2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport review // In its own class?

[@bradmanmisera2689]

I love the comment about the hard plastics and was laughing when Zack said I want more hard plastic. We have a 2019 regular Atlas and is a great family vehicle for our 3 kids.

[@thecougarexperience]

I’m thinking of buying this car. I love the fat rear end!

[@dstevens518]

Even more entertaining than usual. You two are so good at covering all the essential details, the only thing left to comment on is the fun factor, and Zach's smart-ass sense of humour was on full display today... BTW, while no one likes Plastic Fantastic, at least the multi-colour interior is attractive compared to the usual monotone black or grey...

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

I like the exterior look of this smaller version much more. And as for plastic fantastic, I used to work in Beverly Hills, where it’s everywhere. In the people.

[@lingt3157]

Nice touch on your Omega x Swatch 😉 Always enjoy seeing your watches in the channel.

[@borg111]

I really love the synergy between the two of you. Hippos and giraffes! Great info and great entertainment.

[@DM-ye9mm]

i think that vw buyers perceive these as having an elevated status because it's a german company. i bought a vw golf not that long ago and was really surprised by the quality of the interior and the solid feeling. toyota and honda felt very tinny and cheap in comparison.

[@jeffk464]

No, VW's used to be finished off nicer than most mainstream cars. They were kind of like Mazda, halfway between a luxury brand and mainstream brands. My GTI is actually finised off nicer than my mom's Lexus NX200. You get felt lined cubbies, glove boxes, carpet lined hatch area, just nicer touches. VW has been doing some serious cost cutting the last couple of years though. I had a Tacoma before my GTI nice truck but jeeze what a cheepo interior materials.

[@crafty24]

I really like the Atlas Cross Sport. But unfortunately it's out for my price range. And like it was said in the review for 60K I'd expect less Plastic fantastic.

[@michaelfredmon4748]

My neighbor has one and compares it to the expensive Audi version that VW also owns.

[@Erelio]

Buy used , I’m looking at a 2 year old with 9,700 miles for 32k . Much better than 52k

[@kellingtonlink956]

First an foremost, this is not an inexpensive vehicle. But for it’s price, I think, it punches way above it’s weight. I’ve driven one (albeit a regular Atlas) recently and I was impressed. It is big. It also feels and looks more expensive than it is. I think it is an excellent option for someone who would appreciate a larger SUV and would like a non-Asian or American… ‘Look’. Well done Volkswagen! Thanks for the video.

[@kellingtonlink956]

Sharp watch and band, Zack. I’m still considering a Sinn U50.

[@Motormouth...]

Do it, always room for one more watch....

[@kellingtonlink956]

So your advice is to forgo my son’s education fund and my wife’s anniversary (‘95- ish (not her age)). Zack, brother… I like how you think.

[@Motormouth...]

@@kellingtonlink956 I'm sure you can pull off all three

[@gs98999]

Wanted one of these (regular atlas) 3 years ago but at that price range in the upper trims simply couldn’t get over how bad the interior is. Went with something else. Too bad as I think exterior design is best in class.

[@ricardogil7665]

hello everyone who is reading my comment. I remember Zack saying on his live chat that a big SUV like this one a Diesel engine is the best choice for fuel economy. As a regular viewer of the channel, I know Jack owns a fantastic Diesel engine with a fantastic fuel economy and great fuel economy. Greeting from LIMA PERU.

[@Motormouth...]

We certainly do enjoy our diesel and we get over 750 km to every fill - Andrea

[@Motormouth...]

True, VW did a good job killing diesels...

[@grattidude]

No mention of the VR6? That's my favourite thing about it!

[@jeffk464]

She called it a V6, not sure she would understand it only has one head.

[@jenny80myles]

I like it but I think I would prefer the 7-seat version. It's not that much bigger outside but much more utility.

[@eduardotoledano]

You’re both right: VW is a mainstream product and also true that they could go the extra mile and compare w Kia, Hyundai prods. Higher VW trims should offer softer surfaces so diff expectations are met.

[@justaguy6862]

Sorry. The cheap plastics are a deal-breaker. VW’s were known for good materials for interiors. Now, you can see the cost-cutting without the lower MSRP. VW need to talk to Mazda about interior materials sourcing.

[@jeffk464]

Its what everyone is complaining about the mk8 GTI vs previous GTI's.

[@BUEAU]

Yeah I'm pretty sure VW has given up on the "entry luxury" idea.

