2019 LA Auto Show marks the world
debut of the 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport, an essential model for the brand in
North America. Built in the U.S. for U.S. customers, the
Atlas Cross Sport is the first fruit of Volkswagen’s doubling-up strategy in
the North American SUV market. The plan will be repeated in the compact SUV
segment with a vehicle that will slot below the Tiguan in the lineup.
The German automaker invested US$ 340 million
to build the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport alongside the larger Atlas at its plant in
Chattanooga, Tennessee. Smaller than the regular VW Atlas, the five-seat SUV
targets more style-conscious customers who are not willing to sacrifice
practicality.
The midsize SUV features a more sloping
roofline, steeply raked rear pillar and rear hatch than its larger sibling,
though calling this design “coupe-like” is too much. Overall, the Cross Sport
is 71 mm)shorter than the current Atlas and 58.4 mm lower.
Since it rides on the same 2,979 mm wheelbase, the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport is almost as roomy as its big
brother. It offers 3,166 liters of passenger space, 1,141 liters of luggage space behind the second-row seats, and 2,203 liters with the second row folded.
U.S. buyers will be able to choose from
two available powertrains: a 276-HP 3.6-liter V6 and a 235-HP 2.0-liter TSI
turbocharged four-cylinder. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic
transmission and are available with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. When
equipped with the V6 Towing package, the six-cylinder model is rated at 2,268 kg for towing.
VW will offer the Atlas Cross Sport in
eight trim levels: S, SE, SE w/Tech, SE w/Tech R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL
Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. Pricing will be announced ahead of its launch
in the spring of 2020.
