2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Expert Review: Drive, Performance & Specs Tested

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport really stands out in the midsize SUV market. It’s got the roomy feel of the three-row Atlas but brings a sportier vibe that many folks might be looking for. After a big update in 2024 that improved the interior materials, revamped the infotainment setup, and freshened up the powertrain, this year’s model is introducing a new SEL R-Line Blackline trim. This one’s got sleek black exterior accents, a nice leather steering wheel, and some snazzy aluminum pedal covers. Plus, the new color options like Mountain Lake Blue and Avocado Green, which used to be exclusive to the Atlas Peak Edition, just make this SUV even more appealing.

We’ve put the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport through its paces, and honestly, it’s impressive. It blends the kind of solid German engineering you’d expect with the spaciousness that fits American tastes. It shares a platform with the powerful Audi Q8 but has its own Volkswagen twist on driving dynamics. The dimensions are pretty much the same as last year’s model—with a wheelbase of 117.3 inches, an overall length that varies between 195.5 and 195.6 inches, a width of 78.3 inches, and a height that ranges from 67.8 to 68.1 inches. Weight-wise, it tips the scales between 4,400 and 4,600 pounds, depending on the trim and drivetrain.

Now, when you stack it up against its main rivals, the Cross Sport holds its own quite nicely. The Mazda CX-70 might offer a fancier interior and a more premium driving experience, but it lacks in interior space. The Honda Passport is known for its reliability and resale value, and it has similar interior dimensions. On the other hand, the Toyota Grand Highlander has a hybrid option for better fuel economy, but it does come with a heftier price tag. The Ford Edge, while a bit dated in design, still competes on features, but it doesn’t quite have the fresh feel or modern tech that the Cross Sport does. And let’s not forget the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which shines off-road but usually comes with a higher price when you compare it to similar specs.

Looking at the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport lineup, there are five trim levels available. Prices start at $38,615 for the base SE and go up to $53,620 for the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line. In the mid-range, you’ve got the SE with Technology at $42,720, the SEL for $48,615, and the new SEL R-Line Black at $50,565. Each trim offers more features and upgrades, but even the base model is well-equipped with amenities that might cost extra on other brands.

So, for those who love that European flair and engineering but aren’t keen on luxury brand prices, the Atlas Cross Sport is definitely worth considering. With its roomy interior, stylish design, and competitive pricing, it’s positioned quite well in a market where many rivals can easily push past the $50,000 mark.

So, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is rolling on with the same powertrain that debuted in the 2024 refresh. It’s got a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, cranking out 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This single engine is a bit of a game changer, taking over from both the old base four-cylinder and the optional VR6 six-cylinder engines. Now, if we’re comparing it to its predecessors, this new turbo four actually gives you 34 more horsepower than the previous four-cylinder. Sure, it’s got 7 less horsepower than the VR6, but hey, it has more torque than both of those old engines.

All models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and you can choose between front-wheel drive or Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which is an extra $2,000. During our tests, we found the powertrain pretty responsive and it felt just right for the size and weight of the Cross Sport. The transmission shifts smoothly and decisively most of the time, although we did notice it sometimes searches for gears when going uphill. But using the paddle shifters gives you a little more control in those moments, which can be pretty fun.

When we clocked the acceleration, we got 0-60 mph times around 6.7 to 6.9 seconds, and for the quarter-mile, it was between 15.1 and 15.3 seconds. Not too shabby for a vehicle this size, and it’s definitely an improvement over the last generation. Going up hills, that torque-rich engine provides solid passing power, with hardly any turbo lag—thanks to Volkswagen’s smart engine tuning. Most of the time, the powertrain feels pretty polished, although you might catch some of that classic four-cylinder noise when you really step on it.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel drive models. If you opt for all-wheel drive, you lose a mile per gallon in both categories. These numbers aren’t exactly leading the pack, but they do show improvement over the old VR6 engine. When we tested the all-wheel drive version in real-world conditions, we managed to get pretty close to the EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway—not bad for a vehicle of its size and capability.

