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Independent review & score by Carivo
| 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 | $2,950 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 391 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $35,453–$42,829 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.3/10, while Safety at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.9/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety is a notable gap at 6.9/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
With 7.5/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. On technology it rates 8.3/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $35,453–$42,829, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 3 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.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on safety if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
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 →
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $35,453 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $35,453 | |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $34,357 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $33,260 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $32,164 | Read review → |
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.
| 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… |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 26/09/2022 · 22V718000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 model year Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Certain brake lines may leak at the threaded connections. |
| 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. |
| Suspension / Critical fasteners 26/10/2022 · 22V807000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL and 2022-2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out. |
| Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 20/06/2024 · 24V464000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag… |
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
We rate the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 61% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts at $35,453 and ranges up to $42,829 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.