2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T Review and Off-Road Test

[@jpch8814]

This SUV is massive inside and that AWD is amazing

[@rojenaparven8283]

7o

[@malcolmn.5222]

It's Steve's house on blues clues inside

[@yazzie8557]

I have an Atlas and I can confirm they are really damn good off road. It's really impressive

[@MerlinMoorlo]

really??? can u make a video ?

[@tammyirizarry7103]

Your reviews are the best especially for the daily driver and really showing excellent cotent

[@17IFTnyc]

I'm surprised the turbo 4 didn't sound buzzy. It actually sounded fairly refined though I'd much rather have the v6. The awd worked extremely well I'm impressed

[@ALMX5DP]

If it’s an EA888 mill, I think I might take that over the V6. That engine has been outstanding for VW and I bet feels more peppy and torquey around town due to boost a helping at low rpm.

[@Sir_Prize_its_Me]

The VR6 is smooth and you can feel the power does so well with the atlas cs

[@tammyirizarry7103]

I gotta tell you the crossport with the turbo...you would not know it was not A 6 it growls and is so Smoove! My hubby wanted a six til I finally convinced him to try the turbo!! He freakn loved it!!! That says a lot for a man who loves the power of a V6🥰

[@Rockybalboa541]

@@ALMX5DP it is the ea888

[@Rockybalboa541]

@@ALMX5DP (2 years into the future) the atlas now only has a turbo 4 engine

[@mkkmmk1]

My 2020 tracks the lane around curves perfectly, and it only got better with the 2021 updates. You do have to enable Adaptive Lane Tracking in the menu on the infotainment system, though.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Virtually every mainstream automaker (except Mazda) offers two vehicles in what we Americans call the "midsize" SUV category. Three row vehicles that average between 195" and 204" in length and a two row SUVs that average between 187" and 192" long. When VW added the Cross Sport to its North American lineup they kept in mind that Americans want larger and typically less expensive VWs than their European counterparts. So the Cross Sport at 195.5" in length is an outlier in the 2 row group, just as the Tiguan is large for a compact SUV. Comparing most automakers' two row vs their three row midsize SUVs, the difference in length is at least 6". In VW's case the Cross Sport is only about 3" shorter than the Atlas. Other than a third row of seats, what does the Cross Sport gain or lose compared to the 3 row Atlas? Well, the Cross Sport doesn't have a major price advantage. That's not unusual, though. The same is true of the Honda Passport vs the Pilot. Simply chopping off a few inches of length from the same basic vehicle doesn't reduce the cost of production to a significant degree. Somewhat surprisingly, however, is that the slightly shorter Cross Sport has far less cargo space than the Atlas. 40.3 cubic ft behind the second row and 77.8 cf overall in the Cross Sport versus 55.5/96.8 cf in the Atlas. That difference stems from two factors. First, the boxy design of the Atlas yields far more cargo space than the "coupe-like" Cross Sport with its sloping roof. Second, and less obvious, is that the Cross Sport sacrifices a bit in 2nd row headroom (37.8" vs 40.4") it provides more 2nd row legroom (40.4" vs 37.6"). (Front row legroom is virtually identical.) Other than Dallas matrons with "big hair," most 2nd row passengers will take that tradeoff. All in all the Cross Sport emphasizes styling and passenger space over cargo capacity while the Atlas makes the opposite choice.

[@jorgerojas2763]

the reason why the 6 cylinder can tow up to 5k pounds is because there is a cooling system on the transmission!

[@dayvancowboy]

Impressive! Ryan, you are my favorite KZbin reviewer. Very informative and fun seeing the cars off road, I always look for forward to your videos. I hope you will do the new VW Taos, Corolla Cross, and Ford Maverick when they are released!

[@ilianivanov624]

There is lane assist but you have to unlock it from the settings because its optional !

[@amirhosseini6231]

Another Nice Video. Thanks Ryan

[@giolats8179]

Another great review Ryan 👏! Just One question: In case manufacturer recommends (not requires) premium gas, do you fill with premium for testing? Is this also the case for the Bronco Sport MPG test you have done recently?

[@drivingsports]

We received the vehicles with full tanks of gas. So we’re guessing they’re using the recommended. But we have no way to know for certain. When we refill we use recommended.

