That brings us to the exterior, where VW has sought to differentiate the Atlas and sportier Atlas Cross Sport more than was the case previously. To that end, the Cross Sport comes with gloss-black grille details and a gloss-black X design element on the lower fascia, a feature that echoes the smaller Taos. This five-seater model also comes with a bolder rear diffuser than before. LED headlights are complemented by a newly standard adaptive front-lighting system, and only the base model misses out on daytime running lights with a full-width lightbar.
New wheel designs have been introduced across the range, with sizes varying between 18 and 20 inches. Machined alloy and black finishes are available, and R-line models come with 21-inch alloy wheels. The R-lines also have a gloss-black grille and R-line badging.
A larger rear spoiler is common to both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, and here we can again see an illuminated lightbar and VW logo between the taillights. If you see an Atlas without this feature, it’s the base model.