2025 Volkswagen Atlas Vs. Atlas Cross Sport: How Do They Compare?

2025 VW Atlas vs Atlas Cross Sport

Jump into this VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport review. The first thing you’ll likely notice is the upgrades, including new headlights, an updated fascia, and more powerful engines for these vehicles. The 2025 model year brings a stunning refresh to both SUVs, including enhanced turbo power, new standard safety technology, and upscale interiors.

The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are similar vehicles, but they have notable differences in passenger seating and cargo space, as we will discuss below.

If you’re like many of our customers at Gunther Volkswagen of Fort Lauderdale, you’re probably curious about how these two- and three-row Volkswagen SUVs for sale compare. Prepare for incredible cabins and specs when you explore the 2025 VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport. Let’s dive into the similarities and differences between these sport utility siblings!

 

2025 VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport: Next-Level Trims for Drivers

2025 VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport: Next-Level Trims for Drivers

Few things in life are more satisfying than sliding into the crisp, clean cabin of a new Volkswagen SUV. With their model-year refresh, the 2025 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport trims are ready to turn heads, tackle pavement, and take the SUV market by storm.

Trendy exterior paint colors like Silver Mist Metallic, Mountain Lake Blue Metallic, and Aurora Red Metallic clad the new Atlas trims in style and show off this SUV’s contoured wheel wells and side panels. The VW Atlas Cross Sport paint colors add a jewel-toned Kingfisher Blue Metallic to its exterior that’s truly sensational in the sunlight.

Though some recent model years of the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport shared a trim lineup, the 2025 models arrive with their own unique spin. With a focus on high-tech cabin comforts and seating for seven, the new Volkswagen Atlas for saledebuts in these stylish trims:

  • VW Atlas SE
  • VW Atlas SE with Technology
  • VW Atlas Peak Edition
  • VW Atlas SEL
  • VW Atlas SEL Premium R-Line

Ready to make its mark on the two-row SUV world is the new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport for sale, which features five updated trims with athletic fastback roofs, an aggressive stance, and seating for five passengers:

  • VW Atlas Cross Sport SE
  • VW Atlas Cross Sport SE with Technology
  • VW Atlas Cross Sport SEL
  • VW Atlas Cross Sport SEL R-Line Black
  • VW Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line

You can explore the Volkswagen Atlas interior to discover how this SUV is practical and uncomplicated, with thoughtful storage nooks and generous cup holders. Both of these VW SUV models launch you into relaxation with standard heated and ventilated front seats and V-Tex leatherette upholstery.

Each SUV’s lineup offers an available power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof to let the summertime skies pour in, plus heated washer nozzles to defrost your windshield on bitter winter mornings.

If top-spec trims interest you, take a peek at the incredible features offered on the Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line edition:

  • 21-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
  • R-Line exterior styling
  • Heated first- and second-row seats
  • Harman Kardon® Premium Sound System
  • Perforated Vienna leather upholstery
  • Stainless steel pedal caps and footrests
  • Overhead View Camera

 

2025 VW Atlas vs. Cross Sport: Elevated Safety for Confident Commutes

2025 VW Atlas vs. Cross Sport: Elevated Safety for Confident Commutes

Volkswagen vehicles take occupant safety quite seriously, and this is evident across the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs’ lineups. Inside both cabins, you’ll enjoy the protection of VW IQ.DRIVE, VW Car-Net Safe & Secure, a Rear View Camera System, a LATCH child seat system, and Advanced Airbag Protection.

If a collision were to occur, the front safety belts of both SUVs are designed with pretensioners to hold occupants in place and reduce injury. As we continue to compare the Atlas versus Cross Sport, we find that both are also fitted with Poor Weather Lights and an Adaptive Front Lighting System with Dynamic Cornering Lights to increase your visibility no matter the weather or time of night.

Boasting recent IIHS Top Safety Pick wins,1, 2 the 2024 VW Atlas and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport models return as 2025 model-year editions, providing these safety and driver-assistance features:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring
  • Rear Traffic Alert
  • Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist
  • Exit Warning System

You’ll find similar safety systems if you shop for a late-model used Volkswagen Atlas for sale, or a pre-owned Atlas Cross Sport.

