Volkswagen is just about to release the new 2020 Atlas Cross Sport, a variation of the existing VW Atlas SUV. The new Atlas Cross Sport is expected to go on sale by the end of March and cost just over $30,000.

Differences between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport

This midsize SUV is based on the VW Atlas, but the Atlas Cross Sport has two rows and seats five while the Atlas has three rows and seats seven. Motor1.com calls the Atlas Cross Sport “stylish” and “coupe-like” and compares it to the “prim-and-proper Atlas.”

Car and Driver agrees, saying it has “spunky styling.” The rear roofline of the Atlas Cross Sport has a steep slant, giving it a different look from the boxier Atlas. The Atlas Cross Sport is also 2.8 inches shorter than the Atlas, although both are built on the same chassis.

Description of the Atlas Cross Sport

Eventually, eight trim levels will be available, and Motor1.com says the cost will start at $31,565 (including a $1,020 destination charge). Although the Atlas Cross Sport can be purchased by the end of March, not all trims will be available at that time; the R-Line trims will be released later.

The R-Line trims will have different badging and different bumpers. In addition, there will be a limited number of vehicles available in the SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line trims with the four-cylinder engine.

The infotainment system will include an available 10-inch screen. All trims will have systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but a native navigation system will be available as an option. Autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring will come standard. Additional driver-assist features, including pedestrian monitoring, dynamic road sign display, and traffic jam assist, will be available on higher trim levels.

The powertrain options

The Atlas Cross Sport will have two available engines: either a 235-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 258 lb-ft of torque or a 276-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine with 266 lb-ft of torque. The larger engine will be available later. Both engines have an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV comes with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive with four different drive modes is available.

Available packages to equip

The Atlas Cross Sport will have two available packages. The V6 Towing Package will be available on the SE with Technology trim or on the SE with Technology R-Line trim. The $550 package adds a factory trailer hitch and upgrades to a more powerful alternator. With this hitch and the 3.6-liter V6 engine (not yet available), this SUV will be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The second package is the Panoramic Sunroof Package. This one is available on the SE with Technology trim and the SE with Technology R-Line trim. The package costs $1,200 and includes a panoramic sunroof that has an electric tilt-and-slide function and is almost five feet long.

How the Atlas Cross Sport compares to competitors’ prices

The starting price for the base S trim is expected to be about $31,565, while the highest of the eight trims, the SEL Premium R-Line, may have a starting price of around $50,000. The Atlas Cross Sport’s starting price places it in the middle of the pack compared to its competitors’ starting prices. Less expensive competitors include the Hyundai Santa Fe (starting at $25,125), Chevrolet Blazer (starting at $28,800), and Ford Edge (starting at $31,100). The Honda Passport (starting at $31,990) and Jeep Grand Cherokee (starting at $32,240) are slightly more expensive.

For buyers who like the Volkswagen Atlas but don’t need a third row, the new, smaller Atlas Cross Sport could be a perfect fit.