2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $33,260–$40,340
Fuel Economy 20 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,625/yr

Key Specifications — 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Engine3.6L 6-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG18 / 23 MPG
Combined MPG20 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,400
CO₂ Emissions453 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$33,260–$40,340

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.6/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.4/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.1/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.

Priced from $33,260–$40,340, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.8/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, but it needs the right buyer. and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,260 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 8%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

Which Atlas Cross Sport Year Should You Buy?

Across the Atlas Cross Sport model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.4/10$37,646 Read review →
2025 7.4/10$37,646 Read review →
2024 7.4/10$36,550 Read review →
2023 7.5/10$35,453 Read review →
2022 7.3/10$34,357 Read review →
2021 (this review) 7.2/10$33,260
2020 7.3/10$32,164 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (14 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Wheels / Rim
03/03/2021 · 21V132000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The lug bolt holes on the wheels may have been machined incorrectly, preventing the wheel bolt from sufficiently attaching to the wheel bearing hub.
Wheels / Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
15/10/2021 · 21V812000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
Visibility / Defroster/defogger/hvac system
17/11/2021 · 21V892000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle near the air bag control module.
Tires / Sidewall
13/11/2020 · 20V702000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport and 2021 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T. The tires may have been over cured.
Steering
17/11/2020 · 20V712000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. One or both steering knuckles may have been damaged during production.

Showing 5 of 14 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

Common Questions — 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport reliable?

We rate the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's reliability 7.6/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have?

14 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport worth buying?

It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #1611 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 34% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport cost?

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts at $33,260 and ranges up to $40,340 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

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