2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Pricing for the VW Atlas Cross Sport range spans nearly $20,000, so there is plenty of choice within the lineup. The most affordable Atlas Cross Sport is the SE, which carries an MSRP of $32,775, excluding a destination fee in the US of $1,195. Following this is the SE with Technology with a base price of $36,945. The better-equipped SEL costs $42,545. The SEL R-Line starts at $43,945; the SEL Premium R-Line goes on sale for $49,945, while the SEL R-Line Black adds $550.

SEL trims get AWD as standard, but adding it to the SE models will add $1,900 to the price. Not every trim is compatible with both engine choices, but those that offer the choice of upgrading to the six-cylinder will cost you $1,750 extra.

Despite its sporty appearance, the new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is not an athletic SUV. Being one of the largest vehicles in its class has some benefits, but handling isn't one of them. The steering is light, which is a plus and makes the otherwise cumbersome car easier to handle around town or in packed parking lots. There isn't much feedback, although selecting Sport mode from the Eco, Normal, Custom, and Sport drive modes does tighten up the steering a little. Body roll isn't terrible, but it's definitely there. That being said, the ponderous SUV is not without its charms.

The suspension is far better tuned toward comfort, though it is a little on the stiff side. Most small bumps in the road will be smoothed over well enough, and if it's fully laden with people and luggage, it can even roll over slightly larger problems without a hitch. The sturdy construction of the cabin further helps to separate occupants from the outside world by dampening road, wind, and engine noise. In our review of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, we found the inside to be a great place to while away the time on those long family trips.

The midsize SUV market is one of the most popular in the USA, so competition is fierce. Many automakers try to stand out by adding unique gimmicks, like a third row of seats. This is what makes the standard Atlas so appealing. However, what happens when you remove that third row and let the roofline slope a little? Well, you still end up with a net gain in cargo capacity and second-row passengers get to enjoy excellent head- and legroom. And, in the case of the Atlas Cross Sport, the cabin is well put-together, resulting in high levels of comfort and very little exterior noise.

However, the weak base engine holds the SUV back, and even the available V6 doesn't improve matters markedly. On the plus side, towing capacity is quite good. Handling is another black mark. Sure, it's easy to park and drive at low speeds, but spirited driving is totally out of the question. But, when you are transporting the whole family and all their stuff, you'll want to keep things on the tame side. The excellent list of standard features only enhances the total offering. In conclusion, the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport has more going for it than against, so it's definitely worth considering if you want an upscale family cruiser.

There are many different ways to buy a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, since most of the options are bundled into trim levels rather than packages. Prices range dramatically depending on the trim, going from just over $30k on the low end to around $50k at the top, before options. While it misses out on some cool tech features, we think the SEL trim is the best value of the bunch. This model will set you back $42,545 with the four-cylinder plus AWD or $44,295 with the VR6 and AWD.