Oh, and let’s not forget one of the Atlas Cross Sport’s standout features: its towing capacity. If you get the right trim, starting from the SE with Technology package, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That’s impressive for a unibody crossover that weighs in at under 4,500 pounds! This makes it a solid choice for hauling stuff like boats, small campers, or utility trailers—definitely more versatile than many competitors unless you’re looking at bigger body-on-frame SUVs or those larger three-row models.

The braking system in the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport delivers when it comes to stopping power. You know, it has this progressive pedal feel that makes it pretty easy to control in everyday driving situations. It’s got ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, with the front rotors at a solid 13.2 inches and the rear ones just a bit smaller. Honestly, it’s enough stopping power for a vehicle of this size and weight.

When we put it to the test with emergency braking, the Atlas Cross Sport didn’t dive too much at the front and stayed stable. It came to a full stop from 60 mph in a decent distance. The brake pedal feels nice and natural—not spongy like you sometimes get with bigger SUVs—so you can actually stop smoothly in daily driving. You really notice this in stop-and-go traffic, where the predictable pedal response makes the ride more comfortable for everyone in the car.

We found that the braking performance was strong and reliable no matter the conditions. Even when we had to hit the brakes hard from highway speeds, there was hardly any fading, and they kept working effectively. That kind of consistency gives you confidence, especially when you’re loaded up with passengers or gear. Plus, the Cross Sport’s stability control system works hand in hand with the brakes during emergency situations, so you can keep control without feeling like it’s overdoing it.

Another great feature is the electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function. This is super handy when you’re stopped on a hill. The auto-hold kicks in smoothly and lets go quickly when you hit the gas, making those hill starts a breeze. It’s a nice touch that’s standard on all trim levels, really adding to the everyday convenience.

Oh, and the brake dust doesn’t seem to build up much on the wheels, which is great because it means those 20- or 21-inch alloys (depending on the trim) stay looking cleaner for longer. Especially for the SEL R-Line Black with its dark wheels, this is a nice perk. They keep that sharp look without all that noticeable brake dust piling up.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport features an electric power-assisted steering system that changes its level of assistance based on the drive mode you choose. When you’re in normal or comfort modes, the steering feels light and effortless—just what you need for those tight parking spots or busy city streets. But flip it to Sport mode, and you’ll notice the steering gets a bit heavier, giving you that connected vibe that’s nice for those twisty roads. Still, you might find that the feedback from the road isn’t super strong, no matter what mode you’re in.

Volkswagen has designed the steering with comfort in mind, rather than pure sportiness, which makes sense given that the Cross Sport is aimed at families looking for a premium ride. The steering ratio is quick enough to keep things responsive, but not so twitchy that it feels out of control—pretty much a sweet spot for daily driving. When we hit the highway, the Cross Sport tracked straight without requiring much correction, making long trips feel pretty laid-back.

Now, let’s talk suspension. Up front, you’ve got struts, and in the back, there’s a multi-link independent setup. The ride quality is composed and comfy. Even with the “Sport” in its name, the Cross Sport leans towards comfort rather than being a corner-carver. It handles bumps and potholes like a champ, even with the bigger 20- and 21-inch wheels on the higher trims. Sure, there’s a little body lean when you’re pushing it hard in corners, but overall, it’s well-controlled in day-to-day driving.

One of the standout features of the suspension is how well it keeps road harshness at bay without making you feel like you’re floating or disconnected. The Cross Sport manages to balance things nicely—it’s firm enough to stay composed during quick changes in direction, yet soft enough to keep you cozy over bumpy roads. It really shines as a highway cruiser, feeling stable and secure even when you’re speeding along.