[@Jokero_YT]

@@drivingsports any Turbo car should be running premium octane, the "recommended" is not always the optimal performance. All my VWs have always been filled up with the premium gas and you can tell the difference. And I believe on the gas tank door it does say "minimum 87 or 91" so anything higher than that is good and will only run better and improve MPGs.

[@adrokk2515]

Horse power and torque numbers seem low. I have a 2.0 Turbo in my Cherokee Trailhawk and it's rated for 270hp and 295lb/torque, can tow 4000lbs and get much better fuel economy.

[@MrMikeDao]

That’s because Volkswagen usually reports whp rather than crank hp apparently. There are several articles and videos on that

[@jessiec8838]

Lane centering is a feature included in Travel Assist. The 2021.5 Atlas’ got the updated driver assistance system IQ.Drive which includes travel assist (hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistant) and emergency assist which are new features for 2021.5

[@danman8009]

Да ты гонишь 😱

[@Sir_Prize_its_Me]

I love my Atlas Cross sport the AWD is awesome

[@brianjeon5225]

Thanks for 2.0T review!

[@niiikhilll]

I love this design😍

[@samoverlockme]

This AWD system is very well sorted out. Gives me hope for their AWD EVs.

[@jpch8814]

Volkswagen has some of the best AWD systems nowadays. Their Haldex/traction control setup is seriously underrated.

[@jalmonte91]

The EV have individual motors on each axle so it’s different

[@wocaomade]

The EV works in a completely different way in terms of AWD. Why would they need to have a rod connecting the front and the rear axles, when they could just put 2 electric motors?

[@samoverlockme]

​@@jalmonte91 Yes, of course! I have an EV so I know it's different. I'm just saying since they're doing a good job with the software traction control now, it should translate to EV software.

[@samoverlockme]

@@wocaomade I know the EV works totally differently. I currently drive an EV. They're definitely going to use two electric motors without the need for a driveshaft. I'm saying that since they can do a good job writing software to control the transmission, power distribution, and brake vectoring they should also be able to write good EV traction control / AWD software.

[@wkbdgeorge]

Nice new intro!

[@samuelgiroux615]

With the camera, you can also make the top down view much bigger, as well as get the front camera by clicking the front zone, or the side views. I use the side views a lot when going through big puddles so I can see how deep the water is

[@gransport4246]

Great review. VW gets a bad rap unfortunately. They make a decent vehicle. We just bought a regular Atlas with the V6. It is very nice and smooth. It doesn’t do too bad at towing 4,000 lbs either.

[@farva75089]

HOW WAS THE MILEAGE TOWING!!!

[@gransport4246]

@@farva75089 11-14 mpg depending on driving conditions. I haven’t towed with it long distances to get a true average. I think at 60 mph, it would be around 14 mpg or maybe a little better.

[@mikefoehr235]

I would never buy a turbo. V6 is a better choice. German cars are lease, do not buy. The Germans build things so quirky. This AWD system does work very well.

[@marktepper3440]

Agreed never buy a German car!

[@edpopkie5719]

Very good review Ryan

[@rogerhector8323]

love it "doesnt feel as powerful as the v6 because its not" lol

[@wanjimike7982]

Many people have complained that the horn is puny, could you just add a 5 secs segment and press the horn?

[@jasutenliubo]

Great video! Would like to see the Honda passport go up against your 4runner. That would be a good comparison video

[@gladdy02]

I'm not sure people would cross shop those two vehicles. Besides, the VW would be too busy in the shop while the 4runner is in the woods 😅

[@atmartens]

I’d like that comparison. One is a great body on frame and the other unibody.

[@IshtiaqAlam]

Great review Ryan! How would you compare it with a Volvo in the same class?

[@drivingsports]

Volvo has a nicer interior, but the AWD is basically the same.

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

@@drivingsports Both are using Haldex, but the software settings are different per manufacturer. Volvo usually does a little better job with the software settings, unless it's a hybrid.

[@milocabral7428]

I’d say this is about on par with the telluride/Sorento/highlander but a little behind the passport in off road ability.

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

Please mention all sizes and volumes in metric as well, thanks.

[@walker-snow]

American couldn't understand metric :D unless they are a scientist. All space missions use metric system.

[@rogerhector8323]

like the exhaust sound under acceleration

[@K03sport]

Hmmm. SE v6 w/tech 4mo or SEL 2.0t 4mo? I don't need leather/leatherette but want heated seats. Go for more features but smaller engine or less carries and more power?

