Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium Review: Is the Third-Row Delete Worth the Sportier Look?
Ever notice how some SUVs just look right without that extra row of seats? The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium takes VW’s family-hauler blueprint and gives it a sleeker, more athletic makeover. But here’s the million-dollar question: Does ditching the third row actually make this a better SUV, or are you just paying more for less space?
The Atlas Cross Sport Philosophy: When Less Really Is More
What Makes the Cross Sport Different From the Standard Atlas
Let’s cut straight to it—the Atlas Cross Sport isn’t just a chopped Atlas. Volkswagen shortened the overall length by about 5.7 inches and dropped the roofline to create something that looks more coupe-like from the side. The result? A vehicle that actually turns heads in the grocery store parking lot.
The SEL Premium trim sits at the top of the lineup, which means you’re getting pretty much everything Volkswagen can throw at an SUV. We’re talking about a panoramic sunroof, Fender Premium Audio System with 12 speakers, massaging front seats, and Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit that replaces traditional gauges with a customizable 10.25-inch screen. It’s basically the German answer to “how much luxury can we pack into a midsize SUV?”
But here’s where it gets interesting. By removing that third row, VW created a cargo area that’s actually more usable for five-passenger families. You get 40.3 cubic feet behind the second row (compared to 20.6 in the standard Atlas), which means your camping gear, sports equipment, or Costco haul fits without playing Tetris.
The Driving Experience: Does It Feel Sportier?
This is where the Cross Sport earns its name—sort of. Under the hood, you’ll find the same 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system comes standard on the SEL Premium.
The V6 pulls strong from a stoplight, and the transmission shifts smoothly enough that your passengers won’t notice gear changes.
Does it drive like a sports car? No, and it shouldn’t. But compared to the standard Atlas, the Cross Sport feels noticeably more planted in corners. The shorter wheelbase and lower center of gravity make a real difference when you’re carving through highway on-ramps or navigating twisty back roads. You won’t confuse it with a Golf GTI, but for a 4,502-pound SUV, it handles with surprising composure.
Fuel economy sits at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway—not great, but pretty standard for a V6-powered midsize SUV. If you’re commuting long distances daily, that’s something to consider.
Comparing the Atlas Cross Sport to Its Competition
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium | 3.6L V6 | 276 hp | 7.2 sec | $48,995 |
| Honda Passport Elite | 3.5L V6 | 280 hp | 6.5 sec | $47,830 |
| Mazda CX-9 Signature | 2.5L Turbo I4 | 250 hp | 7.3 sec | $47,550 |
| Ford Edge ST | 2.7L Turbo V6 | 335 hp | 5.8 sec | $49,355 |
| Nissan Murano Platinum | 3.5L V6 | 260 hp | 7.8 sec | $46,870 |
Looking at the numbers, the Cross Sport sits right in the middle of the pack. The Ford Edge ST crushes it in acceleration, but you’re paying for that turbo V6 at the gas pump. The Honda Passport offers similar space with slightly better performance, while the Mazda CX-9 delivers more refined handling with less power.
What sets the VW apart? Build quality and interior materials. Sit in an Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium, then sit in a Murano. You’ll immediately feel the difference in soft-touch surfaces, seat comfort, and overall cabin ambiance. It’s that German engineering attention to detail showing through.
Technology and Safety: Where the SEL Premium Shines
Digital Cockpit and Infotainment That Actually Works
VW’s MIB3 infotainment system runs on a 8-inch touchscreen (or optional 10-inch), and honestly? It’s one of the better systems out there. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly, the menus make logical sense, and response time is quick. No laggy interfaces or confusing sub-menus like some competitors (cough Infiniti cough).
The Digital Cockpit displays your speed, navigation, and driver assistance info right in your line of sight. You can customize what shows up, which means less glancing around while driving. It’s especially useful when you’re using the built-in navigation system with real-time traffic updates.
One feature that surprised us? The Fender audio system actually sounds phenomenal. Most factory audio systems get the job done, but this 12-speaker setup delivers clear highs and solid bass. Your favorite driving playlist finally sounds the way it should.
Safety Features That Give Peace of Mind
The SEL Premium comes loaded with IQ.Drive safety tech:
- Travel Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane centering)
- Front Assist with autonomous emergency braking
- Blind Spot Monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
- Area View (360-degree camera system)
- Park Assist for parallel and perpendicular parking
“Volkswagen’s safety suite represents a mature approach to driver assistance—helpful without being intrusive, and genuinely useful in daily driving situations.”
The Travel Assist system deserves special mention. On highway drives, it keeps you centered in your lane while maintaining distance from the car ahead. It’s not full self-driving (and shouldn’t be treated as such), but it reduces fatigue on long trips significantly.
