Volkswagen has unveiled the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The five-passenger midsize SUV arrives with updated styling, a more upscale interior, better technology and a more powerful engine.
The second-generation Atlas Cross Sport, it will hit dealer showrooms in early 2027 as the sportier option for those who might otherwise consider the three-row Atlas.
The new Atlas Cross Sport is based on the same platform as the 2027 Atlas, but it holds its own with a coupe-like roofline. In fact, it is over two inches lower and 5.4 inches shorter than its three-row counterpart.
At the front you will find a more sculpted fascia with stacked LED headlamps, a wider grille and the option for illuminated VW badging. The rear is given a premium touch by way of a flush tailgate, dynamic turn signals and full-width LED taillights. New 20- and 21-inch wheels are part of the package, as are three fresh paint options: Sandstone, Blackberry Metallic and Dark Sage Metallic.
Volkswagen has done away with the old cabin layout in favor of something cleaner and made with finer materials. Soft-touch surfaces and gray wood trim are now found on every model, along with a reworked center console.
The 12-way front seats have been overhauled for better lumbar support, and if one opts for an upper trim, there is massage function, thigh extensions and memory for the passenger seat. As for convenience, such things as a hands-free power liftgate, parking sensors front and back, rear sunshades and an auto-dimming mirror are standard.
For 2027, the tech is where you will notice the biggest changes. A 12.9-inch touchscreen is included across the board, though roughly 90 percent of the lineup will have the 15-inch infotainment display. Volkswagen’s 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster is also standard.
A new Driver Experience Dial makes it easy to get to your drive modes or adjust the ambient lighting. There is room to charge two phones at once with the updated wireless system. The connected services have been beefed up too, with generative AI for voice commands, a Wi-Fi hotspot and navigation that shows real-time traffic.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter EA888 four-cylinder has been revised for the 2027 model year. Putting out 282 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, it is the strongest engine ever in an Atlas Cross Sport. An eight-speed automatic does the work of moving the power to the wheels, with 4Motion all-wheel drive an option. Towing is still rated at 5,000 pounds. Volkswagen has confirmed that a hybrid is in the works for a mid-cycle update.
The IQ.DRIVE suite has been given some attention. Travel Assist has been enhanced to allow for lane changes initiated by the driver, and Emergency Assist Plus will pull the car to the side of the road in the event of a medical situation. A new front-center airbag brings the total to seven. On higher trims, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control will use the navigation system to modulate speed for roundabouts, curves and exit ramps.
Production of the 2027 Atlas Cross Sport will take place at the Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, right alongside the three-row version. Full specs and pricing from Volkswagen are expected to be made public as the launch date in early 2027 draws near.