As for those drive modes—there are a bunch: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, Off-Road, and Snow. They tweak not just the steering weight but also how the throttle responds and when the transmission shifts. The Custom mode is a neat touch, letting you mix and match settings for steering, drivetrain, and climate control to fit your personal style. While the Cross Sport doesn’t come with adaptive dampers like some rivals do, the standard suspension is well-tuned and provides a steady, comfortable ride no matter what kind of road you’re on.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers a range of tire options, and it varies depending on which trim level you choose. For instance, the base SE model rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with all-season tires. Then you’ve got the SE with Technology, which upgrades to 20-inch wheels. If you go for the SEL, SEL R-Line Black, or the SEL Premium R-Line, you’ll be looking at those impressive 21-inch wheels with lower-profile tires. When we took the SEL R-Line Black for a spin, we noticed that the 255/45R21 Continental CrossContact LX Sport tires struck a nice balance between comfort, keeping road noise down, and grip.

Speaking of grip, these Continental tires are pretty solid in dry conditions. They handle predictably, which is great because the Cross Sport leans towards a comfort-focused driving experience. When it gets wet, the tires still manage to hold their own, showing decent traction and not much hydroplaning, which is reassuring. The all-season compound is meant to work year-round in a bunch of different climates. But, if you live in a place that really gets hit by winter, you might want to think about getting dedicated winter tires for those extra cold days.

Now, even though those 21-inch tires have a lower profile, they don’t really mess with the ride quality too much. Volkswagen has done a pretty good job tuning the suspension to mesh well with these bigger wheels, keeping things comfortable while also giving that nice look with larger rims. The sidewalls are stiff enough to keep steering responsive, but they don’t make the ride harsh over bumpy roads or those annoying expansion joints.

As for road noise, it’s surprisingly well-managed, which adds to the peaceful vibe inside the Cross Sport. Even when you’re cruising on the highway, you won’t be bothered by much tire noise, making it easy to chat or enjoy your music without cranking up the volume too high. That’s a big deal because, let’s face it, larger wheels usually mean more noise in many other vehicles out there.

Just a heads up, all trim levels come with tire pressure monitoring as standard. You can check the readings through the digital instrument cluster, which is nice because it shows the individual pressure for each tire instead of just flashing a warning light. This makes it super easy to keep those tire pressures in check for safety, comfort, and even fuel efficiency. From what we’ve seen, the Continental tires should hold up well in terms of tread life, as long as you keep up with rotation and maintenance. And hey, if you’re after something more specialized for performance or touring, there are plenty of aftermarket options out there to consider.

The interior of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is really a big leap from what we’ve seen in older models. We mean, you step inside, and it’s just—impressive. The layout feels fresh and modern, and there’s a noticeable attention to detail that catches your eye right away. The dashboard is designed with this sleek, horizontal look, and if you go for the higher trims, you even get this cool leatherette-wrapped dash along with soft-touch materials and fancy stitching that really adds to the vibe.

Depending on which trim you choose, you’ll find some different accent materials. For the sportier models, there’s a copper fiber-look trim—which looks pretty sharp, honestly—and then for those who prefer something a bit more upscale, there are wood-look finishes that add a nice touch.

Speaking of upscale, the SEL Premium R-Line trim is where you find the real luxury. Imagine quilted diamond-pattern leather seats, complete with contrast stitching and piping. They’re not just about looks; they’re super comfy and supportive too. Then there’s the new SEL R-Line Black trim for 2025, which keeps that sporty feel with black leather and these cool blue perforations that just pop.

For the lower trims, VW uses a leatherette that does a convincing job of mimicking genuine leather while being pretty durable, so that’s a plus.

Now, let’s talk about one of the standout features: the customizable ambient lighting system. You get 30 different color options to play around with! This lighting really highlights the architecture of the cabin, and there’s this neat “Cross Sport” pattern on the dashboard that lights up at night. Honestly, it looks especially stunning in the SEL and higher trims, giving off a vibe that feels way more luxurious than you’d expect for the price. Pair that with the panoramic sunroof, which is standard on SE Technology and above, and you’ve got a cabin that feels really open and airy—especially at night when that ambient lighting is on.

