Is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Right for You? An In-Depth Car and Driver Review

The automotive landscape has undeniably shifted, with the roomy crossover SUV now firmly ingrained as the quintessential family car. This evolution makes perfect sense, as today’s buyers prioritize passenger comfort, generous cargo capacity, and robust towing capabilities – all areas where midsize and larger models consistently excel. It’s a segment where practicality meets modern design, fulfilling the diverse needs of contemporary households.

Stepping into this fiercely competitive arena, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presents itself as a compelling contender. Essentially a two-row iteration of the popular standard VW Atlas, it offers a distinct proposition for those who admire the Atlas’s foundational strengths but don’t require its seven-seat configuration. This review will meticulously dissect whether this five-passenger variant truly aligns with your specific automotive requirements and lifestyle.

Our extensive evaluation, echoing the rigorous standards you’ve come to expect from *Car and Driver*, delves into every facet of the Atlas Cross Sport. We’ll explore its refined exterior, spacious interior, advanced technology, performance characteristics, and overall value proposition. Join us as we uncover what makes this Volkswagen crossover a notable presence in a segment increasingly crowded with capable rivals.

“Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI – Best Luxury SUV over $60,000 – Australias Best Cars” by The National Roads and Motorists’ Association is licensed under CC BY 2.0

5. **Driving Dynamics: A Refined, Not Racy, Road Experience**While the “Sport” in its name might suggest an eager, corner-carving machine, the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport largely prioritizes comfort and stability over outright athleticism. Volkswagen has engineered this vehicle for relaxed cruising, delivering a driving experience characterized by light, direct steering that makes maneuvering its substantial size surprisingly easy. Braking, while on the softer side, proved certain and capable, consistently bringing the SUV to a halt within average stopping distances.

Our test model, equipped with Volkswagen’s renowned 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, demonstrated excellent balance across front-to-back and side-to-side axes, inspiring confidence, especially on winding roads. However, its high profile inherently translates into some discernible body roll during more aggressive cornering. This is entirely manageable and never feels unsettling, but it certainly reinforces the vehicle’s inclination towards comfort rather than razor-sharp handling, despite the name.

Ultimately, the Atlas Cross Sport delivers a thoroughly good driving experience for its class, one that prioritizes a stable, predictable, and comfortable journey, perfectly suited for long family trips or daily commutes alike. Opting for larger 20-inch wheels can sharpen the driving experience with a firmer feel, but at the cost of some ride plushness.

Car Model Information: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE
Name: Volkswagen Atlas
Manufacturer: Volkswagen
Aka: Volkswagen Teramont
Production: 2017–present
ModelYears: 2018–present
Class: Mid-size crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: unbulleted list
Predecessor: Volkswagen Touareg
Categories: 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, Articles with short description, CS1 German-language sources (de), CS1 Mexican Spanish-language sources (es-mx)
Summary: The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen since 2017. Developed mainly for the North American and Chinese market, the vehicle is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. Outside the US, Canadian, and Chilean markets, the vehicle is marketed as the Volkswagen Teramont. It is positioned above the long-wheelbase Tiguan and below the smaller but more upmarket Touareg.

Get more information about: Volkswagen Atlas

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volkswagen Model: Atlas Cross Sport
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

6. **Infotainment System: A Touchy Subject**”Hey, Volkswagen!”—this phrase quickly became a familiar lament during our time with the Atlas Cross Sport. While voice commands are an option, they often felt like a fallback in the face of a touchscreen interface that, regrettably, proved to be one of the vehicle’s most frustrating aspects. The challenge largely stems from the reliance on capacitive controls for essential functions, particularly those governing cabin climate, which require precise and deliberate touch.

Adjusting the cabin temperature, fan speed, or even the heated and cooled seat settings became a multi-attempt exercise in patience. Simple tasks that should be intuitive and executable without diverting attention from the road became distracting, significantly detracting from the otherwise refined in-car experience. We often found ourselves waving hands in desperation to get the system to respond as intended.

