Not everyone’s in the market for a minivan or needs to chauffeur around a soccer team. But if you’re after the allure of a mid-to-large SUV minus the third-row seating, your choices can start feeling as exciting as yesterday’s leftovers. That’s where the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport struts onto the scene. 

Smoother Than A Beverly Hills Housewife

With its Fresh New Look, Volkswagen has taken the larger Atlas, given it a swift slice at a 30-degree angle, and voilà – accidentally crafted a crossover that’s cooler than the flip side of the pillow. As it strides into 2024, the Atlas Cross Sport amps up the ante with a revamped visage, smoothing out those front and rear facias like they’ve had a dose of automotive Botox. Photos hardly capture its grandeur; this beast exudes an aggressive, properly sporty vibe, flaunting its massive size and wide stance like it’s on a runway. 

Slide into the driver’s seat, and you’ll find the cabin has undergone a serious glow-up for 2024, shedding its plasticky past for a decidedly more upscale ambiance. Soft touch materials now abound, caressing every reachable surface, with higher trim levels pampering you even more. Despite its imposing dimensions, the interior remains airy and cavernous, accommodating occupants of all shapes and sizes. Even with its sloping roofline, there’s headroom to spare for rear-seat passengers and oversized cargo. 

PROS: Go-getter performance, upscale cabin interior, attractive styling

But all this tech-forward swagger comes with its own set of headaches. Sure, we applaud innovation, but the Cross Sport’s touch-sensitive control panel turns simplicity into a constant conundrum, transforming what should be seamless into a symphony of frustration. The wireless phone connect kept freezing and had us constantly doing a hard reset of the system all together. The display screen is a decent size, but navigating can be complicated at times.  

Turbocharged Prowls

Behind the wheel, the Cross Sport doesn’t stray far from its Atlas roots. While it might be a tad smaller, it still commands the road with a larger-than-life presence. It may not deliver the same thrill as  the Mazda CX-50 , but its cushy ride and serene cabin offer their own brand of comfort. 

Under the hood, the Atlas Cross Sport ditches its V-6 and turbocharged four-cylinder options, opting instead for a sole turbo 2.0-liter four. But don’t let the singular choice deter you – this turbocharged gem pumps out a respectable 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, delivering a smooth, capable ride that’s more than up to the task. Plus, it sips fuel more sensibly as we averaged 22.6-mpg’s combined with our all-wheel drive example. 

CONS: Unintuitive infotainment system, ultra-light steering sensitivity, noticeable turbo lag

If you’re smitten with what the Atlas brings to the table but don’t need that pesky third row, the Cross Sport beckons with open arms. It may not be the top dog in the mid-size two-row SUV pack, but it’s got its own unique flair, ample room for passengers and cargo, and a powertrain that’s had a serious shot in the arm. Our example SEL, nestled comfortably in the mid-range of the Cross Sport lineup, kicks off at $47,870 – not exactly pocket change, but it’s a reasonable ask for what you’re getting. So, while it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, at least you won’t be mistaken for the neighborhood carpool queen.