Volkswagen Atlas Versus Atlas Cross Sport: Which Is Best for You?

You have plenty of choices when looking for a solid mid-size SUV, but when it comes down to it, choosing a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is truly the smart choice. However, did you know that there are two 2025 Volkswagen Atlas models from which to choose? You have a choice between a two-row model and a three-row model. The two-row model is known as the Atlas Cross Sport, and the three-row model is the Atlas. Which 2025 Atlas would you choose? SlashGear did some of the work for you; here is what its editors found.  

First off, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are built on the same platform at the same Chattanooga, Tennessee assembly facility. You may be surprised to learn that both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport ride on the same wheelbase. The differences are visual, with the Cross Sport five inches shorter in length and lower by about two inches. The longer SUV—the Atlas—seats up to seven in three rows, and the Cross Sport seats up to five in two rows. The Cross Sport’s roofline is more rakish, while the Atlas is more upright.   

They both are powered by the same choice of drivelines—front or 4Motion all-wheel drive. They also share the same 268-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The similarities continue when you compare maximum towing ratings (5,000 pounds), width (78.3 inches), equipment levels, and even trim levels.

Cargo space, however, is different between these two Atlas models. While you have up to 77.6 cubic feet of space to load up in the Cross Sport, the three-row Atlas has up to 96.6 cubic feet of usable load space. SlashGear went a little deeper to find more differences. The editors pointed out that the three-row Atlas has more standard USB ports with six, compared to four in the Cross Sport. If you go with the Atlas SE with Technology Package, the number of USB ports grows to eight.  

The team at SlashGear summed it up by stating that “considering the fact that both vehicles share near-identical mechanical parts, choosing between the two comes down to what the buyer needs from the vehicle. For someone seeking a car that can seat a family of seven in reasonable comfort, the standard Atlas is the way to go. Folks with smaller families, on the other hand, can look at the Cross Sport as a viable option.” 

As the home of the Bud Brown Advantage Lifetime Limited Warranty, we offer a selection of Atlas and Atlas Cross Sports for you to see the differences for yourself. Contact us at Bud Brown Volkswagen to help you choose the right SUV for your lifestyle.