023) · 269 hp
Towing
up to 5,000 lb (Braked towing with the trailer hitch, standard on SE with Technology and above and available on the SE, per VW.)[9]
Current generation
Atlas Cross Sport first generation (incl. 2024 refresh), 2020–2026

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport price and trims

The current two-row Atlas Cross Sport uses a single 269-hp turbo four. The 2026 lineup runs from SE to SEL Premium R-Line, with SE with Technology, SEL and SEL R-Line Black in between.[16][17][18]

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport trims with 2026 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2026)Powertrain
SE$38,300Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination; FWD, 4Motion $40,2002.0L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (269 hp, 273 lb-ft)[16]
SE with Technology$42,720Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination; FWD, 4Motion $44,6202.0L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (269 hp, 273 lb-ft)[16]
SEL$48,610Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination; 4Motion standard2.0L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (269 hp, 273 lb-ft)[16]
SEL R-Line Black$50,560Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination; 4Motion standard2.0L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (269 hp, 273 lb-ft)[16]
SEL Premium R-Line$53,620Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination; 4Motion standard2.0L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (269 hp, 273 lb-ft)[16]

Every Atlas Cross Sport trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport engines, horsepower and mpg

VW's 2019 launch release gave metric output for the original engines (235 PS turbo four, 276 PS V6), so US hp ratings for 2020–2023 are not listed here; EPA figures for those rows are 2020 FWD versions. EPA has already rated the 2027 Atlas Cross Sport at 22/29/24 mpg (FWD) and 21/28/24 (4MOTION).

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport powertrains with Volkswagen-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T FWD (2026)SE, SE with Technology2.0L TSI turbocharged inline-4[2][1][3]2692738-speed automaticFront-wheel drive20/27/232026 MY[3]
Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T 4MOTION (2026)SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, SEL Premium R-Line2.0L TSI turbocharged inline-4[2][1][4]2692738-speed automatic4MOTION all-wheel drive20/26/222026 MY[4]
Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T (2020–2023)2.0L TSI turbocharged inline-4[5][6][7]——8-speed automaticFWD or 4MOTION AWD21/24/222020 MY[6]
Atlas Cross Sport 3.6L V6 (2020–2023)3.6L VR6 V6[5][8][7]——8-speed automaticFWD or 4MOTION AWD17/23/192020 MY[8]

Output is as rated by Volkswagen; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Atlas Cross Sport (2026) vs Atlas (2027)

Same Chattanooga plant and 4MOTION system; the Cross Sport trades the third row for a sloped roof and a lower price.[1][9][2][12][3][15]

Atlas Cross Sport (2026) vs Atlas (2027)
2026 Atlas Cross Sport2027 Atlas
Seats5 (two rows)7 (three rows)
Horsepower / torque269 hp / 273 lb-ft282 hp / 258 lb-ft
Starting MSRP$38,300$41,610
EPA mpg, FWD (city/hwy/comb)20/27/2322/29/25
Max cargo77.6 cu ft95.4 cu ft
Towing5,000 lbsUp to 5,000 lbs
  • The Cross Sport costs $3,310 less to start but uses the older 269-hp engine until its 2027 redesign.
  • Both tow up to 5,000 lbs.

Atlas Cross Sport vs Atlas: what is different

The Cross Sport is the two-row, five-seat version of the Atlas. VW says it shares the Atlas wheelbase and is about 13 mm shorter, with a sloping, coupe-style rear. Both are built in Chattanooga.

Cargo space is 40.3 cu ft behind the rear seat and 77.6 cu ft with it folded, against 95.4 cu ft in the three-row Atlas with both rear rows down. For 2026 the Cross Sport starts at $38,300, $3,310 below the 2027 Atlas SE.[5][9][12][1]

The 2024 refresh: one engine, new cabin

For 2024, VW dropped the 3.6L VR6 and the previous four-cylinder for a single 269-hp, 273 lb-ft turbo four. The cabin got a soft-touch dash, available 30-color ambient lighting and standard IQ.DRIVE driver assistance.

Outside, Cross Sport models gained gloss-black grille details, a gloss-black "X" across the lower fascia and a more aggressive rear diffuser to set them apart from the Atlas. The 5,000-lb tow rating stayed the same.[10][11]

FWD vs 4MOTION on the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport

The SE and SE with Technology come with front-wheel drive, and 4MOTION adds $1,900 ($40,200 and $44,620). The SEL, SEL R-Line Black and SEL Premium R-Line include 4MOTION, which offers driving modes including a Snow mode.