[@LaineSterlingHale]

You can’t have it both ways. All the whining about being more environmentally friendly so the car company gave drivers their wish - more plastic.

[@michaelfredmon4748]

Why refer to Mazda?

[@michaelwiebe4282]

Please not this is not a "German" VW. I am German, the Atlas and the Cross Sports were never sold in my country. This car is American-inspired, and appeals mainly to North American and Chinese customers!

[@Boris69siroB]

I just love the way how does she says, "It's in S" and "It's huge"

[@DavidSmith-xc2xz]

I'm with Zack (even if he was joking) . Personally I think a lot of reviewers and consumers embarrass themselves in thinking cheap padded leatherette is some super high quality finish. I find some of the design choices to be not optimal on this interior, but the plastics are fine for its durability mission

[@ryanclark9415]

This is an overlooked product it appears

[@6ec6YRFPTcC]

I love the way these look, especially in white with the R trim. They sure are pricey though 😬

[@111danish111]

Midsize SUVs are always expensive the Highlander Limited starts at 45k usd ( I'm using this example because it has the more aggressive AWD system than the lower trims )

[@marclangman4836]

They do look great as long as they have the 20 or 21” wheels. The 18s look goofy, way too small.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

😂 😂 You guys are funny. Good show about the plastics! 😂 Nice to know this vehicle is huge but if they add hybrid it would be awesome! Design is great but touchscreen need to be a little bigger. Great show Andrea! 😆👍🏻👍🏻☕️☕️

[@andreaspencer9813]

Awe thank you, so happy you enjoyed it. We did have some fun with this one!

[@10OF9OFBORG]

@@andreaspencer9813 You are an very welcome Andrea! ☕️☕️

[@godofdun]

Nice for the price in the sense that you don't need to go far up to get what you need at all

[@gregkramer5588]

LOL, nice job on the put it in "S". It is a nice vehicle. So tough going against the S.K. twins and the G.C.

[@johne540]

We just bought a used 2021 V6 SE. It’s fantastic. I am coming from a ford escape. At 100k miles the trans imploded. It was too much to fix. The cross sport is an upgrade in every way. I did test drive the passport. As soon as I sat in it i felt like I was in the ford. It felt like a lateral move not an upgrade. Then came the power under the hood. I stepped on the gas and passport wasn’t as responsive as the atlas. It just wasn’t there. The transmission shifts was smooth as butter but the power was lacking. The cross sport was better in every way. We plan on taking lots of road trips in it.

[@timphillips4147]

Get it right Zack, you've been told. Do you find the 2L engine is xn adequate size to pull such a big car with ease? Looks really nice at the back too as they say we see the back of a car most often. I do find myself preferring infotainment screens built into the main dashboard as on this car you're reviewing Andrea.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Who would have thought we’d be paying $60K for a VW 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@d1gBR]

Ppl pay 80k in a Ford…

[@ricardogil7665]

If it has a Diesel engine totally worth it but it has a thirsty engine 3.6 VR6 with MPI. I would not buy it with a gasoline engine in this application.

[@jeffk464]

There was once a crazy expensive luxury car VW and a crazy over complicated and obscenely expensive VW SUV I forget the model names.

[@ricardogil7665]

@@jeffk464 the nane is TOUAREG and it is sold but made in Germany. It comes in a gasoline and diesel engines depends of the market. It has a better interior than ATLAS/TERRAMONT

[@jeffk464]

@@ricardogil7665 Touareg, yes it was pulled from the US market wasn't it? Pretty sure it was crazy expensive to keep running along with the high sticker price. Supposedly when everything was working they were exceptionally nice though.

[@wonigu]

I like you are funny ) thanks for your work guys!

[@michaelwiebe4282]

Love your reviews and I wish this very car would be available in Europe!!

[@jabbadahuttful]

I want to buy a VW but everyone keeps telling me they have reliability issues and maintenance costs are high and they need hybrids too 😢

[@DeadAir21]

It is kinda weird they don’t have any hybrids in North America.

[@marclangman4836]

We had a Jetta in the family, maintenance costs were high.

