Sometimes you want to go fast, but you also want to save gas. However, gunning it in the Volkswagen AAtlas Cross Sport is worth the wallet impact. See why the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is irresistible.

How many mpg does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport get?

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg in the city, which doesn’t seem too bad. However, adding AWD reduces these figures to 20 and 24 mpg.

After my week with the VW Atlas Cross Port, I averaged 21.4 mpg. But my fuel economy may have been hurt while off-roading. I would say that idling it to take photos would hurt it, but the engine shuts off as soon as you close the door.

I spent hours on the highway, around town, and on narrow country roads to get a feel for its performance in various conditions. Also, I could have spent more time in EcoMode.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters are available.

It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 7.3 seconds and it has a top speed of 135 mph.

How does the VW Atlas Cross Sport drive?

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has a peppy throttle response and a smooth acceleration with confident brakes and limited body roll.

It corners well, but the steering could be a little tighter around sharp bends. It feels confident, stable, and well-planted on the pavement. It glides over most impacts without fuss, but larger bumps are noticeable.

One of the best aspects of the Atlas is that it’s nimble. It has a 20.26-foot turning radius, so it’s convenient to park and maneuver around tight obstacles.

You have to put the vehicle in reverse for a rearview camera and the optional 360-degree view. The parking assist tech is a little confusing.

There are six drive modes:

• Sport – This drive mode has the fastest response times, may feel slow to downshift in some cases, and could use faster brakes. The engine provides a delightful roar.
• Comfort – This driving mode is smoother and calmer for more relaxed jauns and the engine is mostly silent aside for an occasional purr.
• Eco – This driving mode is the smoothest but the response times may feel delayed. Also, braking power doesn’t seem affected.
• Snow – I didn’t test this mode.
• Custom – This mode allows you to combine your favorite aspects of each mode.
• Off-Road – You can feel the 4Motion AWD system evenly distribute power among each wheel, but it didn’t seem to have a lot of power on tap. However, the brakes suddenly become very responsive.

While off-roading the Atlas Cross Sport felt a little slippery and didn’t promote the most confidence or control. It’s very smooth over gravel and dirt roads, though.

While the VW Atlas Cross Sport is athletic and engaging on the road, it’s not the best for off-roading. It will get you to a campsite at least.

It has a 6.3-inch ground clearance which is pretty dang low. Perhaps it needs an Off-Road edition, like the Honda Pilot TrailSport.

But switching between drive modes provides tons of personality because the digital gauge cluster, infotainment screen, and ambient lighting adjust accordingly. For example, sport mode turns everything red, and Off-Road mode turns everything light green.

Is the Cross Sport comfortable?

Yes, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a comfortable place to spend time. The leather seats are plush and supportive for hours of comfort. The available lumbar and power adjustment controls allow you to find the perfect driving position to see over the bulking hood.

The rear seats are equally as supportive and it feels like you have all the space in the world. Two adults can fit comfortably, and a shorter person can take the third seat for shorter rides.

There is more wind and road noise at higher speeds, but it’s easily covered by the available 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system.

The climate control system is strong and effective during hot and cold temperatures. You rarely have to adjust it, which is good because the touchscreen controls can be distracting. Also, the ventilated seats are pretty strong, and rear passengers benefit from air vents.

How much space does the Atlas Cross Sport have?

Another highlight of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the space. You can access up to 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 77.8 cubes total.

The interior has plenty of trays and bins for personal items. The center console and glove box are generous. The cup holders are nice and big as well.

The VW Atlas can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,417 lbs. There are roof rails if you need to put extra cargo on the roof.

Overall, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is engaging, comfortable, and spacious. But the touch-sensitive controls, off-roading capabilities, and fuel economy could be improved.