Despite these functional hurdles, the visual presentation is impressive. The expansive 12-inch high-resolution display is clean, featuring large, easily discernible icons that make navigation visually straightforward. It also excels in smartphone integration, working seamlessly and wirelessly with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, exhibiting quick and accurate response times—attributes customers rightfully expect.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volkswagen Model: Atlas Cross Sport
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

Technology and Financial Literacy Empowerment: The Digital Advantage — 10 Upcoming Gadgets and Technologies to Change the World ~ Bauer-Power Media, Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

7. **Advanced Onboard Technology: Connectivity and Convenience**Beyond the occasionally challenging interface, the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport is packed with advanced technology designed to enhance connectivity and convenience for all occupants. Every model comes standard with the 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Both front and rear seating rows are thoughtfully equipped with USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pad is standard in the front row.

For the driver, a standard 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster presents vital driving information clearly, with a head-up display available on higher trims. Moving up the trim ladder unlocks a suite of premium tech upgrades, elevating the in-cabin experience. These include a sophisticated 360-degree camera system for parking assistance and color-adjustable ambient interior lighting.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the upgrade from the standard 6-speaker package to a much richer 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, delivering an immersive listening experience. A Wi-Fi hotspot further ensures everyone stays connected on the go, solidifying the Cross Sport’s tech credentials despite its interface quirks.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volkswagen Model: Atlas Cross Sport
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

“night driving” by fittzer is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

8. **Comprehensive Safety Features: Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE**Safety is paramount, and the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport arrives well-equipped with Volkswagen’s comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, known as IQ.DRIVE. This advanced system is standard across all trims, providing a robust layer of protection and assistance, including automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control for eased highway driving.

Further enhancing safety are park distance control for confident maneuvering, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking to help mitigate impacts. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert provides crucial awareness of vehicles in hard-to-see areas. For added convenience, a semi-automatic “Travel Assist” feature enables hands-free driving under specific circumstances, requiring constant driver attention.

Testament to its robust safety engineering, the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport (on which the 2025 model is based) earned a stellar five-star overall safety score from the NHTSA, the highest possible rating. It also achieved “Good” scores—the best available—in the three crash tests conducted by the IIHS, affirming its protective capabilities.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volkswagen Model: Atlas Cross Sport
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

“Volkswagen CC is a luxury car just happen to wear a VW badge.” by VWPartsVortex is licensed under CC BY 2.0

9. **Active Sound Design: The Engine’s Unconventional Soundtrack**One unique, and indeed controversial, aspect of the Atlas Cross Sport’s driving experience is Volkswagen’s “Active Sound Design.” This system deliberately pipes engine noise into the cabin through the vehicle’s speakers. Volkswagen asserts that the sound produced is a natural rendition of what the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine actually produces, routed through the firewall, unlike digitally enhanced sounds from competitors.

However, during our extensive evaluation, this practice didn’t quite resonate as “natural” as intended. Under hard acceleration, the engine can emit a distinct high-pitch whine. This acoustic characteristic might not be the “music to our ears” a driver anticipates, often coming across as somewhat disconcerting, almost sounding as if the turbos were under undue stress.

While the vehicle delivers ample step-off acceleration and passing power, the accompanying aural experience might not appeal to everyone. Our pragmatic suggestion? If the piped-in dissonance becomes too much, simply turn up your favorite tunes on the available Harman Kardon audio system, and let the music offset the engine’s unique melody.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volkswagen Model: Atlas Cross Sport
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

“Volkswagen Jetta 118 TSi Comfortline – Best Medium Car under $50,000 – Australias Best Cars” by The National Roads and Motorists’ Association is licensed under CC BY 2.0

10. **Competitive Landscape: Navigating a Crowded Segment**The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport enters a fiercely competitive midsize SUV segment, jostling for attention against a diverse array of rivals. Unlike the now-discontinued two-row Ford Edge, the Cross Sport distinguishes itself by offering a unique proposition: a five-passenger layout derived from a larger, three-row platform, balancing substantial interior space with a sleeker, more athletic exterior design. Key competitors include the Lincoln Nautilus, Mazda CX-70, and Chevrolet Blazer.

