What Is the Difference Between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport?

Whether you need a versatile family vehicle or a fun off-road adventurer, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are perfect options. With cutting-edge technology, premium interior options, and several trims to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect match regardless of which SUV you opt for. So, what are the differences between these two SUVs? Here the answer is Capistrano Volkswagen, where we explore these two SUVs in detail to help you make the tough decision between them.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas

With its best-in-class third-row legroom, 96.6 cubic feet of space (with the rear seats folded down), and lower maintenance costs than its competition the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is perfect for any driver whether you’re karting around the kids to their various after-school activities or are taking all your friends along for the next adventure. Room for seven, the Atlas got an interior and exterior redesign for the 2024 model year, meaning fresh new styles, innovative tech, and endless possibilities.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

More than just its looks, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is an agile sporty crossover SUV that balances space, with comfort and functionality. Also, getting an interior redesign—from under the hood to the integrated tech—this SUV boasts 77.6 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down, heated and ventilated seating, and an available panoramic sunroof. Another feature seen both in the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport is the lower maintenance costs that beat competitors like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru.

Key Differences

While both vehicles have many similarities, it all comes down to what makes them different. Here is an in-depth look at the key differences between these two luxurious SUVs:

Seating

Both models offer plush, comfortable seating, but the difference comes down to just how many each vehicle can seat. The Altas can accommodate up to seven passengers and the Atlas Cross Sport can accommodate up to five passengers.

Dimensions

Dimensions are another big deciding factor, and each vehicle offers ample leg room and plenty of cargo space. Here is a breakdown of each model’s headroom, legroom, and storage capacity:

2024 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas’s dimensions are as follows:

• Headroom: 41.3 inches in the first row, 40.4 inches in the second row, and 38.3 inches in the third row.
• Legroom: 41.7 inches in the first row, 37.6 inches in the second row, and 33.7 inches in the third row.
• Cargo capacity: 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 96.6 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Dimensions for the Atlas Cross Sport are somewhat different:

• Headroom: 39.4 inches in the first row and 37.8 inches in the second row.
• Legroom: 41.7 inches in the first row and 40.4 inches in the second row.
• Cargo capacity: 40.3 cubic feet with all seats up and 77.6 cubic feet with rear seats folded down.

Trims

Both vehicles have a wide variety of trims to choose from. Some of them overlap—like the SE, SE with Technology, and SEL—whereas others are different. Here are some of the different trims available for the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport:

• 2024 Atlas Peak Edition SE with Technology.
• 2024 Atlas Peak Edition SEL.
• 2024 Atlas Cross Sport SEL R-Line.

The Peak Edition for the Atlas model adds unique Peak Edition interior styling. Drivers can enjoy V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces along with an illuminated Peak Edition dash decor. Also, while each model has a Premium R-Line trim, the Atlas Cross Sport has the base SEL R-Line trim that builds on the SEL line, adding features like driver-side memory seating, and stainless steel pedal caps and footrests.

Exterior Design and Colors

As one might expect, the Atlas Cross Sport has a more sporty compact exterior design. The Atlas also has some of those sleek lines but is slightly more aggressive and bulky in its look. One can think of the Atlas Cross Sport as having more curves whereas the Atlas can be slightly more rectangular.

Another difference comes down to their color options. They offer similar colors like Platinum Gray Metallic, Silver Mist Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, and Aurora Red Metallic. However, the Atlas Cross Sport adds one more color to the mix—kingfisher Blue Metallic. This eye-catching color enhances the sporty appeal of this SUV.

MSRP

Understanding the MSRP for each vehicle can also help you choose between them. Here are the starting MSRPs for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas:

• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE: $37,995.
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology: $42,100.
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition SE with Technology: $46,990.
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL: $48,880.
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition SEL: $50,870.
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line: $52,890.

The starting MSRPs for the Atlas Cross Sport are as follows:

• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE: $36,985.
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE with Technology: $41,090.
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL: $47,870.
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL R-Line: $49,320.
• 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line: $51,880.

Ideal Driver

While each vehicle can align with a wide assortment of lifestyles, you may be wondering what the ideal driver might be for each model. The Atlas, with its extra cargo space and seating for seven, might be ideal for those with larger families or expecting to haul around a lot of cargo on a regular basis. Since the Atlas Cross Sport is somewhat smaller, it might feel more agile behind the wheel, making it perfect for those traversing tight city streets.

Ready To Get Behind the Wheel of Your Next SUV?

Want to step beyond reading about your next SUV and want to get behind the wheel? Contact us at Capistrano Volkswagen, where we can set you up with a test drive, tell you more about each of these exciting SUVs, or even help you start the financing process. We look forward to helping you find the perfect SUV for you soon.