2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

As its name suggests, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the livelier counterpart to VW's three-row Atlas SUV. It's fundamentally the same vehicle underneath, but the Cross Sport's shorter length and height make it look and drive a bit sportier than the regular Atlas. However, you do give up some things by going with the Cross Sport. It only seats five and doesn't offer as much cargo space as the standard Atlas, making the latter still a better pick for big families. But if you don't need the third row and prefer something easier to whip around and park, the Atlas Cross Sport fits the bill.

If cargo space is a priority, consider the Honda Passport. It's been redesigned for 2026 and beats out the Atlas Cross Sport with more cargo space and similar passenger space in a slightly smaller footprint. The Passport's also more off-road-ready than the VW in its available TrailSport trim. The also-redesigned Subaru Outback makes another great choice for those who want to venture outdoors. We also recommend checking out the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. They're similar in size to the Atlas Cross Sport and come with a standard (albeit smallish) third-row seat. Both models offer hybrid powertrains as well for improved fuel economy.

For 2026, the Atlas Cross Sport is marking time until a redesigned model, expected next year, arrives. That's not a bad thing since the Atlas Cross Sport remains a decent choice for a two-row midsize SUV. It's got a potent 269-horsepower four-cylinder engine, several sophisticated driver assistance features, and 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second-row seat. It also feels roomier than its rivals, even though actual dimensions are pretty similar. And while the big 12-inch infotainment touchscreen looks slick and is easy to use, the touch-sensitive controls for audio, climate and other key functions are a distraction while driving. Hopefully, VW reinstates more physical buttons and switches for the next-gen Cross Sport.