Always keep your hands on the wheel and stay alert—these systems assist driving, they don’t replace driver responsibility.
VW Atlas Lineup Performance Comparison
Volkswagen Atlas Model Performance Metrics
The Real-World Ownership Experience
What You’ll Love About Living With It
After spending time with the Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium, a few things stand out. The cargo space is genuinely practical—you can fold the second row flat and slide in full 4×8 sheets of plywood (though you’ll need to angle them). Family road trips become more comfortable thanks to those massaging seats and excellent sound insulation.
The 4MOTION all-wheel drive handles snow and light off-roading confidently. We’re not talking Jeep Wrangler capability here, but camping trips and ski resort parking lots? No problem.
Volkswagen’s warranty includes 4 years/50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, which beats Honda and Toyota’s 3-year programs.
The Trade-Offs You’re Making
Here’s where we need to be honest. That V6 drinks fuel faster than the turbocharged four-cylinder competitors. The base price of $48,995 puts you in luxury brand territory—you could get into an Audi Q5 for similar money, though with less space.
And let’s address the elephant in the room: you’re paying a premium over the standard Atlas (which starts around $35,000) for less vehicle. The Cross Sport SEL Premium costs about $13,000 more than a base Atlas, and you’re losing seating capacity. That only makes sense if the styling and driving dynamics justify the cost for your lifestyle.
Reliability concerns linger around VW, though recent models have improved significantly. The brand still ranks below Toyota and Honda in long-term dependability studies, which affects resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Atlas Cross Sport really sportier than the regular Atlas?
A: Yes, but with reasonable expectations. The shorter wheelbase and lower roofline improve handling dynamics noticeably. You feel more connected to the road in corners, and it doesn’t wallow as much over bumps. Think “more composed” rather than “sports car.”
Q: How much cargo space do you lose without the third row?
A: You actually gain usable cargo space. With the second row up, you get 40.3 cubic feet versus 20.6 in the standard Atlas. Maximum cargo capacity (seats folded) drops to 77.8 cubic feet from 96.8, but that rear area is more square and accessible.
Q: What’s the difference between 4MOTION and regular AWD?
A: 4MOTION is VW’s brand name for their all-wheel drive system. It uses a multi-plate clutch to send power to whichever wheels have traction. In normal driving, it’s mostly front-wheel drive for efficiency. When sensors detect slip, power shifts rearward within milliseconds.
Q: Should I get the V6 or wait for a turbo four-cylinder?
A: The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder Atlas Cross Sport produces 235 horsepower (versus 276 for the V6). If you’re not towing or regularly hauling heavy loads, the turbo four offers better fuel economy (21/24 mpg) and adequate power. The V6 feels more refined for highway passing and merging.
Q: How does the SEL Premium compare to luxury brand SUVs?
A: Interior quality rivals entry-level luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX or Volvo XC60. You’re getting similar features—panoramic roof, premium audio, digital displays—for thousands less. But luxury brands offer better dealer experiences and typically stronger resale values.
Q: Is the Cross Sport good for towing?
A: Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the V6, which handles most boat trailers, small campers, or enclosed cargo trailers. The trailer stability assist helps keep things steady. Just remember that towing significantly impacts fuel economy.
Q: What maintenance should I expect?
A: VW requires synthetic oil changes every 10,000 miles (though many owners do it more frequently). The DSG transmission needs service at 40,000 miles. Brake pads typically last 40,000-60,000 miles. Factor in premium fuel recommendations for best performance, though regular unleaded works fine.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy the Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium?
This vehicle makes perfect sense for five-passenger families who want SUV practicality with better styling than the boxy standard Atlas. If you’re hauling kids to soccer practice during the week and loading mountain bikes on weekends, the Cross Sport handles both beautifully.
The SEL Premium trim justifies its cost if you value premium materials, advanced safety tech, and a top-tier audio system. But if those features don’t matter much to you, the lower SEL or SE trims offer similar driving dynamics for thousands less.
You’ll love it if:
- You prioritize styling over maximum seating
- You want German build quality without luxury brand pricing
- Highway comfort and technology matter for your commute
- You need confident all-weather capability
Look elsewhere if:
- You regularly transport more than five people
- Fuel economy is a top priority
- Maximum resale value drives your buying decisions
- You need Toyota/Honda-level reliability reputation
Which appeals more to you—the practical versatility of a standard Atlas or the sportier stance of the Cross Sport? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s talk about what really matters when choosing your next SUV!
References
- Volkswagen USA Official Specifications – vw.com
- NHTSA Safety Ratings – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- EPA Fuel Economy Estimates – fueleconomy.gov
- Automotive News – Industry Analysis and Reviews
- J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study – Consumer Reliability Data
