Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport choice comes down to generation, engine, and drive system. The original SUV Coupe, produced from October 2019 through January 2024, offered four configurations: 2.0 AT with 235 hp in FWD or AWD form, and 3.6 AT with 276 hp in FWD or AWD form. The restyled first generation, in production from February 2023, simplifies the range to two 2.0 AT versions.
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport choice comes down to generation, engine, and drive system. The original SUV Coupe, produced from October 2019 through January 2024, offered four configurations: 2.0 AT with 235 hp in FWD or AWD form, and 3.6 AT with 276 hp in FWD or AWD form. The restyled first generation, in production from February 2023, simplifies the range to two 2.0 AT versions. Both produce 273 hp and are distinguished by FWD or AWD. Buyers prioritizing published fuel-consumption and weight figures will find the original 2.0 AT FWD the easiest version to assess, while those seeking the strongest torque and highest power per litre should consider the restyled 2.0 AT.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport generations and version changes
The first-generation Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is an SUV Coupe produced from October 2019 to January 2024. Its four versions combine two engines with two drive layouts. The 2.0 AT develops 235 hp and 350 Nm with either FWD or AWD. The 3.6 AT raises output to 276 hp and torque to 362 Nm, again with either FWD or AWD.
The first-generation restyling has been in production since February 2023 and remains an SUV Coupe. It replaces the four-way engine-and-drive selection with two versions of one engine: a 273 hp, 377 Nm 2.0 AT with FWD and an otherwise equivalent 2.0 AT with AWD. Compared with the earlier 235 hp 2.0 AT, the restyled engine gains 38 hp and 27 Nm while retaining its 1,984 cc displacement. Compared with the earlier 276 hp 3.6 AT, it produces 3 hp less but 15 Nm more from 1,613 cc less displacement.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport engine options and specs
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.0 AT, 235 hp | 235 hp / 172 kW at 5,000 rpm | 350 Nm at 1,600 rpm | 1,984 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 235 hp | 235 hp / 172 kW at 5,000 rpm | 350 Nm at 1,600 rpm | 1,984 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation 3.6 AT, 276 hp | 276 hp / 202 kW at 6,200 rpm | 362 Nm at 3,500 rpm | 3,597 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 3.6 AT, 276 hp | 276 hp / 202 kW at 6,200 rpm | 362 Nm at 3,500 rpm | 3,597 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.0 AT, 273 hp | 273 hp / 200 kW; power rpm not measured | 377 Nm; torque rpm not measured | 1,984 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.0 AT, 273 hp | 273 hp / 200 kW; power rpm not measured | 377 Nm; torque rpm not measured | 1,984 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
All versions use a front, transverse engine with Direct injection (direct) and four valves per cylinder. The earlier 2.0 AT has a 9.6 compression ratio and an 82.5 × 92.8 bore and stroke. The 3.6 AT has an 11.4 compression ratio and an 89 × 96.4 bore and stroke. The restyled 2.0 AT retains the 82.5 × 92.8 bore and stroke, while its compression ratio is not measured.
Engine output per litre clarifies the generational change. The original 2.0 AT produces approximately 118.4 hp per litre, the 3.6 AT approximately 76.7 hp per litre, and the restyled 2.0 AT approximately 137.6 hp per litre. On the supplied figures, the restyled 2.0 AT therefore has the highest specific output.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport horsepower: 2.0 AT or 3.6 AT?
In the original generation, choosing the 3.6 AT instead of the 2.0 AT adds 41 hp and 12 Nm. That is a meaningful power increase, but the torque difference is much smaller. The 2.0 AT reaches its stated 350 Nm at 1,600 rpm, whereas the 3.6 AT reaches its stated 362 Nm at 3,500 rpm.
The restyled 2.0 AT changes that comparison. Its 273 hp is only 3 hp below the original 3.6 AT, while its 377 Nm exceeds the 3.6 AT by 15 Nm. It also produces 38 hp and 27 Nm more than the original 2.0 AT. For buyers choosing strictly from the engine figures, the restyled 2.0 AT provides the strongest balance of displacement, horsepower, and torque.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport mpg and performance
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is not measured for any version. Top speed is also not measured for any version, so the supplied specifications do not support a performance ranking by acceleration or maximum speed.
