The Atlas Cross Sport is one of several Volkswagen SUVs. Like other passenger vehicles, this midsize crossover offers many trims and options. But most consumers gravitate toward one trim level. Here are details about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and its most popular trim. 

A quick overview of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport trims

Volkswagen offers the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport in five trim levels. The base model is the SE, starting at about $34,500. It has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine making 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It has a decent number of standard features, such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen and heated front seats.

The next trim level is the SE with Technology, which starts at about $38,600. As the name suggests, it mainly upgrades the SUV’s tech features, such as enlarging the touchscreen into an 8-inch one.

Then there’s the SEL, which goes for just over $44,000. It adds many luxurious amenities, such as a panoramic sunroof and a heated steering wheel.

After that is the $46,000 SEL R-Line Black. It mainly builds on the SEL by making it look sportier. 

Finally, there’s the SEL Premium R-Line. This top-of-the-line trim starts at about $51,600. It adds high-end features like leather upholstery and heated rear seats. It also boasts the SUV’s only optional engine, a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.

Most 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport customers pick 1 trim

Edmunds reports that the most popular 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport trim is the SE with Technology. Like many mid-range trims, the SE with Technology provides a solid balance of features for the price. Notably, the German SUV’s optional V6 engine isn’t available on the base model, but it’s available for the SE with Technology and above.

In addition to boosting the car’s touchscreen size, this trim adds tech features that interest car shoppers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models, but the SE trim and above have the wireless version of those two features. This trim also has a wireless phone charging pad and smart features like a hands-free liftgate, remote start capability, and front and rear parking sensors.

Adaptive cruise control is another useful standard feature that this trim has. While most of this trim’s upgrades are tech-related, it also gets one significant upgrade externally. The base trim comes with 18-inch wheels, while this trim swaps those out for 20-inch ones. 

Why this trim option might be so popular for consumers

It’s hard to know precisely why the SE with Technology is the most popular Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport trim, but it’s likely because of the value. Because it starts at about $38,600, this trim costs only about $4,000 more than the base model. That $4,000 pays for plenty of practical tech features that shoppers likely appreciate, and they boost the SUV’s value. 

Additionally, because this trim is the cheapest that can be equipped with the optional V6, buyers who pick that option also get the best performance the Atlas Cross Sport provides. That further increases the SUV’s value, so it’s no surprise the experts at Edmunds also recommend this trim.