The digital interface takes center stage on the dashboard, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen that sits above those slim air vents. It gives the car a sleek, modern feel, in line with today’s luxury trends. Just below that screen, you’ve got these capacitive touch sliders for climate and audio controls. They look cool but, let’s be real, they can be a bit tricky to use on a daily basis. 

The 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, known as the Digital Cockpit Pro, adds to the high-tech vibe with sharp graphics and multiple display options. This configurable display offers multiple view options, from traditional dial layouts to full-screen navigation mapping. The customization options are extensive, allowing drivers to prioritize the information most relevant to them. During our testing, we particularly appreciated the ability to display turn-by-turn navigation directions directly in the instrument cluster, keeping essential guidance in the driver’s line of sight. On SEL trims and above, this is further enhanced by a head-up display that projects speed, navigation cues, and driver assistance information onto the windshield.

Everywhere you look, there’s a focus on detail. The flat-bottom steering wheel in the R-Line models, the metallic accents around the controls and vents, and the soft-touch materials at all the key points make a big difference. They’ve used piano black trim quite a bit, which definitely gives that premium look, but fair warning—it shows fingerprints like nobody’s business!

So, the overall takeaway is the cabin here feels way more refined compared to the earlier generations. It narrows the line between mainstream and luxury brands while keeping that classic, understated German feel for which Volkswagen is known.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport really knows how to make an entrance with its bold, eye-catching design. First off, that front end has a wide grille that just demands attention, and you’ll find standard LED headlights on every trim. These headlights are no ordinary lights—they’re projector-style and adapt to the road, which means you’ll see great at night. Plus, there’s a slick LED light bar running across the front, connecting the headlights and featuring a glowing Volkswagen logo. It’s a little touch, sure, but it elevates the whole vibe, especially after dark. If you go for higher trims like the SEL or SEL Premium R-Line, you’ll get even fancier LED elements for better lighting.

About the side profile: The Cross Sport really stands out thanks to its sloping roofline, which gives it a more dynamic, coupe-like shape. This is a nice departure from the boxier three-row Atlas. It’s got an athletic feel to it, almost like those high-end European SUVs, you know, the Audi Q8 or the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. The beltline that rises toward the back just adds to that sporty look. And for 2025, there’s the new SEL R-Line Black trim that ramps up the attitude with black roof rails, window surrounds, and emblems, making the whole thing look even more aggressive.

When it comes to wheels, there’s a variety depending on the trim. The base SE model rolls on 18-inch alloys, but if you step up to the SE with Technology, you’ll get 20-inch wheels. The SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line models really shine with their larger 21-inch wheels that have unique designs. The R-Line trims, in particular, boast sportier wheel patterns with machine-finished faces and dark accents—perfectly matching those sporty bumpers and side skirts. We tested the SEL R-Line Black, and let us tell you, those dark wheels looked stunning against the Mountain Lake Blue exterior, one of the fresh color options for 2025.

At the back, you’ll notice LED taillights linked by a light bar, echoing the design from the front—definitely creates a cohesive look. The Volkswagen emblem lights up in red at night, which is a nice premium touch. The sloping rear window and integrated spoiler really drive home that sporty vibe, even though they do take away some cargo space compared to the standard Atlas. Down lower, the SEL R-Line models sport a diffuser-style element with quad exhaust tips. Sure, they’re faux outlets (the actual exhaust is tucked away), but they sure do add to the athletic look from behind.

About the color options for 2025, there are a bunch of appealing choices beyond the usual whites, blacks, and silvers. Take the new Mountain Lake Blue Metallic—it’s a rich, deep blue that highlights the body contours beautifully. Then there’s the Avocado Green, which was previously exclusive to the Atlas Peak Edition. It’s a unique choice for anyone looking to stand out. The Kingfisher Blue Metallic available on some trims is another standout – a vibrant, eye-catching color that draws attention to the Cross Sport’s premium design elements and is exclusive to the Cross Sport, not available on the regular Atlas.