Fuel consumption is available for the original generation:
| Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 AT, 235 hp, FWD | 11.2 L/100 km | 9.8 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km |
| 2.0 AT, 235 hp, AWD | 13.1 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km |
| 3.6 AT, 276 hp, FWD | 13.8 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km |
| 3.6 AT, 276 hp, AWD | 14.7 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km |
| Restyled 2.0 AT, 273 hp, FWD | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Restyled 2.0 AT, 273 hp, AWD | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The original 2.0 AT FWD records the lowest consumption in every measured category. Moving from that version to the 2.0 AT AWD adds 1.9 L/100 km in the city, 0.4 L/100 km on the highway, and 1.1 L/100 km combined. Moving from the 3.6 AT FWD to the 3.6 AT AWD adds 0.9 L/100 km in the city and 0.5 L/100 km on the highway, while both have the same 12.4 L/100 km combined figure.
No fuel-consumption measurements are supplied for either restyled 2.0 AT, so they cannot be ranked against the original versions for economy.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport weight, clearance, and wheel specs
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.0 AT, 235 hp, FWD | 1,859 kg | 2,470 kg | 203 mm | 88 L | 245/60 R18; 255/50 R20 |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 235 hp, AWD | 1,943 kg | 2,580 kg | 203 mm | 88 L | 245/60 R18; 255/50 R20 |
| First generation 3.6 AT, 276 hp, FWD | 1,941 kg | 2,540 kg | 203 mm | 88 L | 245/60 R18; 255/50 R20 |
| First generation 3.6 AT, 276 hp, AWD | 2,034 kg | 2,650 kg | 203 mm | 88 L | 245/60 R18; 255/50 R20 |
| Restyled 2.0 AT, 273 hp, FWD | not measured | not measured | not measured | 74 L | 245/60 R18; 255/50 R20 |
| Restyled 2.0 AT, 273 hp, AWD | not measured | not measured | not measured | 74 L | 245/60 R18; 255/50 R20 |
Within the original generation, AWD adds 84 kg to the 2.0 AT and 93 kg to the 3.6 AT. The lightest version is the 1,859 kg 2.0 AT FWD, while the heaviest is the 2,034 kg 3.6 AT AWD, a difference of 175 kg.
Weight per horsepower is approximately 7.91 kg/hp for the 2.0 AT FWD, 8.27 kg/hp for the 2.0 AT AWD, 7.03 kg/hp for the 3.6 AT FWD, and 7.37 kg/hp for the 3.6 AT AWD. On this measure, the original 3.6 AT FWD has the most favorable published ratio. Kerb weight is not measured for the restyled versions, so their weight-to-power ratios cannot be calculated.
Every original version has 203 mm of ground clearance and an 88 L tank. The restyled 2.0 AT reduces tank capacity by 14 L to 74 L; its ground clearance is not measured. Both generations list the same 245/60 R18 and 255/50 R20 wheel sizes.
All versions use Independent, spring suspension at the front and rear. They also use Ventilated disc front brakes and Disc ventilated rear brakes.
Which Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport version should you buy?
Choose the original 2.0 AT, 235 hp, FWD if measured fuel economy and lower kerb weight matter most. Its 10.7 L/100 km combined consumption is 1.1 L/100 km below the equivalent AWD version and 1.7 L/100 km below either original 3.6 AT. At 1,859 kg, it is also the lightest measured version.
Choose the original 2.0 AT, 235 hp, AWD if AWD is required but the smaller engine is preferred. It retains 350 Nm and the 8-speed Automatic transmission, although it weighs 84 kg more and uses 1.1 L/100 km more on the combined cycle than the FWD equivalent.
Choose the original 3.6 AT, 276 hp, FWD if the best measured weight-to-power ratio is the priority. It offers 41 hp more than the original 2.0 AT FWD while adding 82 kg. Its approximate 7.03 kg/hp ratio is the strongest among versions with published kerb weights, though its combined consumption rises to 12.4 L/100 km.
Choose the original 3.6 AT, 276 hp, AWD if the combination of the higher-output original engine and AWD is essential. It has the highest measured kerb and gross weights at 2,034 kg and 2,650 kg, and its city consumption is the highest measured figure at 14.7 L/100 km.
Choose the restyled 2.0 AT, 273 hp, in FWD or AWD form if engine output per litre and maximum stated torque take precedence over having complete economy and weight data. It delivers approximately 137.6 hp per litre and 377 Nm, the highest torque in the range. The FWD and AWD versions have identical published engine specifications, so the decision between them rests on drive preference; their fuel consumption, kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, acceleration, and top speed are not measured.