Key Differences Between the VW Atlas and the VW Atlas Cross Sport

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are two of the most popular new VW SUVs among Elgin drivers. The naming convention makes it clear the two new Volkswagens are related, but how exactly is the VW Atlas related to the VW Atlas Cross Sport.

Let’s take a closer look with this Volkswagen model comparison.

2025 VW Atlas vs 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport Overview

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size three-row, seven-seat family SUV, while the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row, five-passenger SUV aimed at smaller families and young professionals.

These two new Volkswagen SUVs are built on the same platform with the same main chassis configuration and wheelbase. They even share the same drivetrain.

The major differences are in size. And while the two SUVs have the same wheelbase, the larger Volkswagen Atlas is 5.1 inches longer than the Atlas Cross Sport. This gives it more cargo capacity, with 96.6/55.5/20.6 cu ft behind the first, second, and third rows respectively.

The two-row 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport has 77.6 and 40.3 cu ft behind the first and second rows.

As you might expect from a vehicle with a sportier focus, the 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport has a lower roofline and that slopes handsomely toward the tailgate, while the 2025 VW Atlas has a more square profile to maximize interior comfort.

The interior of the 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport is more sporty with two-tone leather-appointed interior trim while the 2025 VW Atlas sports a more neutral look.

Drivetrain Configurations

Both of these Volkswagen SUVs feature the same turbocharged 2.0 TSI® engine that produces an impressive 269-HP and 273 lb-ft of torque. It’s available as a front-wheel drive model in base trims or in all-wheel drive with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION® AWD with Active Control & Driving Mode Selection.

Both models share the same eight-speed automatic transmission and both are capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs.

The 2025 Volkswagen Cross Sport is rated at 21 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 23 MPG combined for the front-wheel-drive model or 20, 24, and 22 MPG in all-wheel-drive configuration.

Fuel economy drops slightly for Illinois drivers who opt for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. Down to 20/27/23 MPG city/highway/combined in FWD versions and 19/26/22 MPG city/highway/combined for 4Motion AWD trims.

Common Features Between the VW Atlas & the VW Atlas Cross Sport

Because these two vehicles are built on the same platform they share many of the features that Elgin drivers have come to love. These include:

• Digital Cockpit Pro, multi-color dash display with customizable layout, gauges, and information
• Discover Pro 12-inch touchscreen navigation and infotainment system
• App-Connect® smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto^TM
• A five-year Car-Net® Safe & Secure plan which gives you access to vehicle functions like remote start and unlocking via your smartphone
• Available massaging seats
• Multi-zone climate control (three zones on Atlas and dual-zone on Cross Sport)

Drivers will also find the full suite of VW driver aids and safety systems including adaptive cruise control and forward collision detection with emergency braking.

Compare the VW Atlas & the VW Atlas Cross Sport at Elgin Volkswagen

As the trusted VW dealer in the Elgin, Schaumburg, Rockford, St. Charles, and Crystal Lake, areas of Illinois Elgin Volkswagen is the best place to explore the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport four yourself.

Contact our sales team today to find out about the latest new VW deals and schedule your test drive of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas or 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.