EPA rates the 2026 FWD Cross Sport at 20/27/23 mpg and the 4MOTION version at 20/26/22.[1][2][3][4]

The all-new 2027 Atlas Cross Sport

VW has shown a redesigned 2027 Atlas Cross Sport with new exterior and interior styling, an updated turbocharged engine and real wood trim. EPA's 2027 listing rates it at 22/29/24 mpg with FWD and 21/28/24 with 4MOTION, about 1–2 mpg better combined than the 2026 model.[12][13][14][3][4]

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport generations by year

Every US Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Atlas Cross Sport first generation (incl. 2024 refresh)2020–20262.0L turbo four or 3.6L VR6 V6, 8-speed automatic (2020–2023); 269-hp 2.0L turbo four only (2024–2026)Unveiled at the Chattanooga plant in October 2019 as a five-seat version of the Atlas on the same MQB wheelbase, about 13 mm shorter overall. The 2024 refresh brought a new interior and front end with a gloss-black "X" lower fascia, and replaced both engines with one 269-hp turbo four.[5][7][10][11]
Atlas Cross Sport second generation2027–present2.0L turbo four, 8-speed automatic (per EPA)VW has previewed an all-new 2027 Atlas Cross Sport with an updated turbocharged engine and real wood decor. EPA already lists it at 22/29/24 mpg with FWD; VW's builder still showed 2026 models on Nov 5, 2026, so 2027 output and prices are not yet listed here.[12][13][14][1]

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport problems and recalls

The most significant documented Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport problems are air bag recalls shared with the Atlas: door wiring that can delay the front side air bags on 2020–2023 models (22V152) and passenger seat sensor wiring that can switch off the front passenger air bag on 2020–2024 models (23V215, 24V464). Other recalls cover steering knuckles, engine bearings and camera software.

Documented Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Corroded door wiring can delay front side air bags (recall 22V152)[19]Atlas Cross Sport, original launch (2020–2023)2020–2023Recall 22V152
Seat sensor wiring can switch off the passenger air bag (recall 23V215)[20]Atlas Cross Sport, original launch (2020–2023)2020Recall 23V215
Seat sensor wiring can switch off the passenger air bag (recall 24V464)[21]Atlas Cross Sport, original launch and 2024 refresh (2020–2024)2020–2024Recall 24V464
Front steering knuckle may crack at the strut mount (recall 21V026)[22]Atlas Cross Sport, original launch (2020–2023)2020–2021Recall 21V026
Steering knuckles may have been damaged in production (recall 20V712)[23]Atlas Cross Sport, original launch (2020–2023)2020–2021Recall 20V712
Blocked A/C drain can leak water onto the air bag module (recall 21V892)[24]Atlas Cross Sport, original launch (2020–2023)2020–2021Recall 21V892
Front seat frame welds may be faulty (recall 20V505)[25]Atlas Cross Sport, original launch (2020–2023)2020Recall 20V505
Over-cured 20-inch Continental tires may fail (recall 20V702)[26]Atlas Cross Sport, original launch (2020–2023)2020–2021Recall 20V702

All 22 documented Atlas Cross Sport issues and 22 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

More Atlas Cross Sport research

See how an Atlas Cross Sport was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Volkswagen build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Volkswagen build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years did the Atlas Cross Sport come out?

The Atlas Cross Sport has been sold since the 2020 model year. VW unveiled the production version in October 2019, and an all-new 2027 model has been previewed.

How much is the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport?

VW's builder lists the 2026 Cross Sport from $38,300 for the SE to $53,620 for the SEL Premium R-Line, before destination. 4MOTION adds $1,900 on the SE grades.

How much can the Atlas Cross Sport tow?

Up to 5,000 lbs braked, VW says. The hitch is standard from the SE with Technology up and available on the SE.

Does the Atlas Cross Sport have a third row?

No. It seats five in two rows, with 40.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seat and 77.6 cu ft with it folded. The three-row Atlas seats seven.

Does the Atlas Cross Sport have a V6?

Not since 2023. EPA lists the 3.6L VR6 for 2020–2023; from 2024 every Cross Sport uses a 269-hp, 273 lb-ft 2.0L turbo four.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Volkswagen for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Volkswagen Build & Price: current trims and starting MSRPs (accessed Nov 5, 2026) — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  2. 2026 Atlas Cross Sport performance details (269 hp, 273 lb-ft, 4MOTION) — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport FWD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4MOTION — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. Volkswagen unveils the new Atlas Cross Sport SUV coupe (Oct 15, 2019) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport FWD 2.0L turbo — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  7. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  8. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport FWD 3.6L V6 — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  9. 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport model page and FAQs — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  10. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport debut at the Chicago Auto Show (Feb 10, 2023) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  11. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  12. 2027 Volkswagen Atlas model page (specs, EPA estimates, towing) — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  13. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport FWD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4MOTION — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  15. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas FWD 2.0L turbo — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  16. Volkswagen Build & Price: current trims, starting MSRPs and key features (accessed Nov 5, 2026) — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  17. 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  18. 2027 Volkswagen Atlas model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  19. Recall 22V152: Delayed Deployment of Front Side Air Bag — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 23V215: Front Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. Recall 24V464: Front Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. Recall 21V026: Loss of Steering Due To Knuckle Failure — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. Recall 20V712: Loss of Steering Due To Knuckle Failure — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. Recall 21V892: Blocked Drain Tube May Cause Air Bag Deployment — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  25. Recall 20V505: Front Seat Backrest Frame Not Welded Properly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  26. Recall 20V702: Overcured Tires Can Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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