MSRP: $37,190
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Overview
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport midsize coupe SUV is built on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on entry trims, and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is optional or standard depending on higher trims. The Cross Sport slots below the three-row Atlas in Volkswagen’s lineup, trading third-row seating and some cargo capacity for a lower roofline, sharper exterior lines, and a livelier driving feel.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Atlas Cross Sport received a significant refresh for 2024. The most notable trim-level change is the introduction of the SEL R-Line Black, which replaces last year’s SEL R-Line and adds blacked-out exterior details, black 20-inch alloy wheels, stainless-steel pedal caps, and a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel.
Wireless charging is upgraded from the previous 10W output to 15W across all trims, improving charging speed and thermal management. Volkswagen also adds Light Assist automatic high-beam control as standard equipment on every trim, a feature that was previously reserved for higher-spec models. The SEL Premium R-Line picks up four-way lumbar support, a massage function for front seats, and headrest perforation as new additions for 2025. Two new exterior colors join the palette as well: Mountain Lake Blue and Avocado Green.
Exterior
The Atlas Cross Sport’s proportions draw from the Atlas 7-seater but compress the visual mass through sharper angles, a more steeply raked rear hatch, and a lower overall stance. Gloss-black grille details and an “X” design element across the lower fascia bring it in line with the broader VW crossover lineup. On SE trims, daytime running lights frame the headlights in isolation, while SE Technology and above add an illuminated lightbar across the grille and an illuminated VW logo for a more distinctive profile.
Wheels scale with trim, with 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels standard on the SE, stepping to 20-inch units on the SE Technology and SEL, while the SEL R-Line Black sports 20-inch black painted five-spoke alloys, and 21-inch two-tone machined alloys feature on the SEL Premium R-Line. An optional R-Line appearance package on SEL models adds side skirts, gloss-black intake elements, and rear diffuser details.
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Interior
A 12-inch floating touchscreen running Volkswagen’s MIB3 infotainment system dominates the dashboard, paired with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a standard 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument display across all trims. Wireless charging is standard and upgraded to 15W for 2025, and four USB-C ports with 45-watt fast charging come standard.
Seating surfaces start with leatherette on the SE, which also includes heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and two-zone Climatronic automatic climate control. SEL models step up to leather with contrast stitching, heated outboard rear seats, a three-profile driver memory function, and an 8-way power passenger seat, while the SEL Premium R-Line adds quilted leather with diamond-pattern stitching, headrest perforation, and front seat massage.
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Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s price range spans $15,005 across five trims. The SE Technology represents the best value trim, adding a power liftgate, parking sensors, remote start, rear sunshades, and a 115V household-style outlet over the base SE for a reasonable step up in daily usability.
| Trim Level | Trim Name | MSRP |
| Base trim | SE FWD | $37,190 |
| Best value | SE Technology FWD | $41,295 |
| Top trim | SEL Premium R-Line AWD | $52,195 |
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Engine | HP | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain |
| 2.0L Turbocharged I4 | 269 hp | 273 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | FWD / AWD |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Drivetrain | City | Highway | Combined | Fuel Type |
| FWD | 20 | 26 | 23 | Regular Gasoline |
| AWD | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular Gasoline |
Dimensions
| Specification | Measurements |
| Length | 195.6 in. |
| Width (w/o mirrors) | 78.3 in. |
| Height | 67.8 – 68.1 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 6.3 in. |
| Seating | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 40.3 cu-ft |
| Max Cargo Volume | 77.6 cu-ft |
| Max Towing | 2,000 – 5,000 lbs. |
Warranty
Volkswagen’s warranty package for the Atlas Cross Sport sits close to the segment average on basic and powertrain terms.
| Coverage | Duration |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 years / 20,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity with seats up
- 15W wireless charging standard on all trims
- Light Assist automatic high beams are now standard on all trims
Cons
- Touch-sensitive climate controls are frustrating in daily use
- Interior plastics feel below segment pricing expectations
- SE towing limited to 2,000 lbs without the optional hitch
Verdict
The 2025 Atlas Cross Sport makes its clearest argument through interior space and standard technology, delivering 40.3 cu-ft of cargo room, standard wireless connectivity, and a strong 269-hp turbocharged engine across the full lineup. Its genuine weaknesses sit in the cabin, where touch-sensitive climate sliders and low-grade plastic surfaces undercut its price range. Against direct competition from the Honda Passport and Chevrolet Blazer, the Atlas Cross Sport holds its position on interior volume and straight-line performance, but is limited on interior quality and touchscreen execution.
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Competitors
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor