Let's dive into the 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport, guys! This vehicle has made waves in the automotive world, and we're here to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know. From its design and performance to its interior features and overall value, we’ll cover all the bases. Whether you're a potential buyer, a car enthusiast, or just curious, this comprehensive review will provide you with a detailed look at what makes the 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport a standout choice. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the ins and outs of this fantastic SUV!

Overview of the 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport

The 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport is a mid-size SUV that blends style, comfort, and practicality. It's designed for those who want the space and versatility of an SUV but with a sportier look and feel. The Cross Sport is essentially a shorter, sleeker version of the popular VW Atlas, offering a more coupe-like roofline and a more aggressive stance. This makes it a compelling option for buyers who want something that stands out from the crowd.

One of the key highlights of the 2018 Atlas Cross Sport is its spacious interior. Despite its sportier design, it still offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The rear seats are comfortable and offer ample legroom, making it suitable for families or those who frequently travel with passengers. The cargo area is also generous, providing enough space for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The vehicle's design prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that it meets the demands of modern drivers.

Under the hood, the 2018 Atlas Cross Sport offers a range of engine options to suit different driving preferences. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which delivers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. For those who want more muscle, there’s also a 3.6-liter V6 engine available. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and responsive gear changes. The Atlas Cross Sport also offers available all-wheel drive, enhancing its capabilities in various weather conditions.

In terms of technology, the 2018 Atlas Cross Sport is well-equipped with a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience. These include a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These technologies not only make driving more convenient but also contribute to a safer and more confident driving experience.

Overall, the 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling combination of style, space, performance, and technology. It’s a great choice for those who want a vehicle that can handle daily commutes, family trips, and everything in between.

Key Features and Specifications

The 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport comes packed with features and specs that make it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market. Let's break down the essentials:

Engine Options

• 2.0-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder: This engine delivers around 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s a great option for those who prioritize fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much power.
• 3.6-liter V6: This engine ups the ante with approximately 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It provides more robust acceleration and is better suited for towing or hauling heavy loads.

Transmission

• Eight-Speed Automatic: Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring optimal performance and fuel economy.

Drivetrain

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Standard on most trims, FWD provides good fuel efficiency and confident handling in normal driving conditions.
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Available as an option, AWD enhances traction and stability, making it ideal for driving in inclement weather or on rough terrain.

Interior Features

• Infotainment System: The Atlas Cross Sport features a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display. Depending on the trim, you can get features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system.
• Seating: The vehicle offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The rear seats are spacious and offer ample legroom.
• Cargo Space: The cargo area provides plenty of room for groceries, luggage, and other gear. The rear seats can also be folded down to create even more space.

Safety Features

The 2018 Atlas Cross Sport is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed as needed.
• Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring: Warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spots.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Detects vehicles approaching from the side when backing up.
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a collision.

Other Notable Features

• Panoramic Sunroof: Available on higher trims, the panoramic sunroof provides an open and airy feel to the cabin.
• Digital Cockpit: A fully digital instrument cluster that displays important information in a clear and customizable format.
• Hands-Free Liftgate: Makes it easy to load and unload cargo, even when your hands are full.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport offers a balanced driving experience that caters to both daily commutes and longer journeys. The vehicle's performance is largely dependent on the engine you choose, but both options provide adequate power for various driving scenarios. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a solid choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency. It delivers sufficient power for city driving and highway cruising, making it a practical option for everyday use. While it may not offer the exhilarating acceleration of the V6, it still provides a smooth and responsive driving experience.

For those who crave more power, the 3.6-liter V6 engine is the way to go. This engine delivers a noticeable boost in acceleration and overall performance, making it ideal for drivers who frequently tow trailers or carry heavy loads. The V6 also provides more confident passing power on the highway, which can be particularly useful during long road trips. Regardless of the engine, the eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and seamless gear changes, contributing to a refined driving experience.

In terms of handling, the 2018 Atlas Cross Sport strikes a good balance between comfort and agility. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads. The vehicle also handles corners with confidence, thanks to its well-weighted steering and responsive chassis. While it may not be as sporty as some other SUVs in its class, it still offers a pleasant and engaging driving experience.

One of the standout features of the Atlas Cross Sport is its available all-wheel-drive system. This system enhances traction and stability, making it easier to drive in inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice. The AWD system also provides added confidence when driving on unpaved roads or light trails. Whether you live in an area with harsh winters or simply want the added security of all-wheel drive, the Atlas Cross Sport has you covered.

Overall, the 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport offers a well-rounded performance and handling package that caters to a wide range of drivers. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, power, or all-weather capability, the Atlas Cross Sport has something to offer.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport truly shines when you step inside, offering a blend of comfort and technology that enhances the driving experience. The interior is designed with both the driver and passengers in mind, providing ample space and a range of features to keep everyone comfortable and connected. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making them ideal for long trips. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom, ensuring that even taller passengers can stretch out and relax. The overall design of the cabin is modern and functional, with high-quality materials and attention to detail.

In terms of technology, the 2018 Atlas Cross Sport is equipped with a range of features designed to keep you connected and entertained on the road. The infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, with a touchscreen display that makes it easy to access navigation, audio controls, and other functions. The system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle.

One of the standout features of the Atlas Cross Sport is its available digital cockpit. This fully digital instrument cluster displays important information such as speed, fuel economy, and navigation directions in a clear and customizable format. The digital cockpit not only looks modern and sophisticated but also makes it easier to keep track of important information while driving.

Other notable technology features include a premium sound system, which delivers crisp and clear audio quality, and a hands-free liftgate, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo, even when your hands are full. The Atlas Cross Sport also offers a range of advanced safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, which help to enhance safety and prevent accidents.

Overall, the 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport offers a comfortable and technology-rich interior that makes every drive a pleasure. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, you'll appreciate the thoughtful design and attention to detail that went into creating this impressive SUV.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport:

Pros

• Spacious Interior: Ample room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for families or those who need extra space.
• Stylish Design: The Cross Sport’s coupe-like roofline and aggressive stance give it a distinctive and sporty look.
• Engine Options: The availability of both a four-cylinder and a V6 engine allows buyers to choose the level of performance that best suits their needs.
• Advanced Technology: The vehicle is equipped with a range of advanced technology features, including a user-friendly infotainment system and a digital cockpit.
• Safety Features: The Atlas Cross Sport offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

Cons

• Fuel Economy: The V6 engine can be thirsty, especially compared to some of its competitors.
• Base Engine Performance: While adequate, the base four-cylinder engine may feel underpowered for some drivers, particularly when carrying heavy loads.
• Ride Quality: While generally comfortable, the ride can be a bit firm on rough roads.
• Infotainment System: While user-friendly, the infotainment system can sometimes be slow to respond.

Final Verdict

The 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport is a compelling mid-size SUV that offers a blend of style, comfort, and practicality. It’s a great choice for those who want a vehicle that stands out from the crowd and offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. While it may not be perfect, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a solid contender in its class. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, the 2018 VW Atlas Cross Sport is definitely worth considering.

Whether you prioritize style, space, performance, or technology, the Atlas Cross Sport has something to offer. So, go ahead and give it a test drive – you might just find that it’s the perfect SUV for you!