[@bextar6365]

This goes for every German vehicle $$$

[@drewmitchell7484]

I think you may have missed the Subaru Outback as a competitor. It might not be as wide but I'm interested to know how the interior measurements compare. I couldn't find exact numbers on the VW site for interior measures. VW did advertise over 2,200L cargo volume with the rear seats folded, Outback is about 50L less. How about rear cargo volume with the seats up? How do you think the interior's would stack up? Less hard plastics in the Subaru? VW wins in towing and having a geared transmission. Draw in power when considering the turbo Subaru. Subaru wins in fuel efficiency (stupid CVT), long term reliability (just my opinion) AND PRICE!!! The Outback is $10k+ less in every trim. You can get a Premier Outback (the top trim) for the same price as a Comfort Line Atlas Cross Sport. Your thoughts?

[@andreaspencer9813]

We were mostly focusing on SUVs, but sure you could definitely add the Outback it is surprisingly large. The Atlas Cross Sport is longer than the Outback by about 4”, the Outback offers a little more front row legroom, the Cross Sport more second row legroom. The Cross Sport has about 5 cubic feet more space than the Outback behind the second row and overall cargo capacity is only 3 cubic feet extra for the Cross Sport. The Outback is very long so you get some good overall interior space.

[@ExaltedDuck]

I'm a big guy. Detroit really wants me to buy a full size pickup or ladder frame SUV. I could live with the Atlas. I can't say the same for any subaru. Even in their big vehicles, their packaging unnecessarily limits roominess and has for years (I remember being interested in a forrester in 04-05 and in the driver seat my knees were pressed against the dash with the seat at the back of its track and a good 5-6 inches of space between front and rear... short-sighted engineering...)

[@hoodiepapa7344]

9:35 we see you Andrea!! P.S. good for you Zack!! 😜😜

[@ottawasbestcoffee6511]

Is there a ski pass through? It looks like 60-40 rear fold down seats. This always surprises me as it would be nice to be able to transport 4 adults plus skis without using a roof rack.

[@carll693]

Mazda CX-9 gives you the same space but is the most premium interior for a “mainline” vehicle. Plus has the extra two seats when needed. Go Mazda! Btw just priced this out full spec in Canada is over $1000 on a 48 month lease. Crazy!!!! 8%+ interest rate… who are they kidding?😮😂

[@gladdy02]

I agree with Andrea! VW is in the game of making great looking cars in the exterior but lacking on the interior with small screens and plastic everywhere. The mazda, Kia, Hyundai,jeep, alternatives are way better!

[@justtestingonce]

None of those can hold candle to that VR6 engine on the Atlas and it’s off road capabilities.

[@gladdy02]

@@justtestingonce how so? I'd agree the Honda J series V6 is legendary

[@LA-zc9rg]

The Korean alternatives are garbage vehicles.

[@d3adk964]

The VW purist in me loves the VR6, but such an antiquated and thirsty engine for a vehicle like the atlas. Im surprised VW group doesn’t throw one of their turbo V6s in the atlas!

[@justtestingonce]

7seconds is not fast enough for that big suv?

[@d3adk964]

@@justtestingonce For me no… Go drive one. It is sluggish if you have people and gear in it. After cross shopping atlas I ended up buying an F150 crew cab ecoboost that does 0-100kmh in 5.7 seconds. VW could make something with similar numbers but they don’t because they want people to buy Audi. For me I just bought a different brand and vehicle all together. Oh well.

[@keska01]

I had my eye on one of these... but will wait for the 2024 as I feel the interior is a major upgrade

[@danieltansley3224]

Don't wait because 2023 is the last year for the V6 engine. Better towing capacity.

[@longhorns4u]

2024 is not punchy enough with the turbo engine. Interior is convincing. I am thinking of buying this but other reviewer said it won’t feel like a V6 in higher speeds, that is why I am here.

[@keska01]

@ it’s stronger than the previous V6 🤷‍♂️

[@fabiogiovanidasilva5162]

Nice review. How about do one review about Chevy Blazer? Im going to change my compact Tiguan for a Midzuse SUV and Im loocking for 4 options, Chevy Blazer RS, VW Atlas Sport RLine, Ford Explore ST 400 hP or Kia Telluride SX.

[@danielmiedema5836]

For the same price I'd like the cadillac xt5 but I'm probably a minority but I like knobs and switches with the v6

[@danieltansley3224]

You should mention the safety ratings. That is important to a lot of people. Atlas is very good for safety> 4.5 stars I believe.

