2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport near Cornelius,

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers a midsize SUV configuration designed for five occupants. It combines a refined turbocharged powertrain, advanced driver assistance systems, and a range of modern technology features. Engineered on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, the vehicle delivers a balance of performance, efficiency, and functionality. Its dimensions provide a lower roofline and a sportier silhouette compared to the seven-seat Volkswagen  Atlas while maintaining significant interior space and versatility.

Engine and Drivetrain Specifications

The vehicle is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Evo4 EA888 TSI, which produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque using regular fuel. This powertrain demonstrates an increase of 34 horsepower and 15 lb-ft over the previous four-cylinder engine generation, extending torque availability across a broad rev range from 1600 to 4500 rpm. The engine employs a dual overhead camshaft design with 16 valves and integrates advanced technologies such as variable cam phasing on both intake and exhaust valves and a variable lift system for the exhaust.

Construction materials in the engine block include cast iron with thin wall thickness to reduce weight, combined with aluminum-alloy fasteners and screws. Exhaust headers are integrated into the cylinder head, allowing the turbocharger to warm up quickly and improve efficiency through effective thermal management.

Power delivery is managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, which connects to either front-wheel drive or Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The all-wheel-drive system actively distributes torque up to 50 percent to the rear axle using an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch and a center differential that operates based on driving conditions. Front wheels are primarily driven under low load or coasting conditions to conserve fuel, with the rear wheels engaged rapidly when additional traction is required.

Fuel economy estimates for front-wheel-drive models are 20 miles per gallon in the city, 26 on the highway, and 23 combined. For all-wheel-drive versions, the numbers are 19 city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. Towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds with a braked trailer on most trims, while the base SE model supports 2,000 pounds with an aftermarket hitch.

Drive Mode Select provides multiple profiles tailored to various driving conditions. Front-wheel-drive models feature Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow modes. All-wheel-drive versions add an Offroad mode. These modes adjust parameters such as engine response, transmission shift points, steering sensitivity, and traction control systems. Offroad mode disables the automatic start/stop system, modifies electronic stability controls to reduce false positives, and activates Hill Descent Control on steep slopes.

Exterior Design and Functional Details

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport measures 195.6 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 68.1 inches in height for front-wheel-drive versions. All-wheel-drive variants are slightly lower in height by about half an inch. The vehicle's roofline is lower than the seven-seat Volkswagen Atlas, enhancing its visual sportiness without significant sacrifice in passenger space. Ground clearance is 6.3 inches, and departure angles are optimized for modest off-road capability.

The front fascia includes gloss-black grille elements and a distinctive "X" design on the lower bumper, reminiscent of Volkswagen’s smaller SUV models. Lighting features include full LED headlamps with 900-lumen output, daytime running lights that wrap around the headlamp housing and extend into an illuminated light bar featuring a VW emblem, and LED taillights that replicate the front lighting signature on higher trims.

Roof rails are standard in silver on most models, with black rails available on the SEL R-Line Black trim. A panoramic sunroof measuring approximately 4.5 by 3 feet is standard on SEL trims and optional on SE with Technology, offering a two-part glass panel with powered shading.

Wheel options vary by trim level, ranging from standard 18-inch machined aluminum alloys to 21-inch two-tone machined wheels on the top-tier SEL Premium R-Line. The new SEL R-Line Black trim uses 20-inch black painted aluminum-alloy wheels paired with blacked-out exterior accents to present a more aggressive stance.

Rear features include a spoiler integrated into the roofline, a bold diffuser on the lower bumper, and an illuminated rear light bar on all but base trims. The tailgate incorporates an Easy Open and Close feature on SE with Technology and higher trims, which works with the vehicle’s keyless access system to allow hands-free opening via a foot gesture under the rear bumper.

Interior Ergonomics and Technology Integration

The interior of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport emphasizes functionality and driver ergonomics. Materials include a leatherette-rimmed soft-touch dashboard and center console. Ambient lighting with 30 color options is available to enhance cabin ambience, complemented by backlit dash elements featuring the model name.

Seating capacity is fixed at five adults, with headroom measuring 39.4 inches in the front row and 37.8 inches in the second row. Legroom dimensions are 41.7 inches and 40.4 inches, respectively. The rear bench includes a 60/40 split-folding design with a 14-degree recline for added comfort. Cargo volume totals 40.3 cubic feet with seats up and expands to 77.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Standard seating features include heated and ventilated front seats with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and height-adjustable front passenger seat. SEL trims add leather upholstery with contrast stitching and heated rear outboard seats. SEL Premium R-Line models include quilted leather with a diamond pattern, perforated headrests, four-way lumbar support, and a massage function for the front seats.

The infotainment system centers around a 12-inch floating touchscreen that supports wireless App-Connect for smartphone integration and wireless charging upgraded to 15 watts for improved efficiency. Four USB-C ports provide fast charging for connected devices, except the rearview mirror port which is limited in output. The Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster measures 10.25 inches and is fully configurable, offering multiple display layouts, including full-screen navigation for models equipped with onboard navigation.

Audio options include a standard six-speaker system and a Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System on the SEL Premium R-Line trim. The latter features 12 speakers driven by a 400-watt, 12-channel amplifier with a center channel speaker, tweeters, woofers, effects speakers, and a subwoofer positioned throughout the cabin.

Safety Systems and Driver Assistance Technology

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport incorporates six airbags, including front, side, and side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions. Standard safety equipment includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a rearview camera.

Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is standard. It activates brakes following an initial collision to reduce residual kinetic energy and potentially prevent secondary impacts. The Intelligent Crash Response System disables the fuel pump, unlocks doors, and activates hazard lights when specific crash conditions are detected.

The complete IQ.DRIVE package is standard on all trims, combining radar, camera, and ultrasound sensors to enable semi-automated driving assistance. Travel Assist offers lane centering and speed control up to 95 mph, requiring the driver to keep hands on the capacitive steering wheel. Front Assist provides forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Rear Traffic Alert warns of vehicles approaching while reversing and can intervene with braking if necessary.

Side Assist monitors blind spots and provides visual warnings in the side mirrors. When combined with Lane Assist, it becomes Active Side Assist, which can apply steering corrections to maintain lane position. Lane Assist activates above 35 mph, providing steering vibration and automatic countersteer to prevent lane departure unless turn signals are used.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) maintains set speed and distance to the vehicle ahead, including stop-and-go functionality. Emergency Assist monitors driver attention and can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver becomes incapacitated, using hazard lights to alert other road users.

Additional features include Light Assist, which automatically switches between high and low beam headlights based on traffic and lighting conditions. Exit Warning alerts occupants if a vehicle or cyclist is detected approaching from behind when opening a door. Parking aids such as Park Distance Control, Maneuver Braking, and Park Assist are available on higher trims to assist with parking maneuvers.

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