The Atlas is Volkswagen’s midsize three-row SUV, capable of seating up to 7 people while providing surprisingly enticing performance and a tech-loaded cabin with plenty of features and comfort amenities. However, just like Mercedes-Benz and BMW do with their most popular SUV models, VW also produces a more stylish version of its roomy car, the Atlas Cross Sport coupe.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a redesigned Atlas with a sloping roof that grants the otherwise boxy SUV a sportier and more attractive overall look, though it comes at the cost of practicality and the vehicle’s third row. With rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Audi Q3 Sportback, and BMW X4, the VW Atlas Cross Sport definitely has its work cut out for it.
Just like the regular 2023 Atlas, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport comes in 5 different trim options, with the entry-level version starting at $34,460 while its most expensive trim asks for $51,625. Let’s get into the Atlas Cross Sports’s interior details to help you choose.
Breaking Down Trims And Prices Of The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Volkswagen offers two engine options for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, starting with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard on every trim except the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line, with an 8-speed automatic and 4Motion AWD - which is optional on most trims and standard on others, or FWD. The other mill comes in the form of a 3.6-liter VR6 that uses an advanced direct-injection system to make 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, and pairs to the same 8-speed auto.
Since both engine options of the 2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport are available on most trims, what really separates them in terms of pricing is each version’s tech setup and overall cabin quality. The entry-level SE starts at $34,460, followed by the SE with Technology that costs $38,630. Mid-range SEL trims begin at $44,230 for the standard version, and $46,180 for the R-Line Black edition. Lastly, the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line comes in at a hefty price tag of $52,625, and offers the most advanced configuration of the entire lineup.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Has Tons Of Tech
In regular Volkswagen fashion, the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport provides a well-built cabin with plenty of useful tech and comfort amenities, maintaining a good standard across the entire range. However, notable differences emerge between trims, so it’s worth going into the features of each one. The Atlas Cross Sport SE comes standard with a 6-inch center infotainment screen, an 8-inch digital driver’s display, heated manually-adjustable front seats, and faux-leather seat upholstery. Materials come in the form of more faux-leather, feel-good plastics and squishy rubbers. Upgrading to the SE with Technology unlocks dual-zone automatic climate control, a hands-free power liftgate, and remote engine start.
The mid-range trims are definitely the sweet spot of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s lineup. The SEL trim provides a power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, a larger 8-inch center touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, and a faux-leather heated steering wheel. The upgraded SEL R-Line Black edition us purely aesthetic, and it simply adds several black styling accents both inside and out.
Lastly, there’s the fully-equipped range-topping 2022 Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line, which is just as stacked as its name is a mouthful. It graces passengers with heated front and second row seats, front row seat ventilation, a Fender premium audio system, and full-leather upholstery, as well as carrying over other desirable features from lower trims. It also boasts wooden trimming and brushed-metal inserts, giving the cabin a high-end feel.
Practicality Of The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The regular Volkswagen Atlas is obviously more roomy than the coupe-like Atlas Cross Sport, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good family hauler. With its main drawback being the absence of a third row, the 2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport can still comfortably carry up to 5 large adults, providing ample legspace and headroom despite its sloping roof. No third row translates to a huge 40 cubic-foot trunk space that gets even bigger with the second row folded flat, and VW also provides several other storage cubbies and bins throughout the rest of the cabin.
All in all, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s interior is one of the best in the entire midsize SUV segment, especially considering that it’s one of the cheapest coupe’s available. It manages to deliver great quality, plenty of practicality, and awesome tech.
Source: Volkswagen