Both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are backed by reliable Volkswagen warranties, including a four-year or 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty,3 a two-year or 20,000-mile Scheduled Carefree Maintenance plan,4 and a three-year or 36,000-mile Roadside Assistance Program.4

 

VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport: Luxury Technology, Competitive Price

VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport: Luxury Technology, Competitive Price

In today’s auto market, there’s no reason drivers should need to compromise between elevated technology and competitive pricing. Thankfully, the Volkswagen engineering team agrees, and they’ve stocked these 2025 SUVs with a litany of modern features – all without breaking the bank.

Across the entire trim lineup of both vehicles, which have similar MSRPs, you’ll find incredible digital systems like Keyless Access, SiriusXM® Radio, and wireless charging. Tap the crystal-clear 12-inch infotainment screen found on both models to access media, navigation, calendars, and Apple® and Android music – all while monitoring your vehicle’s performance via the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro.

You might think that the VW Atlas vs. VW Cross Sport comparison ends here, but these SUVs also come equipped with a power liftgate, four USB charging ports, and heated and ventilated front seats. Enjoy Climatronic automatic climate control – three-zone in the Atlas and dual-zone in the Atlas Cross Sport – to heat or cool your cabin quickly.

For even higher levels of comfort, choose an SE with Technology trim to enjoy a Hands-Free Easy Open power liftgate, an SEL trim to add a Head-Up Display, a Peak Edition model with unique styling, or an SEL Premium R-Line to gain a Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System.

 

2025 VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport: Spacious Seating for Every Passenger

The primary difference between Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models is passenger seating. Because the Volkswagen Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport features are so similar, our customers typically decide between these SUVs based on their family size and cargo needs. The great news is you won’t need to compromise on comfort in either model.

The new VW Atlas is a three-row SUV that seats up to seven people, while the 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row sport-ute with seatingfor five. The Atlas measures 200.7 inches long and 70.4 inches high, while the Atlas Cross Sport is shorter in both lengthand height at 195.6 inches long and 68.1 inches tall.

Both SUVs have the same exterior width of 78.3 inches, and both offer an incredible amount of backseat legroom to let every passenger stretch out. This additional legroom is also crucial for mounting infant car seats or making space for toddlers in boosters.

Because the 2025 models sit on the same 117.3-inch wheelbase, the two-row Atlas Cross Sport will give you fewer passenger seats but nearly double the standard trunk space. In contrast, the three-row Atlas trims can transport up to seven people and have a much larger passenger volume, but the standard trunk volume is 20.6 cubic feet. However, families that need to haul large items frequently might prefer the Atlas for its stunning 96.6 cubic feet of max storage space.

VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport Size 2025 Volkswagen Atlas 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Passenger Seating 7 5
Passenger Volume 153.7 cu ft 111.9 cu ft
“Front Headroom/Legroom” 41.3 / 41.7 in 39.4 / 41.7 in
“Second-Row Headroom/Legroom” 40.4 / 37.6 in 37.8 / 40.4 in
“Third-Row Headroom/Legroom” 38.3 / 33.7 in N/A
Cargo Volume (Behind 1st/2nd/3rd Rows) 96.6 / 55.5 / 20.6 cu ft 77.6 / 40.3 cu ft
Exterior Length 200.7 in 195.6 in
Exterior Width 78.3 in 78.3 in
Exterior Height 70.4 in 68.1 in

 

2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport vs. Atlas: Specs & Upgraded Power

While the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport trims featured two efficient powertrains, the 2025 editions are fitted with one shared, upgraded engine: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. This new engine features Start-Stop technology, pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and generates a higher 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque in both vehicles.

A 2.0-liter engine might seem small, but it’s powerful enough to tow up to 5,000 pounds,5 a spec that’s on par with rival models. The upgraded powertrain also delivers an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway)6 in FWD versions of both models. Both vehicles are capable of an EPA-estimated 19/26 MPG(City/Highway)7 with 4MOTION AWD configurations, keeping your fuel efficient while increasing traction.

In a real-world road test, these Volkswagen SUVs provide a smooth ride and an improved throttle response, and the retooled transmission adds quicker acceleration. Steering is solid and confident, with a composed highway attitude and agile city adaptability.

