Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$35,453–$42,829
Fuel Economy22 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategorySUV
Est. Annual Fuel$2,386/yr
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport scores 7.5/10 at Carivo, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs, with 6 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $2,386/year fuel cost.
Key Specifications — 2023 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
$35,453–$42,829
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
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 →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
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.
5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Fuel (75,000 miles)
~$11,930 ($2,386/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs
$0 — 6 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?
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.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
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
Few standout weaknesses — review individual sub-scores for nuance
Some competing models offer a higher overall score at a similar price
NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (6 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…
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.
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.
Own a 2023 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 — 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport reliable?
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).
How many recalls does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have?
6 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 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport worth buying?
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.
How much does the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport cost?
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.
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 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have?
The documented issues for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Service brakes, hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Suspension (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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