2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen of America, Inc. unveiled the all-new 2020 Atlas Cross Sport at the company’s state-of-the-art factory in Chattanooga, TN. The five-seater midsize SUV features a dramatic, coupe-like design as well as advanced connectivity and driver-assistance systems.

The Cross Sport is the first fruit of Volkswagen’s strategy of doubling up in the biggest SUV segments, a plan that will be repeated in the compact SUV segment with a vehicle that will fit in the lineup beneath the Tiguan.

“Building off the success of the Atlas seven-seater midsize SUV, we see an opportunity for a five-seater model that offers even more style and almost as much interior space,” said Scott Keogh, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “We look forward to entering this growing segment with the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which offers outstanding Volkswagen technology, driver-assist features, style, and value.”

Overall, the Cross Sport is 2.8 inches shorter than the current Atlas, and is 2.3 inches lower. It is 78.3 inches wide and rides on the same 117.3-inch wheelbase, which is the reason for the vehicle’s generous interior space. The Cross Sport has an outstanding 111.8 cubic feet of passenger space, with 40.3 cu ft of luggage space behind the second-row seats and 77.8 cu ft with the second row folded.

Externally, the VW Atlas Cross Sport has distinctive styling that builds on the basics of the Atlas but takes it to a new level. At the front, the Cross Sport gets an upscale three-bar chrome grille and a distinctive new light signature that extends the width of the middle bar. An aggressive new front bumper and subtly sculpted hood complete the front end treatment that looks remarkably close to the stunning concept that was shown at the 2018 New York Auto Show.

The Cross Sport’s profile is racier than the Atlas, with a steeply raked rear pillar and rear hatch. New lights and a sculpted rear bumper give the rear end real presence, while chrome accents on the lower body sides, rear bumper, and windows add to the bespoke look of the design. R-Line® trims have even more heavily sculpted bumpers with chrome and piano black treatments around the lower front air scoops, as well as available 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Inside, the Cross Sport receives upgrades over the existing Atlas. There is a new steering wheel, with more intuitive controls, available stitching accents on the door inserts and seats, and new high-tech features, including available wireless mobile charging. Available luxury features include heated rear seats and steering wheel, as well as ventilated front seats, rear sunshades, and the Fender® Premium Audio System with 12 speakers. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit configurable instrument display is available on the SEL trim as well as the SEL Premium. In addition to offering massive amounts of cargo space, the Atlas has an impressive 40.4 inches of rear-seat legroom.

The Volkswagen Car-Net® suite of connected features is upgraded for MY20, with an updated mobile app, a long list of no-charge services for five years, and new subscription options. For instance, Car-Net Remote Access gives owners the ability to interact with their vehicle from miles away via the mobile app. It is offered at no additional charge for five years from the date of vehicle purchase. 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.

Volkswagen 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.