 

Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport Specs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Engine 2.0L turbo 4-Cyl w/ engine start-stop 2.0L turbo 4-Cyl w/ engine start-stop
Transmission 8-speed automatic w/ Tiptronic 8-speed automatic w/ Tiptronic
Horsepower 269 269
Torque 273 lb-ft 273 lb-ft
Drivetrain FWD or 4MOTION AWD FWD or 4MOTION AWD
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs5 5,000 lbs5
EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy) 20/27 MPG6 – FWD
19/26 MPG7 – 4MOTION
AWD
20/27 MPG6 – FWD
19/26 MPG7 – 4MOTION
AWD
Fuel Tank Capacity 18.6 gal 18.6 gal
Ground Clearance 6.3 in 6.3 in
Turning Circle 40 ft 40 ft

Explore Our Volkswagen Lease Deals & Offers

Explore Our Volkswagen Lease Deals & Offers

Now that you’ve compared the VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport trims, features, specs, dimensions, and price, it’s time to explore both SUVs in person! Visit the Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale showroom to meet your favorite trims, chat with our friendly sales associates about our current new Volkswagen Atlas lease deals or new-car incentives, and hit the road for Atlas vs. Cross Sport comparison test drives.

Of course, we can also tell you about any new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport lease deals that may apply to your upgrade to a two-row VW SUV. We can’t wait for you to meet these redesigned new sport-utes serving up style, space, and attitude across the board!

 

Volkswagen Atlas Vs. Atlas Cross Sport: How Do They Compare?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the VW Atlas Cross Sport different from the VW Atlas?

The primary difference between the 2025 VW Atlas and the 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport is size. The Atlas is a three-row SUV with 153.7 cubic feet of passenger volume and a 20.6-cubic-foot cargo hold behind that, while the Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row SUV with 111.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and a 40.3-cubic-foot cargo area.

Is the VW Atlas bigger than the VW Atlas Cross Sport?

Yes, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is longer, taller, and has more maximum cargo storage than the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport. The Atlas is a three-row, seven-passenger SUV; the Atlas Cross Sport has two rows and seating for five. Lastly, the 2025 Atlas has 96.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo room compared to the Atlas Cross Sport and its 77.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo storage.

Do all VW Atlas SUVs have a third row?

The 2025 VW Atlas SUV always has three rows of seating. This stands in contrast to the five-passenger seating of the Atlas Cross Sport, which is ideal for smaller families or individual drivers. The three-row VW Atlas is built for larger families and friend groups. Should you only need five seats for a particular journey, you can fold the third row down for more cargo room.

Is the VW Atlas Cross Sport faster than the VW Atlas?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have the same 2.0-liter turbo engine and identical horsepower and torque. Even though the Atlas is bigger than the Atlas Cross Sport, they share a wheelbase and similar curb weights, so we expect their 0-60 specs to be similar. However, we don’t have official figures currently. You can take both for a test drive to judge for yourself.

Which VW Atlas comes with a sunroof?

Both the 2025 VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport have an available panoramic sunroof. Simply choose the third trim in each vehicle’s lineup (the Atlas Peak Edition SE with Technology or the Atlas Cross Sport SEL), and you can enjoy a power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof that brightens the cabin, lets the blue skies pour in, and adds a layer of elegance to your drive.

VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport Reviews In South Florida

Disclaimer: Published reviews may not represent all experiences of a given dealer based on the dealer’s configuration. For more information, please contact the dealer. Reviews that contain content that is untrue, illegal, obscene, threatening or a violation of any third party’s right, or contains software viruses, solicitations, political campaigns, or any form of “spam” may be removed.

 

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1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Volkswagen/atlas-4-door-suv/2024

2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volkswagen/atlas-cross-sport-4-door-suv/2024

34 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty on all new MY25 vehicles. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.

4Carefree Coverage available on all new MY25 vehicles. For vehicle eligibility details, visit vw.com/coverage. VW’s Carefree Maintenance Program provides 10,000- and 20,000-mile scheduled maintenance services or scheduled maintenance services for two years (whichever occurs first) as stated in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet. Does not include tire rotations, or other services or parts not specified in the owner’s literature. 3 years/36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) Roadside Assistance provided by a third party. 4 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty, maintenance program, and roadside assistance details, exclusions, and limitations. Car-Net Remote Access services require cellular connectivity, GPS signal, and acceptance of Terms of Service. Not all Car-Net services and features are available on all vehicles. Other Car-Net services require a trial or paid subscription. See additional important information at carnet.vw.com.

5Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter Turbo four-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.

620 city/26 highway mpg (2025 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport with 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, FWD, and automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition..

719 city/26 highway mpg (2025 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport with 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, AWD, and automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition..

 

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1660 S State Rd 7, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33317
Gunther Volkswagen 26.0992665, -80.2007134.