[@daxmojones9025]

I have the SE V6 w/ Tech... comes with leatherette and heated seats. Only thing I really miss from the SEL is the cool dual LED dashes under the headlights. SE only has the single one and the second one is fake. I'm over this tho ;-)

[@K03sport]

@@daxmojones9025 ...no worries. these are a far cry from my 04 GTI. I want the ability to tow or have it in reserve. The Mrs. will want the pano roof...but I've seen the forums and it isn't pretty with VW pano roofs lately. SE v6 4mo has pretty much what I would like and the SEL doesn't really bring much more to the party (extra seat colors and such and std pano roof).

[@daxmojones9025]

@@K03sport I live in Fresno CA (We have a lot of Atlas / Cross Sports in stock btw)... and it gets to 110+ F during the summer. I see absolutely no need to let the sun in from the roof ;-)

[@ashrafhelal9354]

can you make a video on VW Tiguan 2021?

[@stithis]

Please review the LC300 .

[@goneoutside1011]

This is what the wilderness should be doing

[@sokokoglass]

Which road is this? Would love to take my Ascent with KO2s up there 😀, looks like it's off hwy 2 somewhere?

[@taustin9026]

Do you plan on testing the new Ford Maverick truck?

[@drivingsports]

Absolutely. As soon we can get one we can drive.

[@taustin9026]

Okay…Thanks!

[@bt4b4]

Which one is better Off-road : Atlas or Ascent ?

[@cbthecollector]

I’ve been asking him hypotheticals like that for a year and he’s never once replied to pick one :(

[@jpch8814]

For quality, design, refinement, tech, handling, and comfort I'd go with Atlas 3.6L

[@figaro410]

@@cbthecollector Hey said in a comment on the normal Atlas that he preferred the AWD in the Ascent.

[@Away907]

Ascent has 0.7 inches more ground clearance, but worse approach/departure angles. Atlas has 21:1 total gear ratio compared to 16:1 of Ascent's. And Ascent is on CVT.

[@JRs-guitars]

Great video. Would you prefer the Atlas or the Cross Sport? Any reasons why for either?

[@drivingsports]

They’re basically the same. But I prefer the looks of the cross sport.

[@JRs-guitars]

@@drivingsports I do too. Are the AWD systems the same? I appreciate the responses btw!

[@drivingsports]

@@JRs-guitars yup, they’re identical.

[@JRs-guitars]

@@drivingsports right on!

[@mateuszkrol2057]

Midsized ? How can it be midsized? This car is to big to be sold on European market. America is really different place when it comes to scale. Great photos!

[@tallll70]

At least they started using more economical small gas and diesel engines, sure it sucks the fun out of it, but tons of people just need or like utility and cabin room, they don't need to be racing around

[@ALMX5DP]

I mean the Europe only Tuareg is nearly the same size as this (within a couple of inches in length and I think the same width).

[@stefanvlasceanu6261]

Hi sir!Do you think that petrol and diesel cars will disappear from their production in the future? I do not want!😭😢😓

[@paulpellico3797]

so this sounds weak, but can you change tires, keeping the rims, but for a wider sidewall? i hate thin low tires!

[@jonathanshrum7944]

No he can't. Has to stay 100% from the factory.

[@GoodMan-sw4kr]

Does the cockpit display stay on if you turn multimedia off? or it goes off as well? Thanks.

[@drivingsports]

It’s independent. Always on.

[@tallll70]

Why they not categorize rim size and wheel size? To me wheel is entire wheel. I would really like to swap my 20's on truck for 17

[@stevemartegani]

The Porsche Macan and Audi Q5 with the same engine tow 4400lbs so its got to be some other reason?

[@ALMX5DP]

Probably just marketing to get people to upgrade to the 3.6.

[@salex1066]

Did you try Launch Control?

[@Xintoro]

Where was this filmed at? I want to go there!!

[@drivingsports]

Near Snoqualmie. Currently under about 10-ft of snow.

[@marktepper3440]

Unlimited Unreliability comes standard.

[@nolanlegare1335]

What’s unreliable about this car?

[@marktepper3440]

@@nolanlegare1335 Start with the 2 liter turbo. Then the transmission. Followed by the water pump and electrical issues. Then be prepared to address squeaks, rattles and other noises that will never be identified nor fixed. Refer to Consumer Reports for more details.

