2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

With shorter proportions than its larger Atlas counterpart, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport distills the winning traits of its namesake — stylish, Audi-esque looks, ample cabin space, generous bundle of standard features — into a tidy footprint for buyers who don't need three rows or massive cargo space. The Cross Sport measures 5.2 inches shorter in length and more than 2 inches shorter in height and genuinely looks like a smaller SUV thanks to its sporty tapering roofline. This year brings significant updates inside the cabin, under the hood, and within its tech bundle, making the Cross Sport an even more compelling pick among its midsize rivals.

The outgoing two-row Atlas Cross Sport was already one of our favorite midsize SUVs (we ranked it third in the class), but we found room for improvement. This year's refreshed Cross Sport addresses some of those concerns, especially under the hood where a new turbocharged four-cylinder replaces the earlier four- and six-cylinder options. The new engine makes similar power to the outgoing V6 and Volkswagen says it's about half a second quicker from 0 to 60 mph — good news, considering the last Cross Sport's lackluster acceleration. There are more than a dozen new standard features, from a synthetic leather-wrapped dash top to ventilated front seats, but the highlight might be the 12-inch touchscreen, double the size of the previous display. What it gains in size, though, it also gains in complexity. We're not overly fond of the same distracting touch-sensitive controls we've seen in newer VWs, or the menu-diving required for basic functions.

We haven't rated a new Atlas Cross Sport yet, though we don't see it dropping in our midsize SUV rankings. But if you're shopping in this segment, the class-leading Honda Passport merits a close look, for its similar power and features but also for its off-road-oriented TrailSport trim. Of course, if trail capability is a priority, the Subaru Outback and Jeep Grand Cherokee are better choices with taller ground clearance and more robust all-wheel-drive systems. The Chevrolet Blazer is better suited to pavement and receives praise for its potent V6 engine and agile handling, but cargo capacity and rear passenger headroom are limited.

The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport is a midsize crossover SUV that seats five. It's available in five trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line. All are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (269 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque) joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the first two trim levels, but all-wheel drive is optional. All-wheel drive is standard on SEL and above trims.