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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 | 20 / 27 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,950 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 390 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $37,646–$43,417 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.8/10, while Safety at 6.7/10 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.4/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety is a notable gap at 6.7/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.8/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining suvs to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.1/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $37,646–$43,417, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Its value score of 8.6/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Verdict: The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport sits in the middle of the field. Until its safety scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,646 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 →
Across the Atlas Cross Sport model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $37,646 | |
| 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 | 7.2/10 | $33,260 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $32,164 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has 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 / Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs 03/12/2025 · 25V835000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2026 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and ID.4 vehicles. The incorrect wheel bolts may have been installed during vehicle manufacturing. |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.