Let’s talk about the seating first. Every trim level comes with heated front seats as standard – pretty nice, right? And you’ll find ventilated front seats, which is quite rare in this price range, also included across the board. The seats are super supportive for those long drives, with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver on all models. If you go for the SEL trims, you’ll get memory settings for the driver’s seat and even three levels of seat heating for rear passengers. That’s some serious comfort for everyone in the car!

Now, onto climate control – it’s comprehensive throughout the lineup. You get tri-zone automatic climate control as standard, which means you can set different temperatures for the driver, front passenger, and those in the back. This system works really well, quickly getting the cabin to the right temperature, even when it’s sweltering outside. And if you opt for the SE with Technology trim or higher, you’ll also enjoy a heated steering wheel – such a nice touch when it’s chilly out. However, while the touch controls for the climate system look sleek, we found them a bit tricky to use compared to good old knobs and buttons, especially when you’re trying to make adjustments while driving.

Moving on to the panoramic sunroof, it’s standard on the SE with Technology trim and above, and it really transforms the cabin. It brings in so much natural light and makes the space feel open. The front part can tilt or slide open for fresh air, and you can close the power sunshade separately when the sun gets a bit too bright. Using it is pretty straightforward – just a gentle swipe on the touch-sensitive controls does the trick, whether you’re opening the shade or the glass panel.

Then there’s the tech – it’s all about convenience in the Atlas Cross Sport. Keyless access comes standard on all four doors of every trim, so you can unlock the car just by touching the handle with your key fob tucked away in your pocket. Remote start is standard on all but the base SE trim, which lets you warm up or cool down the cabin before you hop in. And if you get the SE with Technology trim or higher, there’s a hands-free power liftgate that opens with a kick under the rear bumper. This is super handy when you’ve got your hands full of groceries or luggage.

About storage: The cabin is packed with clever solutions. The center console has a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones, plus a bunch of USB-C ports for wired connections. The new electronic shifter has created a big pass-through storage area beneath the center stack – perfect for stashing purses, small bags, or anything else that would clutter the passenger footwell. The door pockets are spacious enough to hold water bottles and other bits and bobs, while the center armrest hides away more storage along with another USB-C port. For those in the back, there are separate climate vents, USB-C charging ports, and on higher trims, even a household-style 115V power outlet. This is just what you need for those longer trips!

Voice recognition capabilities are built into the infotainment system, allowing for natural language commands to control various vehicle functions. While not as conversational as some competitive systems, it handles basic commands for navigation, phone calls, and audio control reliably. The SEL and higher trims add built-in navigation with crisp graphics and responsive routing. An interesting feature is the ability to swipe down from the top of the screen to access quick settings – similar to a smartphone’s notification shade – for brightness adjustment, audio muting, and other commonly used functions.

The audio experience varies by trim level, with a basic system in the SE model and progressively better sound quality as you move up the range. The SEL Premium R-Line tops the lineup with a premium Harman Kardon sound system featuring 12 speakers. This setup delivers impressive clarity and depth, with strong bass response and good definition across the frequency spectrum. The system includes various sound profiles to tailor the audio experience to different music genres and personal preferences.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport really stands out with its impressive safety features, which are standard on all trim levels. This is a clear sign of Volkswagen’s dedication to keeping passengers safe. At the core of its design is a strong safety cage made from high-strength steel. This cage is specifically built to redirect crash energy away from where passengers sit. Plus, you get six airbags—yep, that includes front and side airbags for those in the front seats and side curtain airbags that stretch across both seating rows. When we took a closer look, the cabin felt solid and well-built. You know that satisfying “thunk” when you close the doors –  that’s what we experienced, which suggests a high-quality construction.

For 2025, every Atlas Cross Sport model comes loaded with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive suite. This is a pretty comprehensive set of advanced driver assistance features. We’re talking about forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. What’s neat is that the system doesn’t interfere too much while you’re just driving around normally but is there to alert you when necessary. If you opt for the SEL trims or higher, you get adaptive cruise control that reliably keeps a safe distance from other vehicles and manages stop-and-go traffic smoothly. This really makes those long highway drives a lot less tiring.

