MotorWeek Wrap Up Time with Long-Term Atlas Cross Sport

During the summer of 2024, MotorWeek, the vehicle-reviewing television show, received an Atlas Cross Sport for evaluation. This Bud Brown Volkswagen post summarizes MotorWeek’s findings after covering over 2,000 miles and living with it for several months.

Reviewers often get top-of-the-line models to evaluate all the bells and whistles, but for this test, MotorWeek opted for an SE with Technology model, which is one step above the base model. As this test would occur during the summer, the editors also opted for the front-wheel-drive model.  

Retained for 2025, the biggest mechanical change for the 2024 model was the exchange of the former 3.6-liter VR V6 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. The compact single-head 15-degree V6 had long been a fascinating innovation, but the new engine provides 34 more horsepower, for a total of 269, and 15 more lb-ft of torque, for a total of 273. MotorWeek found the new engine accelerated to 60 mph nearly a second faster. The smaller boosted engine also improved fuel economy with 20 mpg (city)/24 (highway)/23 (combined) compared to 18/24/20 for the V6. MotorWeek averaged 22.5 mpg during the 2,123 miles the editors put on the tester. 

The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport also received an exterior styling update, including a revised grille with a light bar above it connecting the daytime running lights. The Technology grade also brought handsome 20-inch wheels for a substantial profile appearance. At the top, the SE w/Technology is also available with a 4.5-by-3-foot panoramic sunroof with a two-part glass opening system and powered sunshade. 

The 2024 redesign also introduced a new interior for both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, showcasing a 10.25-inch fully configurable Digital Cockpit Pro with up to four views (including full-screen navigation), a 12.0-inch center touchscreen, and an overall upgrade in material quality. MotorWeek described the Atlas as a pleasant space to spend time, saying: “…as great as it was in performing commuting duties, it was equally adept at extended seat time as well. All the tech features you need, great comfort up front, and plenty of room for up to three rear seat passengers to stretch out.” 

An advantage of not having a third-row seat is that rear passengers have about three inches more legroom, for a total of 40.4 inches. At the same width as the Atlas, the front/rear shoulder room is very generous at 61.5/60.6 inches. Behind the second row, there is 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which grows to 77.6 cubic feet when the seats are down. 

Overall, MotorWeek had plenty of positive things to say about the Atlas Cross Sport. Despite its large size, it was easy to negotiate city driving and parking lots, thanks in part to the light yet accurate steering.  

MotorWeek was sorry to see the Atlas Cross Sport go, but you won’t have that problem if you test drive and buy one from Bud Brown Volkswagen. In fact, the Bud Brown Advantage Lifetime Limited Warranty encourages you to keep it for a long time.