Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$34,357–$40,713
Fuel Economy21 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategorySUV
Est. Annual Fuel$2,500/yr
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport scores 7.3/10 at Carivo, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs, with 7 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $2,500/year fuel cost.
Key Specifications — 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Engine
2.0L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Regular
City / Hwy MPG
21 / 25 MPG
Combined MPG
23 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost
$2,600
CO₂ Emissions
391 g/mi
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Body Style
SUV
Base Price
$34,357–$40,713
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Our scoring places the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. 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. We score reliability at 7.5/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.1/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.4/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $34,357–$40,713, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 4 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.
Our take: The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,357 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Fuel (75,000 miles)
~$12,500 ($2,500/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs
$0 — 7 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Atlas Cross Sport Year Should You Buy?
Across the Atlas Cross Sport model years we've scored, the 2022 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
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
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (7 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 with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Side/window 28/03/2022 · 22V152000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying…
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 20/07/2022 · 22V514000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory…
Trailer hitches 31/08/2022 · 22V657000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The trailer hitch bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Hard parts internal/mechanical 07/10/2022 · 22V753000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport reliable?
We rate the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's reliability 7.5/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 7 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 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have?
7 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 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport worth buying?
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 44% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport cost?
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts at $34,357 and ranges up to $40,713 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Atlas Cross Sport years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 7 Atlas Cross Sport model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.5/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have?
The documented issues for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Fuel system, gasoline, Back over prevention, Trailer hitches (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
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