2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line
Class: Midsize Crossover
Colour: Silver Mist Metallic
Seating Capability: 5
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | B+ |
| Match and End | A |
| Gasoline Economic system | A- |
| Worth | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 269-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Miles pushed: 201
Noticed gas financial system: 25.8 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 19/26/22 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Snow Efficiency: N/A
Base value: $51,445 (not together with $1350 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: N/A
Worth as examined: $52,795
Fast Hits
The good: Spacious and premium-feeling cabin, glorious street manners
The nice: Straightforward on the fuel, loads of energy
The not so good: Gradual and glitchy digital interface, an excessive amount of engine noise
Tom Appel:
It might really feel somewhat unusual to ponder the present Volkswagen U.S. lineup. American VW Showrooms are actually comprised of 5 crossovers, and simply three vehicles. Now, these three vehicles, the Golf, Jetta, and Arteon, are break up by WV into a variety of fashions, however they not account for a lot by way of gross sales quantity. And—unhappy information—the likable midsize Arteon is being killed off after the 2024 mannequin 12 months.
The truth is, if a carmaker goes to promote automobiles within the U.S., it wants a strong crossover lineup, and Volkswagen has performed a good job protecting all of the bases. The VW “truck” lineup begins with the small Taos, and consists of the compact Tiguan, and the largish midsize Atlas. All are supplied with AWD, and all are arguably styled within the European idiom. Additionally accessible is the compact ID.4 electrical crossover, and the topic of at the moment’s missive, the “tweener” Atlas Cross Sport.
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Excluding the ID.4, the Cross Sport is one thing of an odd duck categorically, slotting beneath the 3-row Atlas and above the compact Tiguan within the lineup. That mentioned, there’s nothing odd in regards to the Sport’s attraction. In comparison with the usual Atlas, the 2-row Cross Sport is about 5 inches shorter in total size, and weighs about 150 kilos much less. It’s additionally priced about $1000 decrease, as effectively.
Because of this, for those who don’t want the third seating row, you’ll be able to get pleasure from the entire Atlas facilities in a barely tidier bundle that’s simpler to park, somewhat faster, somewhat extra gas environment friendly, prices much less, and is arguably higher trying. What’s to not love? And, as an additional advantage, VW doesn’t confer with the Cross Sport as a “coupe,” a time period frustratingly utilized by some manufacturers to explain shorter, fastback model of their commonplace crossovers.
For 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport underwent minor beauty surgical procedure, all for the higher we’d argue, and had the two-drivetrain invoice of fare trimmed to a single providing. Essentially the most important replace, nevertheless, comes inside. The cabin has been retrimmed as a part of a luxury-themed makeover, and the brand new Atlases comes off as legitimately premium, particularly for the value.
The ’24 Cross Sport lineup begins with the entry-level SE (about $38,000), and ascends by means of SE with Expertise ($42,000), SEL ($50,000), SEL R-Line ($51,000), and SEL Premium R-Line ($53,000). R-Line fashions embody sporty design thrives and distinctive front-end and grille remedies.
Presumably to the chagrin of some returning Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport buyers, the super-smooth 3.6-liter V6 has been retired for 2024, changed in all fashions by an up-power 2.0-turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplant, the “EVO4.”
Volkswagen code EA888, the brand new 4-cylinder engine produces a reported 269 horsepower, that’s considerably greater than the earlier technology 4 (235), and simply shy of the retired V6 (276). And, per VW, the brand new 4 cranks out extra torque than both of the previous engines. Each Atlases come solely with an 8-speed automated transmission.
Client Information just lately spent per week with a Cross Sport in topline SEL Premium R-Line trim, in Silver Mist Metallic with Titan Black leather-based cabin trim. All informed, together with vacation spot, our check automobile got here to $52,795.
Sadly, as a lot as we admire the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, each undergo from a pair of points we’d prefer to cowl up entrance: The infotainment interface, and the powertrain.
First Spin: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport
First, the infotainment system is among the many worst within the business. The touchscreen is gradual to answer inputs, the menu system is complicated and illogically organized, and the knowledge displayed concerning content material being accessed vis Bluetooth is normally incorrect and from a tune or podcast beforehand performed. It’s confounding how unhealthy this technique is. That mentioned, routing telephone calls by means of the system works simply advantageous, which is a bit of fine information. And, regardless of the horrible interface, the Harman Kardon sound system is great, particularly when tasked with reproducing the mid-century American jazz favored by this writer.
As for the drivetrain, although it delivers loads of helpful energy, the small 4-cylinder engines sounds as if its straining to maintain up with driver calls for. This frequent transmission shifts and the comparatively loud engine mix for what’s perceived by Client Information editors to be “sporty,” or “unrefined.” As for this writer, the engine noise and responsive transmission felt athletic, and added to the Cross Sport’s usually nimble character. You may learn extra about our tackle the Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport infotainment system and drivetrain right here.
Transferring past these points, the Atlas Cross Sport shines as an expensive, sporty crossover with loads of folks area and a refined dynamic character. The cabin is roomy and effectively appointed, and getting into an exiting both seating row is straightforward because of massive door openings and a simple step-in.
And, say what you need about engine refinement, the brand new Atlas powertrain is straightforward on the fuel. Over 200 miles of principally metropolis driving we averaged 25.8 mpg, glorious given the dimensions of the automobile and the accessible energy.
In the end, the Atlas Cross Sport, even in top-trim SEL Premium R-Line guise, is a combined bag. It appears and seems like a luxurious automobile, however the digital interface is frustratingly cranky, and the engine might sound and really feel crude to some crossover buyers. If the Atlas Cross Sport is in your test-drive brief record, ensure and spend a wholesome period of time with the automobile earlier than committing to a purchase order. For those who can reside with the Sport’s faults, there’s so much right here to like.
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2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line Gallery
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