Visibility from the driver’s seat is pretty good, even with that sloping roofline of the Cross Sport. You’ve got large side mirrors featuring blind spot indicators, which help a lot. And every model comes with a rearview camera as standard. If you go for the SEL or SEL Premium R-Line trims, you get an even better setup with a 360-degree camera system. This gives you various angles when you’re maneuvering at low speeds. The image quality is sharp, and those different perspectives—like a top-down view—make parking in tight spots way easier. The SEL Premium R-Line even throws in an automatic parking assistant that can spot suitable parking spaces and handle the steering while you manage the pedals.

Now, here’s the deal: the 2025 model hasn’t been crash-tested yet, but the structurally similar 2024 Atlas Cross Sport did score a solid 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the 2024 model strong ratings in various crash tests. Since the structural components haven’t changed, we’re pretty confident that the 2025 model will keep those high safety standards intact.

And it’s not just about crash protection and driver assistance. The Atlas Cross Sport comes with a bunch of security features too. Every model is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system and an immobilizer. If you go for the higher trims, you also get a vehicle location service via Volkswagen’s Car-Net connected services. The SEL Premium R-Line goes a step further with an overhead-view camera that you can activate while parked, allowing you to check out your surroundings through the VW Car-Net app on your smartphone—super handy in busy urban areas or when you’re in a new parking lot.

Behind the wheel of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, the driving experience is characterized by comfort, confidence, and competence rather than sportiness – despite what the “Sport” in its name might suggest.  The higher seating position gives you a great view of the road ahead, but the sloping roofline does make it a bit tricky to see out the back compared to the regular Atlas. And let’s talk about the steering wheel. The flat-bottom design, especially on the R-Line models, feels really nice in your hands and is set up just right for a comfortable drive.

When you take off from a stop, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine gives you smooth acceleration without much of that annoying turbo lag. You get a solid 273 lb-ft of torque right from the get-go, which is super handy when you’re merging into traffic or speeding away from red lights. The 8-speed automatic transmission is smart, keeping the engine in the sweet spot when you need power and just kind of blending into the background when you’re cruising leisurely. If you feel like being a bit more hands-on, there are paddle shifters that let you take manual control, and they respond pretty quickly.

On the highway, the Atlas Cross Sport feels stable and grounded, which really helps when you’re zooming along. You won’t hear much wind noise, although, with the bigger wheels, you might pick up a bit of tire noise inside. If you opt for one of the higher trim levels, the adaptive cruise control does a great job of maintaining distance smoothly and adjusting speed without making the passengers feel jerky. The lane-keeping assist offers gentle nudges to keep you straight without being annoying, which is a blessing on those long drives.

Now, when the road gets twisty, the Atlas Cross Sport holds its own. You can definitely feel its size and weight, though—there’s a bit of body roll in those tighter corners. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than sporty handling, so it prioritizes a smooth ride. You’ll also find that the different drive modes change up the vibe of the vehicle. Sport mode gives you sharper throttle response and holds gears longer, while Comfort mode focuses more on a laid-back ride. If you often drive on bumpy roads, the base SE model with its smaller 18-inch wheels gives a nice, cushy ride, though even the 21-inch wheels on the SEL R-Line Black we tested weren’t too harsh.

For those of you who like to occasionally wander off the main roads, the Atlas Cross Sport with 4Motion all-wheel drive comes with Off-Road and Snow modes that tweak the drivetrain for better traction when things get tricky. It’s not meant to be a hardcore off-roader, but it does give you some peace of mind on dirt paths, gravel, or when the weather turns nasty. With about 8 inches of ground clearance, it can tackle moderate obstacles, although its long wheelbase and road-focused tires do hold it back a bit in true off-road situations. For most folks thinking about light off-road adventures or regular winter driving, the 4Motion system should more than do the trick.