[@hstaff3336]

Not the VR6. (It is at least better than the 2.0T)

[@Rockybalboa541]

@@marktepper3440it uses the same transmission that the highlander uses lol dumb dumb

[@Kareem-cx4fi]

I thought it has a Asin transmission... Which is the same transmission Toyota uses ..

[@thatearalte7839]

Very good

[@Volta24]

Atlas or Ford Explorer 2.3 ?

[@lmball]

I like the original style rather than this fastback style...

[@reserva120]

is it smooth??

[@rustlesee]

What are the off road paths you use? This one and that one near Ellensburg? I drove down the 90 yesterday and totally was trying to figure it out.

[@mallupunk]

Nice

[@gch8155]

No CVT that’s great .... much better than Highlander

[@fartman10284]

The Cross Sport is still larger than a Toyota Highlander outside, with less space inside. Amazing engineering feat.

[@nemo2k5]

Have you thought about doing an off-road episode with new new Ford Explorer?

[@drivingsports]

We would, but Ford hasn’t sent one to the northwest fleet

[@nemo2k5]

@@drivingsports oh man. I’d love to see a video on the new explorer! I have a 2018 explorer and I haven’t been able to find a video on the off road capabilities of it. Not that I wanna go full off road in it.

[@MyAlexWest]

we should name that hole w/ water it is Washington so - MY BEST PICK: BILL GATE'S DEEP LEFT POCKET

[@drivingsports]

Lol. Making holes famous since 2006. (Archer: Phrasing!)

[@Cringer101]

So then, this or the Passport?

[@gardenst4398]

Awd is ultimate like subaru👌👌.....but suspension & ride comfort horrible👎👎

[@zero2sixty244]

Don’t talk and show us the gauges when doing a 0-60 please

[@venkatnbt]

Turbos reliability is questionable ........

[@user-zy5je6oe9q]

youare not going to drive it for 10 years, right?

[@venkatnbt]

@@user-zy5je6oe9q I expect a vehicle to last for 10 years !

[@stephenr6194]

I have 2006 VW Jetta 2.0T still driving without any issues.

[@NiksS4]

The VR6 is better and the latest facelift is atrocious at best

[@mattl5238]

I really don’t like how those look

[@MyAlexWest]

#good looking external i agree w/ Ryan on that point. most VW/Audi look dull. but this looks dull in good way, some Audi on other hand, esp S8 are horribly looking dull. kind of overstretched / overpriced Camry w/ lesser built quality. go figure!

[@syedmostakurrahman1758]

Why there is no review of jeep Cherokee? I am waiting for it

[@drivingsports]

It hasn’t been updated since we last tested it several years ago. When it gets updated, we’ll review it.

[@syedmostakurrahman1758]

@@drivingsports thanks

[@hamsandwich1860]

Auto mit offrauden gebuilten

[@MyAlexWest]

i wish somebody did reviews of German cars: built/assembled in Germany, and usa/ 3d world countries there are rumors: quality of German built cars is way higher!

[@Steven91992]

Yup definitely a big difference I had two Volkswagen's in the past one was made in Germany and the other one was made in Mexico and you can definitely tell which one was made in Mexico big difference in quality.

[@biz4twobiz463]

Ahhh, 24 mpg is good in 2021?? NO, it is not. That is a "swing and a miss". Otherwise, looks nice.

[@cren1676]

For the 2T, that it poor. We do 22-23 mpg in our V6 Atlas with mixed driving. Needs to be a greater benefit to the buyer with the smaller engine if they're going to offer one.

[@eml3148]

47K! LOL, This is an outright KIA Seltos clone but almost double the price!

[@Away907]

KIA Celtos will fit into the trunk of Atlas.

[@grabir01]

junk

[@kristians2704]

on every video you say that every car is junk

[@grabir01]

@@kristians2704 not true..

[@kristians2704]

@@grabir01 what is a good car to you? You said that the 911 GT3 is junk even though it’s arguably the best sports car on sale and you said that the E class is junk even though it’s one of the best cars, if not the best car in it’s segment

[@grabir01]

@@kristians2704 The old hair dryer porsches are way better. Look for 84-85 Carrara models.. Excellent cars!! New ones are great looking fast unreliable money pits!!

[@grabir01]

@@kristians2704 What is the best I think? I would rather have the LC500. Great car that is not a money pit. But.. A new 911 can cost over 300K. The owner may not care what it costs to keep it on the road. Probably not. LC500 may not care either.

[@zxtenn]

MMMM, the Santa FE was much faster