2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport Has a Sharp Look and More Power
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the second generation of the brand's five-seat midsize SUV. It shares its bones with the seven-seat Atlas but trades the third row for a lower, coupe-like profile aimed at couples and empty nesters who still want space and utility. The Cross Sport first went on sale in 2020 as part of Volkswagen's push to expand its SUV lineup. Since then, it has drawn buyers who want the Atlas footprint in a sleeker shape, and Volkswagen has sold more than 220,000 in the U.S.
Design
The new Cross Sport measures 195.6 inches long, which is 5.4 inches shorter than the seven-seat Atlas. It also sits 2.1 inches lower to the ground. The raked rear pillars and short rear overhang give it a planted, sporty stance. A sharp theme line runs along the upper body sides to emphasize the strong fenders and add solidity to the overall shape.
The front features double-stacked LED headlights, a hidden upper grille, and a bold hood. All trims except the base add double lightlines and an illuminated VW badge for a distinct look after dark. Entry models swap the piano black bumper accents for silver ones, and body-color rocker panels set the Cross Sport apart from the Atlas.
The tailgate now sits flush with the rear bumper. A cross-body taillight design mirrors the front signature, and dynamic turn signals with coming and leaving home animations are standard. Illuminated door handles with puddle lamps that cast a unique projection pattern are also available.
New wheel designs come in 20- and 21-inch diameters on most trims, with machined alloy and black finishes. The base model rides on 18-inch wheels. Three new colors join the lineup: Dark Sage Metallic, Blackberry Metallic, and Sandstone. Blackberry Metallic is new to the VW lineup this year across the 2027 Atlas family.
Interior
The cabin has been fully redesigned around a single architectural loop that wraps the dash. Soft-touch surfaces and standard gray wood trim run throughout. Three color palettes are offered: pebble grey, black, and medium brown.
Leatherette is standard on entry trims, while the top two step up to Varenna and Nappa leather. Every trim gets a 12-way seat with 4-way lumbar support, and upper trims add thigh support and a full-back massage function for driver and front passenger. Ambient lighting starts with 10 colors and rises to 30 on the top two trims, paired with an Atmospheres feature that coordinates lighting and audio.
The Cross Sport rides on the upgraded MQB Evo platform and keeps its roomy trunk and rear-seat legroom, and a panoramic sunroof is available on most trims. New standard features include a power liftgate with Easy Open, rear sunshades, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, dual hatch lights, and front and rear Park Distance Control. The base model steps up to a nine-speaker audio system, while a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system is offered on the top trim.
Technology
The base trim gets a 12.9-inch infotainment screen. A 15-inch screen comes on 90 percent of Cross Sport models. All trims include a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster and a new Driver Experience Dial in the console for volume, drive modes, and Atmospheres.
The console holds two phones with Qi2 wireless charging, and five USB-C ports are available. Connected services now bundle under a single In-Vehicle Premium subscription through myVW+.
Safety
A new front center airbag brings the total to seven. The IQ.DRIVE suite carries over with refinements. Travel Assist now allows driver-initiated lane changes and runs from 0 to 95 mph, and Emergency Assist Plus can guide the vehicle to the roadside if it senses a medical emergency. Park Assist Plus is added on the top trim, and enhanced Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control comes on the top two trims.
Powertrain
Power comes from the most potent engine ever fitted to the Cross Sport. The evo5 version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder now makes 282 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, up 13 horsepower over the previous engine, with a variable geometry turbo.
It pairs with an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, and 4Motion all-wheel drive is available across the lineup. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the factory hitch. A hybrid is planned for the midcycle refresh.
The Atlas Cross Sport is built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the plant employs about 4,000 people. The Atlas family makes up roughly a third of Volkswagen's U.S. sales. Pricing arrives ahead of the launch in early 2027.
Media: VW Newsroom
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