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2025 Car Mileage with the Best Gas MileageNew vs Used: Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
We have done all the homework on the new and used Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Read on to find out which is the best bargain!
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
What do you get when you chop the top of a Volkswagen Atlas and remove the third row? You get the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The 2023 model year is the fourth year for the streamlined mid-size SUV, and it is built to serve families who need plenty of cargo space without needing a third row.
It rolls into the model year without any significant changes. When equipped with the technology package, the SE trim gets a new 10.3-inch digital gauge display screen. That’s it. That’s the only change that you will see.
But this article is about comparing a new model versus a used model. We’ll take a look at a used 2021 Volkswagen Cross Sport as well. When it comes to changes, the only significant change is that the base S trim has been removed from the lineup leaving the SE trim as the base in 2023.
Let’s take a closer look and check out what makes these two models different from each other.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Specs
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is equipped with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to the road. There is also an optional 3.6L V6 engine available that supplies 276 horsepower and 266 lbs.-ft. of torque. Both are available in FWD with AWD as an option.
The used Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport from 2021 had the exact same engine options that dished out the exact same numbers. It is safe to say there is no competition when it comes to the powertrains.
As expected, both the new 2023 model and the used 2021 model had the same numbers when it came to fuel economy as well. The turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder managed to get 21 MPG city and 25 MPG highway when equipped with FWD and the AWD version got 20 MPG city/24 MPG highway. If you get a model that is equipped with the V6 engine, you’ll see that FWD versions get 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, and 16 MPG city/23 MPG highway when equipped with AWD.
There are much better options out there if you are looking to save at the pump.
Driving and Performance
Both Atlas Cross Sport models also presented us with similar driving characteristics. They both managed to go from zero to 60 MPH in 7.5 seconds. Our test models were equipped with the optional V6 engine. That is only slightly faster than the larger Atlas. The Atlas equipped with the turbocharged four-cylinder was 0.1-second faster which leads us to surmise that the four-cylinder performed slightly better than the V6.
We were really hoping that Volkswagen had made the handling of the Atlas Cross Sport more…well… sporty since 2021. However, they failed to change anything. It has no sporty feel to it whatsoever, and the suspension seems to highlight every nook and cranny of the road’s surface. We weren’t impressed with the handling or the ride quality in the slightest.
When it comes to towing, both models are rated for towing up to 2,000 lbs. when equipped with the turbocharged four-cylinder. The V6 engine raises the Atlas Cross Sport’s capacity to 5,000 lbs., which is honestly the only reason that someone should choose the V6 engine option at all.
Comfort and Interior
The Atlas Cross Sport’s interior will leave luxury enthusiasts wanting more, but it wasn’t really designed for them in the first place. The cabin is exceptionally spacious and leaves everyone with plenty of room. It isn’t quite as tall as the three-row Volkswagen Atlas thanks to its slicked-back design, but most drivers won’t miss it. There is only a bench seat option for the second row, unlike the big Atlas.
The layout of the interior is identical in both models. Both feature a functional interior with ergonomic controls and quality plastics. The 2023 model does offer a reconfigurable digital gauge display as a standard feature on all trims while it was optional equipment for the 2021 model. Both offer an intuitive infotainment touchscreen and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
When it comes to cargo space, both models measure out the same. They give you 40.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 77.8 cubic feet with the second row folded down. This is a ton of space especially when compared with rivals such as the Buick Encore.
Trims and Features
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is available in five trim levels. The SE is the base trim and offers features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, heated front seats, manual climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, 8-inch digital gauge cluster, faux leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, and a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.
Add the technology package to get features such as 20-inch wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging pad, a hands-free liftgate, dual-zone climate control, remote start, 115-volt household-style power outlet, front and rear parking sensors, and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The V6 engine also becomes available with this package.
The SEL trim gives you even more luxury-like features. They include a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, driver’s seat memory settings, adaptive front lighting, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel, a 10.25 inch digital gauge cluster, power-adjustable front passenger seat, navigation, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot intervention, and emergency assistance (detects an unresponsive driver).
The SEL R-Line Black gives you all of the features of the SEL plus sporty appointments like 20-inch alloy wheels in a black finish, blacked-out exterior trim and badging, sportier exterior styling, dark-tinted headlights and taillights, and an R-Line leather steering wheel.
The SEL Premium R-Line gives you everything that Volkswagen has to offer. The features are 21-inch wheels, standard V6 and AWD, a towing package, power-folding side mirrors, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and side bolstering, leather upholstery, rear side window sunshades, park assist, a surround-view camera, and a Fender premium sound system.
In 2021, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was divided up into eight trim levels. The base trim level is the S, and it gives you features like roof rails, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, LED headlights, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, 18-inch alloy wheels, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, a six-speaker sound system, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The SE trim adds a power liftgate, faux leather upholstery, keyless entry, push-button start, an 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, voice-activated controls, five USB ports, heated front seats with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a wireless charging pad.
The SE with Technology trim gives you even more technology and includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a 115-volt household-style power outlet, front and rear parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, adaptive cruise control, and a trailer hitch (option on V6 FWD, standard on V6 AWD).
The SEL trim gives you features such as a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, digital gauge cluster, power-adjustable front passenger seat, adaptive front lighting, a heated steering wheel, navigation, blind-spot intervention, road-sign display, and lane-keeping assist.
The SEL R-Line gives you sporty exterior styling and 21-inch alloy wheels in addition to the SEL trim features.
The SEL Premium gives you a 12-speaker Fender sound system, 20-inch wheels, standard AWD, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, rear side window sunshades, power-folding side mirrors with puddle lights, parking assist, and a surround-view camera.
The SEL Premium R-Line gives you all of the fully loaded features of the SEL Premium plus 21-inch wheels, a standard V6 engine, and standard AWD.
New vs Used Verdict
In our opinion, you should spring for the used Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, especially if you are buying something around 2021 or 2022. This is because there have been little to no changes in the lineup from a feature standpoint. They are nearly identical vehicles with the exact same powertrain, handling, and fuel mileage.
You can easily save a few grand right off of the bat, and this goes for the higher-tiered trims as well. However, we will stand by our judgment that the only reason you would want the V6 engine option is if you wanted to use it for towing. Otherwise, the power from the turbocharged four-cylinder is nearly identical.
The only reason that you would want to buy new right now is if you wanted to get a brand-new warranty. Even then, you’d have to consider how much you would save since they have a four-year powertrain and limited warranty.
If you’re looking for your next used Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, consider checking out some certified pre-owned programs.
