2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: Big Space, Smart Tech, and more Premium Features

Volkswagen's mid-size two-row SUV returns for 2025 with the company's latest 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a more modern interior infotainment fitment and subtle exterior updates carried over from the 2024 refresh. The Atlas Cross Sport aims squarely at buyers who want generous passenger and cargo space without the third row, delivering 269 hp and 273 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic with available 4MOTION all-wheel drive. As tested in the new SEL R-Line Black Edition, the Cross Sport balances utility and value, though some software and refinement gaps leave room for improvement.

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Specifications

• Model: 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (two-row midsize SUV)
• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI inline-4, 269 hp / 273 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed torque-converter automatic
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard; 4MOTION AWD optional
• Fuel economy (EPA): 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (as quoted)
• 0–60 mph (measured): ~7.2–7.3 seconds (best run 7.24 s)
• Towing: up to 5,000 lb
• Cargo: 40.8 cu ft (seats up), ~78 cu ft (seats folded)
• Price (approx): Base SE ~$38,300; test SEL R-Line Black as-tested just under $51,000; fully optioned near $54,000.

What's new in 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen has gradually updated the Atlas family since its 2017 launch; the Cross Sport (introduced 2020) received notable changes in the 2024 refresh that carry into the 2025 lineup:

• A revised front and rear fascia with an LED light bar and IQ.LIGHT full-LED projector headlamps. Illuminated VW logo and light bar are available on SE Tech and above.
• The Atlas family now uses a single modernized 2.0-liter turbo in place of the old 2.0 turbo and VR6 offerings. The updated unit delivers improved torque and overall performance versus the pre-refresh 2.0.
• Interior sees Volkswagen's current content levels: a 12-inch center touchscreen, 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, available heads-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SEL Premium adds higher-grade Vienna leather, massaging seats and a 360° camera.
• New trim: SEL R-Line Black Edition, blacked exterior accents, unique 20-inch wheels and sportier visual styling.

Driving impressions and performance

The 2025 Atlas Cross Sport favors comfort over outright sportiness. Key driving notes from week-long testing:

• Acceleration is adequate for the class: best 0–60 runs near 7.2 seconds, competitive with similarly sized rivals (e.g., Honda Passport).
• The 8-speed automatic is generally smooth but shows occasional hesitation shifting 1→2. Engine sound under load can be synthetic/whiny and lacks the character found in VW's smaller hot-hatch engines.
• Ride and handling prioritize comfort: independent suspension soaks bumps well, steering is light and direct but offers limited feedback. No adaptive dampers are offered on tested trims.
• Real-world fuel economy tracked around 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway during mixed driving, slightly below EPA highway estimates. With an 18.6-gallon tank, expect roughly ~370–380 miles per fill in normal use.

Interior, packaging and tech

The Atlas Cross Sport remains one of the most spacious two-row midsize SUVs:

• Rear legroom: 40.5 inches, among the segment leaders; second row reclines and offers near-flat floor for the middle passenger.
• Cargo flexibility: 40.8 cu ft behind the rear seats; fold flat for ~78 cu ft total. Under-floor storage and a temporary spare are practical touches.
• Seats: Heated and ventilated front seats are standard across trims; massaging seats optional with SEL Premium. Front seats are comfortable but not exceptionally bolstered.
• Infotainment: 12-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a 10.3-inch driver display. Software can feel slower and more menu-driven than the very latest VW systems (e.g., Tiguan's larger 15-inch implementation). Some controls (volume, climate) use touch sliders, which are polarizing in day-to-day use.
• Convenience: Panoramic sunroof, multiple USB-C ports, wireless phone charging. Hands-free power liftgate and illuminated badges/light bars require higher option packages (SE Tech or SEL).

Trim highlights and options

• SE (base): Well equipped for the price; recommended to option the SE Tech package for the hands-free liftgate and illuminated elements. Estimated base ~$38,300.
• SEL R-Line Black Edition: Sportier appearance with black accents and 20-inch wheels. Adds aesthetic upgrades but lacks some comfort tech unless you step up to SEL Premium. R-Line Black is roughly $2,000 over SEL.
• SEL Premium: Adds Vienna leather, massaging seats, 360° camera, and other comfort upgrades, a logical option for buyers seeking a more premium cabin. Fully loaded examples approach $54,000.

Strengths

• Interior space: Exceptional rear legroom and cargo volume for a two-row midsize SUV.
• Value: Strong standard equipment levels (heated and ventilated seats standard across the range).
• Towing capability: Up to 5,000 lb, class-competitive.
• Polished ride comfort: Tuned for long-distance comfort on American roads.

Weaknesses

• Fuel economy: Not as efficient as available hybrid rivals; real-world figures can fall short of EPA highway estimates.
• Powertrain refinement: Engine noise under load and occasional transmission hesitations reduce perceived refinement.
• Infotainment/software: System is usable but not as snappy or modern as VW's newest layouts; some useful features (illuminated logo, 360° camera) are locked behind higher option levels.
• Missing hardware on some trims: No adaptive dampers, certain convenience features (power-fold mirrors, 360 cam) require mid/up packages; faux quad exhaust tips on R-Line are decorative.

Competitors

Primary rivals include the Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-70/CX-9, Subaru Outback (for buyers who value ground clearance), and hybrid alternatives such as the Toyota Crown/Signia (where available). The Cross Sport positions itself as a capacious, family-friendly vehicle with strong value rather than an efficiency or off-road specialist.

Bottom line

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport remains a compelling choice for buyers who prioritize interior space, comfort and equipment over cutting-edge fuel efficiency or sporty driving dynamics. The updated 269-hp 2.0-liter turbo, generous cargo room and competitive pricing make it an attractive family SUV, especially for shoppers who do not need three rows. That said, buyers who want the latest in infotainment responsiveness, sharper powertrain refinement or better fuel economy should compare the Cross Sport alongside newer-software rivals and hybrid competitors. For most buyers seeking everyday practicality and value, the Atlas Cross Sport still delivers a convincing package.