2020-2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 3.6L

Overview

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport represents a strategic expansion of the brand’s North American SUV lineup. Introduced for the 2020 model year, it functions as a two-row, fastback-styled variant of the three-row Atlas. By utilizing the modular MQB platform, Volkswagen engineered the Cross Sport to appeal to buyers seeking the footprint of a midsize SUV without the requirement for a third row of seating. This configuration prioritizes rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity, positioning the vehicle against competitors like the Honda Passport and Chevrolet Blazer.

Manufacturing for the Atlas Cross Sport takes place at the Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant in Tennessee. This facility serves as the primary production hub for the North American market, reflecting the brand’s commitment to localized engineering and assembly. The vehicle shares its core mechanical architecture, including the 3.6-liter VR6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, with its larger sibling. The design language features a more aggressive roofline and revised front and rear fascias, distinguishing it from the standard Atlas while maintaining the family aesthetic.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Atlas Cross Sport
Model Year	2020-2023
Generation	1st Generation
Trim	SE, SEL, SEL Premium
Body Style	5-Door SUV
Vehicle Segment	Midsize Crossover
Vehicle Class	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Market	USA
Platform	Volkswagen Group MQB
Assembly Plant	Chattanooga, Tennessee
Country of Origin	USA
Production Start	2020
Production End	–
VIN Identifier	1VW
Base MSRP	$30,545
Destination Charge	$1,295
Total MSRP	–
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	VR6
Engine Name	EA390
Engine Code	CDVC
Engine Configuration	V6
Displacement	3.6 Liters
Bore x Stroke	89.0 mm x 96.4 mm
Compression Ratio	11.4:1
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery	Direct Injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	6.0 Quarts
Oil Specification / Viscosity	VW 508 00 / 0W-20
Horsepower	276 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque	266 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Redline	6,500 rpm
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (S8)
Final Drive Ratio	3.60:1
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	18
EPA Highway MPG	24
EPA Combined MPG	20
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	11.8
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	18.6
Estimated Driving Range	372 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$2,450
CO₂ Emissions	445 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	4
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	2.8 seconds
0-60 mph	7.5 seconds
0-100 mph	20.8 seconds
Quarter Mile	15.8 seconds
Top Speed	125 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	128 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.81g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	15.4 lb/hp
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	195.5
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	78.3
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	87.1
Height (in)	67.8
Wheelbase (in)	117.3
Front Track (in)	67.2
Rear Track (in)	67.5
Ground Clearance (in)	8.0
Curb Weight (lbs)	4,250
GVWR (lbs)	5,732
Towing Capacity (lbs)	5,000
Payload Capacity (lbs)	1,150
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	111.8
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	40.3
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	77.8
Turning Circle	38.0 ft
Approach Angle	20.4 degrees
Departure Angle	23.0 degrees
Breakover Angle	17.5 degrees
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash	4 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash	5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover	4 Stars
IIHS Award	Top Safety Pick
Small Overlap Front	Good
Moderate Overlap Front	Good
Side Impact	Good
Headlights Rating	Acceptable
Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	8.0-inch Touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Digital Cockpit
Apple CarPlay	Standard
Android Auto	Standard
Navigation System	Available
Audio System	Fender Premium
Speaker Count	12
Wireless Charging	Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Available
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	7 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	2 years / 20,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Salzgitter, Germany
Transmission Supplier	Aisin
Gear Ratios	1st: 5.25, 2nd: 3.03, 3rd: 1.98, 4th: 1.45, 5th: 1.22, 6th: 1.00, 7th: 0.82, 8th: 0.64
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	10.5 quarts
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	165
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The Atlas Cross Sport is recognized for its spacious interior and composed road manners, making it a practical choice for families who prioritize utility over a third row. While the 3.6L VR6 engine is praised for its smooth power delivery and proven reliability, owners should monitor the cooling system and potential electrical gremlins within the infotainment interface. In the used market, this vehicle maintains steady value due to its robust build quality and generous standard safety features. Prospective buyers should verify that all scheduled maintenance, particularly transmission fluid exchanges, has been performed to ensure long-term durability of the Aisin-sourced gearbox.