[@ExaltedDuck]

I think the natural rival to this would be the blazer... also a transverse motor fwd/awd two-row turbo4/v6 crossover and at a similar price point. And then for the 3 row version there's the whole acadia/traverse/etc. The Atlas is IMHO more comfortable and has a better ride. And the more traditional shifter is a big plus over that push/pull button nonsense GM is touting. As soon as the engine go in the right way, longitudinally, that becomes a different class of vehicle on account of being rwd-biased with awd or 4x4 as options. Performance and price tend to reflect that. All said, after finally test driving one, I'm strongly considering the atlas cross sport. A lot of reviews complain that it has less power than its competitors but I didn't feel it. Maybe the VR6 layout is a little more torquey than the wider V's from the competition, lender a little more of that straight 6 character. The one I test drove was FWD and wouldn't go that way. Wanted to slip the inside tire on every right turn. I'd be surprised if I could get a set of tires to last more than 25-30k miles like that.

[@slighwentwalking2024]

This is a very attractive vehicle...the lines are great. It is at least a peg or 2 below the Audi Q8...that car is nearly perfect. I'll take a sportback in the Q8. Those hard plastics don't hold up well in hot sunny places like Florida. That's what I've seen over a few months of car shopping last year.

[@bradlawrence8723]

Love your videos ! I ordered Tiguan R line black. Thoughts ?

[@myeverydaylife5529]

I just bought my tiguan 2022 SE RLINE black, in platinum gray. I love it. Its just took me almost 2 months to get my car, because it was pre ordered, but i do love it. Get an SEL. I honestly should get an SEL, but i can't really wait any longer. Atlas Crossport is pretty good also, i test drive it before and i love it also. Its just they don't have the color i wanted thats why i went to tiguan. By the way this is my 2nd tiguan.

[@preoksaha4504]

“Only people who have VWs think they’re luxurious” Zac kills me 😂 but truuu

[@whatthe6532]

Mk 7 Golf was luxurious. Later VW products cheaped out. VW learning their mistake and putting soft touch in their refreshed models.

[@jeffk464]

@@whatthe6532 Mk7 GTI was like an under the radar Audi. The standard Golf wasn't finished off nearly as well and didn't get the Audi steering rack.

[@MrBGee]

I think the passport is its rival. It offers that offroad feel and its a honda so you cant really go wrong there😂

[@michaelfredmon4748]

Yet the 2022 Passport Elite (top trim) still has parking brake activated by left foot instead of electronic with an auto hill holder feature. No RAB either I have both of those in my 2017 Subaru Outback

[@michaelfredmon4748]

You mentioned wheelbase and 5 “ overall length shorter. Please say what the actual inches are.

[@dygardion9130]

6.5 in screen as standard?? Is this 2015?

[@talalztube]

Does the passenger side door mirror tilt downward when backing up? like the Passat?

[@rromancunard]

Thanks for share 😀

[@bengt_axle]

People are larger in North America. VW took out the 3rd row to give larger passengers more room.

[@eduardotoledano]

I happily compromise with hard plastic surfaces when getting in return a panoramic sunroof that transforms the feel os the interior space. Hence Atlas > Pilot IMO. But ultimately if I can get both, soft surface and panoramic roof, then I’d go with that one. In that case, Telluride > Atlas.

[@IntothewestOkotoks]

I’m sure it’s a nice vehicle, but Zack the hard plastics aren’t excusable in a $60k SUV these days. A mid level Ford Escape has soft touch plastics. VW has had uninspiring interiors in most of their vehicles (especially the US made ones) for years.

[@111danish111]

No mention of the firm ride quality ?

[@andreaspencer9813]

We didn't find the Atlas Cross Sport to have a really firm ride.

[@scherfcom]

Great video. I like the styling of the Atlas Cross Sport and that it has generous interior space. Just wish it had a bit more luxury interior material for maybe an upgraded model, real exhaust openings, and a V-8 option (maybe twin-turbo) to also customize it for an exceptional performance vehicle for enthusiasts, ... could create a fan group like with e.g. the Dodge Charger and Challenger, ... would be so much fun :)

[@Hercegovac.1]

Great looking exterior, but not interior it looks 10 years old!

[@Xavieres]

Did you hear that VW owners? VW is NOT a luxury brand. 😂😂

[@marclangman4836]

Zac is correct. Audi is where luxury begins in the VW group.

[@A3A4Tom]

Don't consider it as a "baby Q8" especially its cheap interior. When I was cross shopping an Outback. VW salesperson shown me their training material, it has shown Atlas CS's main rivals are Edge, Murano, Venza, Santa Fe, Grand Cherokee and Passport. VW knows exactly how it is positioned, as a 5-seater mid-size SUV.

