Disclaimers

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Vs. 2020 Audi Q8

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Audi Q8 certainly boast many similarities. Audi is the luxury brand version of VW, of course, and the Q8 sits as the shorter, sportier two-row version of the three-row Audi Q7, just as the Atlas Cross Sport now resides as the shorter, sportier two-row version of the full-size Atlas. As a result, some have taken to dubbing the Atlas Cross Sport the “Audi Q8 of the people.”

Does this mean that the Atlas Cross Sport is merely a cheaper, and more frugally equipped incarnation of the Q8? In some ways, yes. However, there are some real advantages that the Atlas Cross Sport holds over the Q8 (even looking beyond the significantly lower price tag).

As we’re a Volkswagen dealer, we’re going to go over those advantages. If you have a Q8-driving friend badgering you about your Atlas Cross Sport, the following points should help you fire back with dangerous precision.

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Side profile of a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Vs.

2020 Audi Q8

$30,545 Starting MSRP $68,200
Regular Unleaded Gas Fuel Required Premium Gas
40.5 feet Turning Radius 43.5 feet
8 inches Minimum Ground Clearance 5.8 inches
4,103 to 4,411 pounds Weight 5,004 pounds
40.3 cubic feet Cargo Volume (behind rear seats) 30.5 cubic feet
77.8 cubic feet Cargo Volume (with rear seats folded) 60.7 cubic feet

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Lower Initial Cost and Cost-to-Own

Looking at the table above, the price tag is one obvious advantage the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport holds over the 2020 Audi Q8. What may be a bit less obvious is how continued costs will continue to be lower on the Atlas Cross Sport: this model only requires regular unleaded gas (though premium is recommended for maximum performance), while the 2020 Q8 requires premium. This can be a cost of 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

Maintenance costs for luxury vehicles also tends to be more expensive than for standard rides. It’s also harder to find certified Audi service than VW; there are twice as many VW as Audi dealers in the U.S.

Capability and Maneuverability

Moving on, the tighter turning radius of the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport should lead to greater maneuverability. The higher minimum ground clearance lends itself to better off-roading ability. The 2020 Atlas Cross Sport also weighs less than the 2020 Q8.

Passenger and Cargo Volume

The 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport manages to boast more space for passengers in several dimensions. At the same time, the Atlas Cross Sport enjoys significantly more cargo volume than the 2020 Audi Q8, both with the rear seats raised and lowered.

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