The two-row variant of the Atlas SUV has been
spotted in the U.S. once again but unfortunately, prototypes continue to be fully
wrapped in camouflage only the windshield and the front lateral windows are
undisguised. Compared to said studies, the production model gets
slightly toned-down front and rear bumpers, as well as simplified light units.
However, the sportier proportions stay largely the same. The Atlas Cross Sport
isn’t quite identical with the Teramont X, though. The design of the front
fascia is different, as is the LED signature of the taillights.
The VW Atlas Cross Sport is expected to retain the regular Atlas’ 2,984-mm wheelbase for production costs reasons. However, it is shorter than the three-row model — by about 190 mm. The Cross Sport is also 43 mm lower and 41 mm wider for a more dynamic stance. Additionally, distinctive design cues include the more sloping roofline and more steeply-raked rear window. Overall, it looks more athletic than the Atlas, although this particular prototype has ditched the concept’s massive 22-inch wheels for smaller ones.
Under the hood, the VW Atlas Cross Sport will share
powertrain choices with the larger Atlas. That shouldn’t be surprising given
that the Cross Sport will be built alongside the three-row model at the
Chattanooga plant in Tennessee. The standard choice will be a 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 hp, with a 276 hp 3.6-liter V6
available as an option. There are also rumors of a 310 hp hybrid system but
those haven’t been officially confirmed.
The 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport will go into
production later this year and will represent the automaker’s answer to the
Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, and other similar models. The public debut is
likely to take place at the LA Auto Show in November.
