Virtually every mainstream automaker (with the exception of Mazda) offers both two row and three row SUVs in the so-called "midsize" class. Most manufacturers designed their two row vehicles to be significantly smaller than the three row offerings. Typically, at least half a foot or more shorter than the 3 row counterparts. VW, however, took a different route. Believing that Americans want BIG VW SUVs, (The Tiguan and Taos are among the largest SUVs in their respective classes.) the Cross Sport 2 row SUV is 195.5" long, only 2.8" less than the larger Atlas and 0.6" less than a Hyundai Palisade.. In fact, it is longer than the 3 row Toyota Highlander. The Cross Sport and larger Atlas 3 row SUV share almost all the same components and features including wheelbase and drivetrain options while the Cross Sport offers more 2nd row legroom (40.4" vs 37.6") since 3rd row seating wasn't required. On the other hand, in order to give the Cross Sport a "sportier" appearance that matched its name VW cut the height of the Cross Sport and more importantly provided a sloped the roof that suggested a "coupe-like" design. The result was a substantial loss in cargo space compared to the 3 row Atlas (40.3 cubic ft vs 55.5 cf behind the second row and 77.8 cf vs 96.8 cf behind the first row.) Nolan notes that VW "took away a little cargo space" to provide more 2nd row legroom but as the measurements indicate, the loss of cargo space is far more than "a little." In fact, the loss behind the second row is slightly more than the entire trunk space of a Toyota Camry. And in terms of total cargo space behind the first row, the difference is an even greater 24.5%. All for a savings of 2.8" in length. The bottom line is that the Cross Sport is a huge 2 row SUV with little of that size reflected in terms of the interior space. It is undeniably more stylish than the 3 row Atlas but its generous 2nd row legroom appears to be its only advantage over its sibling. Weigh that against substantial losses in terms of cargo space and passenger capacity and it's not difficult to see why the original Atlas continues to outsell the Cross Sport by a huge margin.
Hmm interested in seeing a night drive POV. The headlight housing with the “fog light”-like function sounds interesting. Would love to see the results at night.
Virtually every mainstream automaker (with the exception of Mazda) offers both two row and three row SUVs in the so-called "midsize" class. Most manufacturers designed their two row vehicles to be significantly smaller than the three row offerings. Typically, at least half a foot or more shorter than the 3 row counterparts. VW, however, took a different route. Believing that Americans want BIG VW SUVs, (The Tiguan and Taos are among the largest SUVs in their respective classes.) the Cross Sport 2 row SUV is 195.5" long, only 2.8" less than the larger Atlas and 0.6" less than a Hyundai Palisade.. In fact, it is longer than the 3 row Toyota Highlander. The Cross Sport and larger Atlas 3 row SUV share almost all the same components and features including wheelbase and drivetrain options while the Cross Sport offers more 2nd row legroom (40.4" vs 37.6") since 3rd row seating wasn't required. On the other hand, in order to give the Cross Sport a "sportier" appearance that matched its name VW cut the height of the Cross Sport and more importantly provided a sloped the roof that suggested a "coupe-like" design.
The result was a substantial loss in cargo space compared to the 3 row Atlas (40.3 cubic ft vs 55.5 cf behind the second row and 77.8 cf vs 96.8 cf behind the first row.) Nolan notes that VW "took away a little cargo space" to provide more 2nd row legroom but as the measurements indicate, the loss of cargo space is far more than "a little." In fact, the loss behind the second row is slightly more than the entire trunk space of a Toyota Camry. And in terms of total cargo space behind the first row, the difference is an even greater 24.5%. All for a savings of 2.8" in length.
The bottom line is that the Cross Sport is a huge 2 row SUV with little of that size reflected in terms of the interior space. It is undeniably more stylish than the 3 row Atlas but its generous 2nd row legroom appears to be its only advantage over its sibling. Weigh that against substantial losses in terms of cargo space and passenger capacity and it's not difficult to see why the original Atlas continues to outsell the Cross Sport by a huge margin.
Most excellent.
I really enjoy your videos
Thank you!
How do you like this as a 2 row option? Would you get it over the slightly bigger 3 row Atlas?
Hmm interested in seeing a night drive POV. The headlight housing with the “fog light”-like function sounds interesting. Would love to see the results at night.
Great review
Nice review Nolan 👌 does it have power folding mirrors?
Folding mirrors on the SEL Premium trim
sport mode makes the steering heavier for whoever is curious
I like the 2-row!
Will an adult bicycle fit in the back at an angle with seats down with both wheels on the bike
I would definitely think so, it’s really spacious and the 2nd row seats sink down into the floor somewhat when they’re folded to give extra room
Hello
The fuel economy is def A pass