Stepping into the back of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport really shows off what a two-row layout can do, especially since it’s built on a platform that usually accommodates three rows. So, without the hassle of a third row, Volkswagen has focused on making the second row all about comfort and space. Seriously, as soon as you enter that rear cabin, you can’t help but notice just how roomy it is. We mean, we’re talking about a whopping 40.4 inches of legroom here—more than what you’d find in the second row of the three-row Atlas! During our test, with a driver who’s about 5’10”, the folks sitting in the back still had over 10 inches of knee space to spare from the front seatback.

Now, let’s talk about the seats. They’re fantastic! You’ve got these well-cushioned outboard seats that really support your thighs and have just the right angle for your back. Plus, they can recline a bit for that extra comfort, although, unlike some rivals, they don’t slide back and forth. The middle seat is a bit firmer and raised, like you find in many cars, but honestly, it’s still pretty comfy for shorter trips, especially with a nearly flat floor that gives enough footroom for the middle passenger. You can actually fit three adults side by side without everyone feeling squished—trust me, that’s not something you see often in this class.

When it comes to amenities, the rear passengers are in for a treat, especially in the higher trims. Every model comes with rear air vents built into the center console, and those dual USB-C charging ports are super handy for keeping your devices alive on longer rides. If you step up to the SEL trims and above, you’ll also get heated outboard rear seats with three different heat settings, controlled by buttons on the back of the center console. And let’s not forget about that nifty household-style 115V power outlet in the higher trims—perfect for plugging in laptops or other devices that need a bit more power than just a USB can give.

The panoramic sunroof, which is standard on SE with Technology trims and up, stretches over the back seating area, letting in tons of natural light and making the whole cabin feel more spacious. Plus, those manual sunshades in the rear doors are a smart addition, letting passengers manage glare without dimming the whole cabin. The black headliner in our SEL R-Line Black test vehicle gives it this really upscale, cozy vibe, and the ambient lighting in the rear door panels on higher trims keeps that luxurious feel going throughout the cabin.

As for storage, there’s plenty to go around. The door bins are big enough for large water bottles, and you’ve got seatback pockets on the front seats, plus a fold-down center armrest with cup holders. The materials used on the door panels mirror the quality you find up front, with soft-touch areas and stylish trim. All in all, the rear section of the Atlas Cross Sport feels way more upscale than you’d expect for its price, delivering comfort and features that are sure to please even the pickiest passengers, especially on those longer trips.

The cargo space in the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is, honestly, one of its standout features. It’s got a fantastic amount of room and flexibility for a two-row midsize SUV. When you pop open the power liftgate—which, by the way, comes standard on the SE with Technology trim and up—you’re greeted by a massive 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. That’s quite a bit more than what you’ll find in a lot of other SUVs in this class. The load floor is nice and flat, making it super easy to load up heavy items, and the wide opening is perfect for those bigger pieces of cargo.

What we really like about the cargo area’s design is how practical it is. The vertical sides mean you can stack boxes and larger items without wasting any space. Plus, there are four sturdy tie-down points in the corners of the cargo floor to keep everything secure. And let’s not forget the handy 12-volt power outlet on the passenger side wall—ideal for charging coolers, air pumps, or whatever you might need on a road trip or an outdoor adventure. If you go for the higher trims, you’ll also get grocery bag hooks and a retractable cargo cover, which is great for keeping your valuables out of sight.

Now, if you need even more space, the rear seats split 60/40 and fold down easily, giving you a whopping 77.8 cubic feet of cargo room when you need it. And when those seats are down, it creates a nearly flat load floor that stretches almost 7 feet from the liftgate to the front seatbacks. We even managed to fit a standard-sized mountain bike in there without having to take off the front wheel—pretty impressive for a vehicle in this category!

Underneath the cargo floor, there’s a shallow storage compartment that holds a temporary spare tire and the tools you need. This space also doubles as a spot for stashing valuables or things you don’t use every day. The cargo area is lined with durable carpeting that can handle everyday wear and tear, and if you’re someone who often hauls dirty gear, you can opt for rubber mats, which come standard on some trims and are optional on others.