[@zoner__]

Thank you for clarifying how the Apple CarPlay connects. Now if you could include the highway range while giving the mpg we can move another step. You two were a little testier than usual. Did you forget to take out the trash Zack?

[@cbatiau2528]

I would lhave seriously considered this vehicle if VW had put a PHEV drivetrain into it -- like they teased us with when this vehicle was first introduced half a decade ago... But without a PHEV drivetrain, I don't see how anybody would want it...

[@justtestingonce]

Dumbest comment on here!

[@longhorns4u]

Hello Everyone! Have anyone own this with V6 Engine? How is the power as far as pick up and in higher speeds while changing the lane? It will be very helpful for me to decide on this? Thank you 🙏.

[@tonywalls6563]

Mr.and Mrs do you know why all VW cars and SUV have hard plastic dashbourds leather in extreme heat starts to crack especially if one does not place a viser the VW DRIVING EXPERIENCE REVIEWERS MENTION THIS WILL YOU ADVISE ME OF THIS FROM YOUR VW EPERTS?

[@kunal21g]

well the base engine 2 litre engine can be compared to Santa Fe 2.0 litre engine with respect to value for money

[@jnmaher1967]

Towing?

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

They mention towing capacity

[@58631061]

Compete with honda cr-v and kia sorento

[@jimthompson2836]

Jeep Grand Cherokee hands down.

[@msmith3537]

The interior doesn’t feel special. VW isn’t offering enough to counter the reliability concerns. The exterior looks great. I understand why families love the space. But, for my $55K I’m looking elsewhere. This would be a lease (if the economy wasn’t crap).

[@watchdealer]

Andrea is so appealing. Zack, you're a lucky man. I love your show, but to be honest, often I watch just to admire your wife.

[@dvanremortel]

Hippo videos! Lol. Impressive VW. Zack’s words though, Telluride still better.

[@phillipw2493]

This Atlas has no Black Edition

[@seymorefact4333]

🇺🇸 VW atlas is VW TOUREG POS 3.0! My toureg v8 Pos 1.0 Spent more time in VW mechanic bay than on the streets. Happiest day of my life is when I sold to a owner ! My retirement funds went back to normal.

[@danielmiedema5836]

Jeep VW Audi and other German brands have reliability issues

[@MauriceBln1]

no

[@Kionnaallure]

They should have just bought back the Touareg 😩

[@mono1342]

Looks like subaru forester.

[@vicp8772]

Love the name. Alphabet letters on rides is stupid.

[@malcolmbennett3555]

take carrots to 'behind the scene viewing' at the zoo to pet the giraffe..........watch out for their long strong tongues; do not try this with the Rhino's. gr8 banter on the review of the mainstream plastic thingy cross (sport,I dont think so)......what car was it?????? lol

[@robertduklus6555]

slowest in its class, worst fuel economy in its class. 3 row Atlas biggest and only advantage is the space especially for the child seats.

[@abbas1872]

I would definitely buy this over the Fiat owned CHEAP JERKY.

[@jimknutson3605]

VW is also known for extremely poor quality. Everyone gets rid of them after the warranty is out.

[@jonclassical5710]

Super ugly with the roof ski racks......see 1968 Mercury Cougar in James Bond "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" for what a ski rack on an auto should look like!

[@jeffmercier7252]

Fake exhaust outlets errr....

[@petertrout7866]

Gas mileage is a joke

[@michaelhogen6040]

Hmmmm. So you say Volkswagen is an “everycar”. Don’t some Audi’s have VW engines in them? If so, does that make the Audi a “common luxury car” or a “luxury common car”. Inquiring minds want to know … 😉

[@gevorgnazaryan8720]

Hippos are territorial

[@danielc45]

Weird VW design. Too bad.

[@krane15]

No vehicle this size should be power by a 4 cylinder engine. Even the six is weak. Anyway, I stopped listening at "wired" Apple car plan and Android auto. jk. It was the fake exhausts the drove me away. Really VW, in 2022?

[@justtestingonce]

It’s amazing how little car performance knowledge you have yet confidently comment dumb stuff.

[@MichaelPolera]

*"Don't Buy These Endless Money Pits"* - Scotty Kilmer

[@rkt81]

Overpriced toys lately. Too many govt employees needs to be paid, enslaving public on taxes and fines.