2021 VW Atlas And Atlas Cross Sport Differences
If you’re in the market for your next family hauler, you can’t go wrong with a Volkswagen SUV. From their advanced tech and cozy seating to their stylish looks and strong performances, Volkswagen SUVs come with all your family needs on road trips, school drop-offs, and everything in between. Two great options to consider are the 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. As their names suggest, the models have many similarities, but they also have some key distinctions that might make one better for your lifestyle.
Extensive trim lineups
The 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have the same trim lineups, offering you the choice between eight different models for each SUV. These trims are the S, SE, SE with Technology, SE with Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. The Atlas Cross Sport has a slightly lower starting price for each trim, but both SUVs are still plenty affordable. Accordingly, it’s easy to find a trim that suits your needs without blowing your budget.
Interior and exterior sizing
The main reason that the Atlas comes with a somewhat higher price than the Atlas Cross Sport is that it has a larger design. The Atlas is 70.1 inches tall and 200.7 inches long, while the Atlas Cross Sport is 68.3 inches tall and 195.5 inches long. Thanks to this size difference, the Atlas has seating for up to seven passengers in its three rows, and the Atlas Cross Sport can only seat a maximum of five passengers in its two rows.
With all of its seats up, the Atlas can store 20.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, compared to 96.8 cubic feet when you fold down its rear rows. The Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, offers 40.3 cubic feet of cargo volume behind its second row and 77.8 cubic feet behind its first row. If you have a large family or need lots of space for road trip gear, the Atlas is a great pick. If you have a smaller family and will primarily use your vehicle for commutes, go for the Atlas Cross Sport.
Spirited engine options
If having a solid performance is a concern for you, rest assured that both SUVs have plenty of power for your family adventures. They each come standard with a 2.0-liter Turbo paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and Tiptronic®. This powertrain delivers 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The available 3.6-liter V6 reaches 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. For either engine, you can select a model with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive as well to better handle inclement weather and bumpy roads in Lewisville, Texas.
Family-friendly cabins
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport also have no shortage of comforts, entertainment technologies, and premium amenities inside their cabins. Both models come standard with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a 60/40-split folding second row, making it easy to comfortably fit your family and gear inside. With a high-end trim, you can relax on a 10-way power-adjustable leather driver’s seat, while Climatronic® dual-zone automatic climate control in the Atlas Cross Sport or three-zone automatic climate control in the Atlas maintain comfortable temperatures.
Each SUV features a 6.5-inch touch-screen sound system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, so it’s convenient to call the office, message a family member, put on your favorite music, and more. The Atlas Cross Sport alone has 12V power outlets in the cargo area, front console, and rear console to charge your phone or plug in other items.
Still unsure which model is the best Volkswagen SUV for you? The best way to find out is to test drive the 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport at Lewisville Volkswagen today.