There’s one little hiccup we should mention. There’s no remote mechanism to fold the rear seats from the cargo area. You’ll have to walk around to the side doors to do that, using the release levers on the seat shoulders. It’s a small hassle, especially if you frequently rearrange your space for different types of cargo. But honestly, this is just a minor thing. Overall, the Atlas Cross Sport’s cargo space is a real strength, providing a room that can compete with larger three-row SUVs, minus the extra length and bulk.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport really stands out in the midsize two-row SUV market, with prices starting at $38,615 for the base SE model and going all the way up to $53,620 for the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line. This pricing is quite competitive when you stack it against other favorites like the Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Mazda CX-70. Plus, it brings a nice mix of European style and engineering, all while being significantly cheaper than luxury brands that offer similar looks and features.

Now, after putting in quite a bit of time with different trim levels of the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport, we’ve come to think that the best bang for your buck is definitely in the lower to mid-range trims. The base SE model, starting at $38,615, is surprisingly loaded with features that you’d usually find as extras on many competitors. You get heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a big 12-inch infotainment screen, and the full IQ.Drive safety suite. Honestly, it’s a fantastic deal for anyone looking for a roomy, comfy SUV without emptying their wallet.

If you step up to the SE with Technology trim at $42,720, you’ll find some great upgrades like a panoramic sunroof, hands-free power liftgate, remote start, and, crucially, a trailer hitch that enables a solid 5,000-pound towing capacity. For most folks, this trim hits the sweet spot—offering the features people want without creeping into the pricier territory of the higher trims. That extra $4,105 over the base SE feels pretty justified given what you get.

But, looking at the higher trims—like the SEL for $48,615, the SEL R-Line Black at $50,565, and the SEL Premium R-Line for $53,620—you might start to think about entry-level luxury models. Sure, these trims come with cool features like the Digital Cockpit Pro, navigation, and premium audio systems, along with a bit more stylish flair. But whether they’re worth it really depends on how much you care about those extras. The new SEL R-Line Black trim for 2025 has a striking look with its dark exterior, but functionality-wise, it’s pretty similar to the standard SEL.

When you stack the Atlas Cross Sport up against similarly priced luxury-brand options, keep in mind that while those cars might have the fancy badges, they usually give you less interior space and fewer standard features for the same price. The Atlas Cross Sport, with its generous space for passengers, lots of cargo room, and a solid set of features, makes a strong case for itself, even at the upper limits of its price range. The SEL Premium R-Line, while hitting the low $50,000s, has equipment that would cost a pretty penny more in an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz.

And let’s not overlook Volkswagen’s warranty, which adds another layer to its value. All 2025 Atlas Cross Sport models come with a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, plus a powertrain warranty of the same length. While that doesn’t quite match the longer powertrain coverage from some competitors like Hyundai and Kia, it does beat the usual 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranties found in many mainstream brands. Plus, Volkswagen throws in two years of free scheduled maintenance—a perk that not many non-luxury brands offer, and it could save you a good chunk of change during those early ownership years.

Long-term value is also something to think about. The Atlas Cross Sport’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides decent fuel economy for its class, which could save you a lot at the pump compared to thirstier V6 alternatives over time. The build quality we saw during our testing looks promising for durability, although Volkswagen’s reliability ratings have had their ups and downs historically. Resale value might not be as high as the leaders like Honda and Toyota, but it usually does better than many domestic rivals.

In the end, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers incredible value for those on the hunt for a spacious, well-equipped two-row SUV that carries a bit of European flair but at a reasonable price. It’s really good at bridging that gap between mainstream brands and luxury ones, giving you a premium feel without the premium price tag. So, for the practical buyer who values a mix of style, space, and substance, the Atlas Cross Sport—especially in the SE with Technology or SEL trims—makes for a compelling choice in a crowded market.