A slightly smaller and less expensive Atlas. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – January 14, 2020 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport VW unveiled its all-new 2020 Atlas Cross Sport at its Platinum LEED Certified manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, TN this past October. Today, VW announced pricing for the 2020 five-seat midsize SUV. VW Atlas Cross Sport Design The Cross Sport is 2.8 inches shorter (195.5 in.) and is 2.3 inches lower (67.7 in.) than the current Atlas at 198.3 and 70.0 in. respectively. It is the same width and wheelbase at 78.3 in. and 117.3-inch wheelbase as well. It carries much of the std. Atlas’ large passenger and cargo volume. The Cross Sport is rated at 111.8 cu. ft. of passenger space, 40.3 cu ft of cargo volume behind the second-row seats and a large 77.8 cu. ft. with the second row folded. Compare those specs with Mid-size 7-passenger class standard bearer in the 2020 Ford Explorer. Wheelbase (in.) – 119.1” Length (in.) – 198.8” Width (in.) – 78.9” Height (in.) – 69.9” Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) – 104.8 Cargo Volume behind 1st row/2nd row/3rd row (cu. ft.) – 87.8/47.9/18.2 The Cross Sport is slightly smaller on the outside and inside and of course does not have 7-seats like the Explorer or std. Atlas but it has its own personality with a lower starting price as expected. Comparing the Atlas Cross Sports design to its slightly larger Atlas sibling, it received a new three-bar chrome grille and new light signature that extends the width grille. The Cross Sport’s profile includes a more steeply raked rear pillar and rear hatch. Chrome trim accents on the lower body sides, rear bumper, and windows add to the new look as does the rear taillamps providing a new look for a new decade. Inside, the Cross Sport receives a new wheel with more intuitive controls, available stitching accents on the door inserts and seats. New optional features include Qi wireless mobile charging, heated rear seats and wheel, ventilated front seats, rear sunshades, and the highly regarded Fender Audio System with 12 speakers. The VW Digital Cockpit with the configurable instrument display carry’s over and is available on the SEL trim as well as the SEL Premium. VW Atlas Cross Sport Drivetrain The Cross Sport will be available with the 276-hp V6 and a 235-hp turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0L TSI I4, both mated to a smooth shifting 8-speed AT. Both powertrains can be mated to VWs AWD 4Motion system. The V6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the V6 Towing package. Unfortunately, the drivetrain(s) are rated at just 21/24 and 18/23 mpg city/highway in FWD/AWD configurations. If there were a weak point in the Atlas program, it is right there considering the Explorer offers a very powerful Hybrid rated at 27/29 and 23/26 mpg city/highway in FWD/AWD configurations. Pricing for the Hybrid Explorer is significantly higher of course. VW Atlas Cross Sport Pricing and Trims The Base S FWD starts at $30,545, and features the turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0L TSI I4. The 4Motion AWD model starts at $32,445. Standard features include 18” alloys; silver roof rails; LED headlamps, DRLs and taillamps; auto headlamps; rain-sensing wipers; cloth seats; auto-dimming rearview mirror; 6.5” color central touchscreen, App-Connect, two USB-C ports, BT and a rearview camera. Standard driver-assistance features include Front Assist and Blind Spot Monitor. SE FWD starts at $33,945 and $35,845 for the 4Motion AWD and adds to the S keyless access and pushbutton start, heated side mirrors; vinyl seating surfaces; 10-way power driver’s seat; heated front seats; dual auto climate, an 8.0” color central touchscreen, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Voice Control; two second-row USB ports and one in the center console (charge only); plus a power liftgate. SE with Technology starts at $35,945 for the I4 FWD, and $37,345 for V6 FWD. 4Motion AWD models add $1,900 to both. SE with Technology adds to the SE 20” alloys, Easy Open rear liftgate; remote start; and a 115-volt power outlet in the second row. Standard driver-assistance features include front and rear Park Distance Control and RCC w/ Stop and Go. SE with Technology R-Line starts at $37,345 for the I4 FWD, and $38,745 for the V6. 4Motion AWD models add $1,900 to both powertrain options. Standard features include: 20” twin five-spoke, black R-Line bumpers, signature R-Line badging, and stainless-steel pedal caps. SEL starts at $39,545 for the I4 FWD, and $41,345 for the optional V6. 4Motion AWD models adds the same $1,900 to both powertrain options. Standard content includes LED headlamps with an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS); full chrome window surround; heated washer nozzles; heated steering wheel; memory function for the driver’s seat and exterior mirrors; 8-way power passenger seat; the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit; and NAVI, panoramic sunroof, and V6 Towing Package. Standard driver-assistance features include Lane Assist, Light Assist, RCC, LKA, and Dynamic Road Sign Display. The SEL R-Line starts at $41,245 for the I4 FWD, and $43,045 for the optional V6. 4Motion AWD again adds $1,900 to both powertrain options. Standard R-Line content includes 21” alloys, black R-line Bumpers, R-Line badging, and stainless-steel pedal caps. SEL Premium includes standard 4Motion AWD and starts at $46,295 for I4 and $48,095 for the V6 model. Standard features include 20” alloys, power folding mirrors; front door stitching accents; leather seats; heated and ventilated front seats, rear sunshade; and the Fender Premium Audio system. Standard driver-assistance features include Park Assist and the Area View camera. SEL Premium R-Line (later availability) starts at $47,995 for the I4 (limited availability) and $49,795 for the V6. Standard R-Line content includes: 21” alloys, black R-Line bumpers, R-Line badging, and stainless-steel pedal caps. Destination fee on all models is $1,020. OPTIONS V6 Towing Package is available on SE with Technology and SE with Technology R-Line V6 models. It includes a factory trailer hitch and a more powerful alternator for $550. The Panoramic Sunroof Package, available on SE with Technology and SE with Technology R-Line trims, includes a panoramic sunroof with electric tilt-and-slide function for $1,200. VW Atlas Cross Sport Infotainment The VW Car-Net suite is upgraded for the 2020 and includes a long list of no-charge services for five years, and new subscription options. App features include remote start and stop (if equipped), remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location, and remote vehicle status display, which provides information on fuel level, mileage, and door and window status. VW owners with factory-installed navigation can send destinations or points of interest directly to their car from the app, helping to save time. Coming later this year, owners will also be able to connect their VW Car-Net account to compatible smart home devices to send voice commands to their vehicle to check the fuel level or remote start the engine. The Car-Net Hotspot allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously at 4G LTE speed. An extra cost of course. VW Atlas Cross Sport Safety The Atlas Cross Sport Base S model includes standard Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Traffic Alert. Further up trims include Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop and Go, Lane Keep Assist, and Park Distance Control are also available. The Atlas Cross Sport with factory-installed NAVI will display speed limits, no-passing zones, school zones and work zones on the navigation screen and instrument panel when detected by the front camera and navigation system data. The system can display multiple signs simultaneously when appropriate. 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport The Atlas Cross Sport is built alongside the Atlas and Passat at the Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant. VW has invested more than $2.6 billion in the area and will receive an additional $800 million investment for production of the VW ID Vizzion BEV expected to reach VW dealership showrooms in 2022.