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2023 Volkswagen Atlas Vs. Atlas Cross Sport: How Do They Compare?

Buyers at Gunther Volkswagen of Fort Lauderdale are often interested in comparing the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport features, specs, and dimensions. To help you decide between these two popular VW SUVs for sale, we’ve put together an overview that looks at the differences between these model siblings.

The new 2023 VW Atlas for sale offers three rows of seats for up to seven occupants, plenty of cargo room, an available driver-assistance suite called IQ.DRIVE, and the VW Digital Cockpit. The Atlas Cross Sport is a smaller version of the vehicle with seating for five – as its name states, it takes a sportier approach to the SUV. However, it contains many of the same features, including available IQ.DRIVE.

If you know you need three rows, then the choice is the Atlas. However, if you’re unsure how much SUV you need, keep following our 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs. Atlas matchup.

2023 Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport Trims

A perk of deciding to go with a Volkswagen model is the luxury of choices. You have the same five trim options with both of these models, and they are quite similar regarding standard features:

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport arrive in the following trims:

• SE
• SE with Technology
• SEL
• SEL R-Line Black
• SEL Premium R-Line

2023 VW Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport Size

The most significant difference between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport is size. As we have already mentioned, the Volkswagen Atlas has an extra row. It’s also approximately 5 inches longer than the Atlas Cross Sport, but both vehicles sit on the same wheelbase. The Atlas seven-seater gives you 154 cubic feet of passenger volume and 20.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row. However, you can choose to fold seats down to up this value to 96.8 cubic feet of storage space. In comparison, the Atlas Cross Sport five-seater has 112 cubic feet of passenger area, 40.3 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats, and up to 77.8 cubic feet of cargo area maximum.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport Features

The features of the new Atlas Cross Sport inventory and Volkswagen Atlas are nearly the same throughout the trim lineup. The Atlas SE and Atlas Cross Sport SE each feature the VW Digital Cockpit, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision assist, and heated front seats. The SE with Technology tiers add remote engine starting, a hands-free power liftgate, and front and rear parking distance control. The VW Atlas version also comes with tri-zone automatic climate control, while the Atlas Cross Sport comes with dual-zone automatic climate control – this feature is based on how many rows each has.

The Atlas SEL and Atlas Cross Sport SEL are equipped with a panoramic sunroof, VW Digital Cockpit Pro, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. If you’re looking for R-Line bumpers and badging on your new VW SUV, plus a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, you’ll find these on the SEL R-Line Black trim.

Notable features on the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line trim include:

• 21-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
• Heated first- and second-row seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Fender Premium Audio System
• Overhead view camera

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport Performance

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport each come standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic shifting. This delivers 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in both vehicles. However, either of these new VW SUVs can be equipped with an available 3.6-liter V-6 engine that puts out 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque for more power.

VW Lease Deals and Offers

Ready to buy or lease? Once you have compared the 2023 Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport, head to Gunther Volkswagen of Fort Lauderdale and talk with one of our friendly sales associates. We can hand you the keys to both vehicles for comparison test drives.

If you’re still considering your options, see our VW Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester comparison next to see how they match up against one another, then buy or lease the Volkswagen model of your dreams at Gunther Volkswagen of Fort Lauderdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlas bigger than Atlas Cross Sport?

Yes, the Volkswagen Atlas is bigger than the Atlas Cross Sport. It is a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven, whereas the Cross Sport is meant for families of five. In addition, the Atlas is about 5 inches longer and a couple of inches taller than its sibling. Lastly, it has 96.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo room available vs. 77.8 cubic feet.

Does the Atlas Cross Sport have a third row?

No, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport does not have a third row of seating. If you’re looking for a new three-row VW SUV for sale with seven seats, we suggest the new 2023 VW Atlas. The Atlas Cross Sport focuses on being compact and athletic, which can be useful in tight traffic situations, while the VW Atlas is more family-oriented.

Is the VW Atlas Cross Sport faster than the Atlas?

The Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have the same 2.0-liter engine with the same horsepower and torque ratings. Since the VW Atlas is bigger than the Atlas Cross Sport, the VW Atlas Cross Sport is slightly faster at getting from zero to 60 mph. The Atlas needs 7.2 seconds, while the VW Atlas Cross Sport can do it in 6.8 seconds.

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¹EPA estimates only. Your results will vary.