While many midsize SUVs offer two-row configurations, few provide the sheer sense of spaciousness found within the Atlas Cross Sport. Its generous dimensions, inherited from the larger Atlas, translate directly into impressive rear-seat legroom, often surpassing that of rivals like the Mazda CX-70 and even the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This cavernous interior space for passengers and class-leading cargo capacity positions the Cross Sport as a highly practical choice.

However, this larger-than-average footprint, while beneficial for practicality, also means the Atlas Cross Sport can’t entirely shed its “grandiose stance” in terms of driving dynamics. While it excels in comfort and stability, it doesn’t offer the agile, sporty handling that some might expect from its name. Its strength lies in its ability to be a spacious, comfortable cruiser, providing a distinct blend of form and function.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volkswagen Model: Atlas Cross Sport
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

“2022 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T SE in Cornflower Blue, front left” by Mr.choppers is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

11. **Real-World Reliability Concerns: A Troubling User Perspective (Part 1)**While our objective review assesses the Atlas Cross Sport’s features and performance, real-world ownership often reveals a different story. Several owner reviews for the similar 2024 model year Atlas Cross Sport highlight significant and concerning reliability issues, even within the first few hundred miles of ownership. One user, “flukezilla,” recounted a litany of problems with their 2024 SE w/Technology AWD after just 400 miles.

This user experienced a passenger side rear window that repeatedly refused to close, an exhaust shield rattle, and instances where the car would not start. Adding to the frustration, a new rattle developed in the passenger’s rear door. This string of defects prompted a stark comparison to the user’s positive experiences with seven previous Subarus, leading to profound disappointment and a decision to rid themselves of the vehicle before 1,000 miles.

Despite high marks for safety, technology, performance, interior, and comfort (all 5 out of 5 stars), “flukezilla” rated reliability at a mere 1 out of 5 stars and value at 3 out of 5. This review paints a concerning picture of initial build quality and immediate, pervasive issues, raising serious questions for prospective 2025 buyers.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volkswagen Model: Atlas Cross Sport
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

Front view of a lineup of Mercedes-Benz cars with bright headlights, showcasing luxury and elegance. — Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

12. **Real-World Reliability Concerns: A Troubling User Perspective (Part 2)**Further reinforcing reliability concerns is another critical review from “DGB,” who reported an astounding “8+ warranty repairs in first 1500 miles” for their 2024 SEL R-Line AWD. The list of issues was extensive, including two replaced driving lights, a navigation system that stopped working twice, and a driver’s side door allowing water intrusion during rain.

Crucially, despite numerous repair attempts, the user indicated that the daytime driving lights were still non-functional and the navigation system remained problematic. This user unequivocally stated, “The car has less than 1500 miles and is by far the worst car I have ever owned. Avoid the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport at all costs.” Such a strong condemnation is a significant red flag.

In their detailed ratings, “DGB” assigned very low scores to safety, technology, reliability, and value (all 1 out of 5 stars). While other aspects received slightly higher scores, the overwhelming number of fundamental defects reported within such a short ownership period points to systemic quality control issues that prospective buyers should be acutely aware of.

“2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid” by Motor74 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

13. **Real-World Reliability Concerns: A Troubling User Perspective (Part 3)**The pattern of concerning reliability continues with a review from “Disappointed VW customer,” who purchased a new 2024 VW Cross Sport. They reported an error code on the very first day, alongside issues with daytime running lights and a misaligned driver’s door. The vehicle subsequently spent “16 of 19 days out of service” within a remarkably short period, yet a resolution remained elusive.

Compounding frustration, dealerships proved unable to re-adjust the door, and Volkswagen warranty services suggested taking the car to a body shop over “400 miles away round trip,” with no compensation or loaner car offered for a vehicle with only 364 total miles. This highlighted a severe lack of support for a new vehicle owner facing significant defects.

