The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport V6 SE 4MOTION with Technology R-Line has Excess Where it counts.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE V6 Overview
The Volkswagen Atlas was introduced in 2018 as an American-built three-row family-sized crossover SUV with a spacious interior in three rows and comfortable seating for seven adults. It is based on the award-winning Modular Transverse Matrix (MOB) architecture, and it is the largest, most dynamic Volkswagen vehicle ever assembled in America. It is built alongside the Passat at VW’s Chattanooga, TN assembly plant.
There are a variety of trim level choices, with two engines to choose from and one may choose either a FWD configuration or VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for select models.
Engine choices include a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V-6. Motive force for both is geared to the driving wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission with a clutch-pack center, differential, adaptive torque distribution, and Driving Mode selection, consisting of Onroad, Snow, Off-road, and Custom Off-road settings. Within the “On-road” setting, additional options are offered: Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Individual, which alter operating parameters for drive systems like the engine, transmission, steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as traction-assistance systems such as Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist.
Trim levels or models include: the base S, SE, SE with Technology package, SEL, and the flagship SEL Premium. A new trim Has been introduced this year – the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport – a two-row, five-passenger version with upgraded infotainment software.
We’ll review here the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport V6 SE 4MOTION with Technology R-Line
2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE V6 AS TESTED
My test Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport small SUV was in SE trim R-Line, with Technology.. It was powered by the 3.6-liter VR6 with 276 horsepower and 266-pound-feet of torque, and with 4Motion. It wore an exterior finish of Aurora Red metallic, with the interior done in Black leatherette, with wood grain trim elements on the doors and console. The base sticker was set at $40,645., with the final total reaching $43,260. after factoring in optional fare the destination charge.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport EXTERIOR STYLING
The original Atlas styling evolved from the 2013 CrossBlue concept vehicle as clean and conservative, and more functional than luxurious, with a coupe-like form along with advanced connectivity and driver-assistance systems.
The Atlas Cross Sport is Volkswagen’s take on the right kind of excess. Its bold styling and plentiful functionality and versatility show it to be a sensible, logical, but highly appealing option for drivers looking to show up in a subtle fashion. Upfront, the Atlas Cross Sport displays an upscale three-bar chrome grill with a new light signature. It sports a dramatically raked rear pillar and hatch, delivering a specific coupe-like profile.. 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a sculpted rear bumper are available to emphasize an aggressive stance. a focus on premium ambiance.
Visually, In profile, bold character lines reach from nose to tail, featuring pronounced fender arches above the wheel wells. The sculpted hood joins the sharply angled windshield, with the roof curving gently downward at the rear, which is broad, powerful and distinctive. The overall effect is a predominantly boxy image with pleasing rounded corners.
ATLAS CABIN ACCOMMODATIONS
Providing more interior space than most of its competitors, the Cross Sport’s interior space is huge, including a spacious cargo area, with easy second-row access.
In addition to its spacious interior, the Atlas Cross Sport showcases advanced connectivity and driver-assistance features. Both passenger legroom and cargo space are ample, boasting a high level of comfort and functionality, focusing on premium ambiance. The interior has been upgraded from the seven-seater Atlas to include a redesigned steering wheel and available two-tone inserts with stitching accents on the door panels. All trims come standard with the next-generation Car-Net® telematics system and have in-car Wi-Fi capability when subscribing to a data plan. Traffic Jam Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display available for the first time on a U.S. Volkswagen model.
Atlas Cross Sport features Car-Net infotainment and connectivity with standard smartphone integration supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. Car-Net also provides security and Service, as well as guidance and information.
The Car-Net Hotspot feature is intended for passenger use only. 4G LTE coverage is not available in all areas. See materials provided for terms, privacy, data security details. Requires trial or paid Wi-Fi plan from a third-party wireless provider.
The Cross Sport models up the ante in terms of content, with the 12.3-inch VW Digital Cockpit instrumentation, 20-inch alloy wheels, navigation, LED taillights, power-folding door mirrors, door mirrors with puddle lights, leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, automatic High Beam Control (Light Assist) and Ambient lighting. Also added are driver assistance and infotainment features such as Parking Steering Assistant, Area View Camera, and the Fender® Premium Audio System with a 12-channel, 480-watt amplifier, and 12 speakers.
A power tailgate with Easy Open works in conjunction with KESSY® keyless access enables opening of the tailgate with just a kick of the foot below the rear bumper, providing the key is in range.
Other features include full LED front lighting, including low beams, high beams, turn signal indicators, Daytime Running Lights, and side marker lights.
Overhead, a large panoramic sunroof, with a two-part glass opening system and powered sunshade, is available.
Atlas Cross Sport SE V6 PERFORMANCE
Driving over back roads or on the freeway, the Atlas Cross Sport performs admirably. The 3.6-liter V6 provides more than adequate power and without hesitation. The transmission shift points are customizable within the Drive Mode Select and the ride quality is smooth and comfortable, with Atlas Cross Sport remaining flat and stable through dips and twists.
For a vehicle of its size and taking into consideration, the feature and equipment content, the Cross Sport version of the Atlas is an attractive and affordable gem. Yes, I know that attractiveness is in the eyes of the beholder, but how sexy can one get with an SUV. The styling leans to the masculine side, with its athleticism, but vehicle amenities are sure to please the feminine consumer as well.
I didn’t conduct any off-road tests, but rock-crawling notwithstanding, the Cross Sport’s 4MPTION should certainly handle non-paved and slick surfaces with aplomb. Handling characteristics were positive and instantly responsive. For consumers who want to tow recreational toys, the towing capacity is 2,000 to 5,000 lbs. with factory-installed towing hardware but drops to 2,000 lbs. for aftermarket systems.
OUR FINAL TAKE
The bottom line, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport in SE trim with the Technology and R-line packages with 4Motion represents a strong move forward for the American marketplace. In VW parlance, “Life’s as Big as You Make It” and the Atlas cross Sport is big and bold providing just the right amount of excessiveness. There’s a good range of collision-avoidance safety tech that earned good marks in federal and independent safety testing. So, if you don’t need third-row seating and you prefer a sportier persona – The Atlas Cross Sport is the way to go.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport V6 SE 4MOTION
Base Price: $40,645.
Price as Tested: $43,260.
Engine Type and Size: 3.6-liter, DOHC, 24-valve narrow-angle V6 with FSI Direct Fuel Injection
Horsepower (bhp): 276 @ 6,200 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 266 @ 2,750 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with Tiptronic.
Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / 4MOTION™ permanent all-wheel drive system with eight-speed automatic transmission, clutch-pack center differential, adaptive torque distribution, and Driving Mode selection.
Suspension: Front – Strut-type with lower control arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, and anti-roll bar.
Rear – Multilink with coil springs and telescopic dampers.
Brakes: Power-assisted dual circuit four-wheel discs (vented front) 4-wheel standard ABS with EBD and ESC.
Tires: Prelli Scorpion Zero255/50 R20 M&S mounted on 5-dual-sculpted spoke graphite painted alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 117.3 inches
Length Overall: 195.5 inches
Width: 78.4 inches – w/o mirrors
Height: 67.8 inches
Curb Weight: 4,502 lbs.
Turning Circle: 40.51 ft.
Approach Angle: 20.9 degrees
Departure Angle: 26.7 degrees
Breakover Angle: 17.5 degrees
Ground Clearance: 8.0 inches
Fuel Capacity: 18.6 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 16 mpg city / 22-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.34
0 – 60 mph: Not tested
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