2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen is aiming to deliver a more emotional design approach to the SUV segment with the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport coming this spring.

Cross Sport uses the timeless cues of the current Volkswagen design language and striking proportions to produce a bold SUV that works perfectly for the American marketplace.

“The Cross Sport allows you to show up—with style, grace, and elegance—without showing off,” said Scott Keogh, CEO, Volkswagen of America. “It really addresses the sweet spot of what Americans are looking for.”

The athletic stance of the Cross Sport begins with its basic dimensions. While 2.8 inches shorter than the Atlas, it has the same 117.3-inch wheelbase, as all of the length was trimmed from the ends for shorter overhangs. The total height of the Cross Sport is 2.3 inches lower compared to the Atlas and features a dramatically raked rear pillar and hatch. Those changes, along with the available 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and unique rear bumper treatment, combine to provide an aggressive look from every angle.

“SUVs are about adventure. They need to be proud, and they should give customers a feeling that they could go anywhere,” says Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen AG’s Head of Design. “With the Atlas Cross Sport, we have a very functional machine, but also one that’s dynamic and emotional, with a bold and proud stance.”

The Cross Sport’s front fascia combines a three-bar chrome grille with a new light signature that runs the width of the middle bar, and blends seamlessly with a sculpted hood and front bumper. R-Line® trims get a unique bumper with chrome and piano black treatments around the lower front air scoops for an even more emotional look.

“It’s distinctive from the Atlas and everything else at first glance,” says Bischoff. “All the parts connect with a level of precision and perceived quality that should exceed expectations.”

The interior design also breaks new ground. With the same wheelbase as the Atlas, the Cross Sport provides ample room for five passengers at 111.8 cubic feet, with 40.3 cu ft of luggage space behind the sliding second-row seats and 77.8 cu ft with the second row folded. There’s even 40.4 inches of rear legroom, better than some luxury 3-row SUVs.

All of that space comes wrapped in a new treatment for Volkswagen interiors, from a redesigned steering wheel to available two-tone inserts with stitching accents on the door panels and seats. 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, providing a 10.25-inch, high-definition screen.

“In our interiors, we want to aim for a level of sophistication that you get from luxury cars, but at an accessible price,” said Bischoff. “With the Digital Cockpit and our standard touch displays, we are offering utmost functionality for the digital age.”

The Cross Sport will be available with two powertrains: a 276-horsepower V6 and a 235-hp four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and are available with Volkswagen’s 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system. The V6 is rated at 5,000 pounds for towing, when equipped with the factory-installed V6 Towing package.

There will be eight trim levels: S, SE, SE w/Tech, SE w/Tech R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. More details and pricing will be announced ahead of the launch in the Spring of 2020.