This individual’s experience culminated in a categorical warning: “Best advice don’t set yourself up for extreme disappointment. First and last VW!” They rated safety, technology, performance, interior, and comfort all at 1 or 3 out of 5 stars, with reliability and value scoring the lowest at 1 out of 5. These accounts collectively paint a bleak picture of initial ownership.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: VW Model: Cross Sport
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

14. **Real-World Reliability Concerns: A Troubling User Perspective (Part 4)**Rounding out these disquieting owner reports is “Mamdouh,” who purchased a 2024 SEL Premium R-Line AWD. Immediately upon leaving the dealership, fundamental technological flaws emerged: the Bluetooth consistently connected and disconnected every minute. Furthermore, the car’s reported current location was “totally off,” leading to incorrect directions from both the built-in navigation system and even when using Apple CarPlay.

Despite returning the vehicle to the dealership twice, the problems persisted, with the service department apparently awaiting guidance from Volkswagen headquarters on how to rectify these core issues. This reliance on fundamental functions like Bluetooth connectivity and accurate navigation is non-negotiable for modern drivers, and their failure right out of the gate points to a critical flaw in either software or hardware integration.

This user’s succinct yet damning advice: “Do not buy the car.” The consistent thread across these various user experiences for the 2024 model is a troubling pattern of significant, immediate, and often unresolved issues spanning electrical, mechanical, and infotainment systems. Their volume and severity present a clear cautionary tale for prospective 2025 Atlas Cross Sport buyers.

“File:1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet (27755596163).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0

15. **Our Comprehensive Final Recommendations: Weighing the Atlas Cross Sport’s Value**Having meticulously dissected every aspect of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, we arrive at our final verdict. This is undeniably a good-looking SUV, prioritizing form with its sleek fastback roofline, yet delivering ample function. For buyers prioritizing spaciousness and versatility in a two-row package, its ability to comfortably accommodate five adults and swallow massive amounts of cargo is a significant draw, setting it apart from many rivals.

However, the journey with the Atlas Cross Sport is not without its bumps. The frustrating infotainment system, with its reliance on capacitive controls, is a persistent annoyance. The controversial “Active Sound Design,” piping engine noise into the cabin, also proved to be a peculiar and not entirely pleasant aspect of the driving experience. These are subjective but significant points of consideration that detract from the overall refined feel.

Perhaps the most critical concern revolves around the troubling pattern of real-world reliability issues reported by owners of the virtually identical 2024 model. Recurring problems ranging from electrical malfunctions and faulty windows to misaligned body panels and widespread technology failures within the first few hundred miles are alarming. While these are individual reports, their consistency suggests potential quality control inconsistencies that prospective buyers must acknowledge.

Despite these caveats, if you can navigate the touchscreen drama, overlook the piped-in engine noise, and are prepared for potential early reliability hiccups, the Atlas Cross Sport might still be a compelling consideration. Our *Car and Driver* pick remains the SE with Technology model. Priced around $45,000 with AWD, it strikes an excellent balance, offering useful features and comprehensive driver-assist systems without venturing into the highest, most expensive trims.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volkswagen Model: Atlas Cross Sport
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

As we conclude our extensive examination of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, it’s clear this is a vehicle of intriguing contradictions. It embodies Volkswagen’s commitment to spacious, versatile crossovers, delivering a handsome aesthetic and a remarkably practical interior. Yet, our deep dive, coupled with valuable insights from real-world owners, reveals areas where the experience falls short of expectations, particularly in user interface and, troublingly, initial reliability. Choosing the right vehicle is a deeply personal decision, and while the Atlas Cross Sport certainly offers compelling attributes, we strongly urge potential buyers to consider these multifaceted insights, take an extended test drive, and assess if its blend of style, space, and noted imperfections truly makes it the right fit for your journey ahead.