James HalfacreThe popular 5-passenger version of the VW Atlas is all you want in an SUV without the burden of extra space and a loftier price.You could have fooled me: I'd never have guessed that people would go for a scaled-down version of the VW Atlas. Well, I was wrong. Turns out, 220,000 of them did; since the VW Atlas Cross Sport was introduced in 2020, that's how many have been sold. And really, it makes sense. A smaller, more sophisticated, less-family-more-me SUV that still offers the space, performance and comforts that we love in our SUVs? It's a nice alternative to hauling around a 3rd row that you'll never use. AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.This Completely New Design Looks Sharp and Sophisticated A side view of the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport – Credit: VWFor 2027 VW retooled the Atlas Cross Sport, a 5-passenger version of the 3-row VW Atlas, preserving its more sophisticated character: a sportier posture thanks to wheels that are pushed closer to the bumpers, a downward slant on the rear roof line, a slightly lower ground clearance.But for 2027, VW added new exterior lines, lights, upgraded features and a new more powerful engine.The overall look of the Cross Sport, which is 5" shorter and 2" lower, is toned and muscular, as if the Atlas's twin spent the winter at the gym and we've just noticed her newly sculpted silhouette.On the inside the Cross Sport takes on many of the characteristics of the newly redesigned Atlas, from the dash and center console to the updated tech. AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd then, all of it is designed to feel even more premium. Read: The New 2027 VW Atlas is Still a Unicorn—With Magic and Charm GaloreLighting Defines This New Exterior LookThe new front face of the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport – Credit: VWOn the outside, the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport features new front and rear lighting with stacked LED headlights and between them a lighted VW badge. Silver accents amplify the lighting, which extends to the rear taillights; they have a digital look that dots the rear of the tailgate. Buyers will have a choice of 18" to 21" wheels and three new paint colors: Dark Sage Metallic, Blackberry Metallic and Sandstone for an earthy, modern look.Read: Falling for the 2026 Honda Passport's Classic Looks? Go For TrailSport's Muscle and ClassA New Engine Adds Power But Keeps MPG SteadyThe rear of the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport – Credit: VWFor 2027 VW upgraded the engine to the newest version of its evo5 engine, 4-cylinder engine designed to deliver plenty of power and torque with good fuel economy and reduced emissions. The twin turbo engine in the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport will deliver 282 HP, up from 269 in the prior model, and 258 pound-feet of torque. And, it is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. AdvertisementAdvertisementFront wheel drive is standard but buyers can opt for all wheel drive, and for those who are willing to wait for better fuel efficiency, a hybrid version is in the works, though a launch date hasn't yet been announced. Read: The 2025 Nissan Murano Aims To Be Zen On The RoadAtlas Cross Sport Gives Premium Vibes The front cabin in the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport – Credit: VWInside VW continues its commitment to a premium experience. Leatherette is standard — no cloth seats! — and features like ambient lighting on the dash and in the footwells, large screens and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The feeling is extended with soft touch and leatherette surfaces while top trim models are finished in leather. Wood trim, contrast stitching and a choice of light gray, black or brown interiors add more luxury to the cabin.To make top trim models feel even more posh, spiral backlit lighting panels on the dashboard will add the the ambience in the cabin. But to really set the stage, an "Atmospheres" setting coordinates lighting and audio settings to set the mood. Other premium details include dual wireless charge pads, a 12 way driver seat settings and for top trims, massaging front seats. A panoramic sunroof is available on most trims, too. Read: The 2025 Audi Q5 and Audi SQ5 Just Got A Glow-Up: More Lights, Screens and LuxuryPremium Tech Sets You Up for a Seamless Experience The view from the driver's seat in the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport – Credit: VWVW has been upgrading its tech features in the last few years and the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport promises to deliver the company's best: It's outfitted with a 15" multimedia touch screen (13" on entry model) that features a navigation system, AI voice assistance, premium radio and wifi, though a subscription is required following the trial period. Then, the screen can be used for gaming when the car is parked and you can connect your garage door opener so it's accessible via the touch screen. I love that feature. AdvertisementAdvertisementThere is a 10.25" customizable driver display, a system that VW calls Digital Cockpit and was first developed for Audi. This system allows you to customize your view setting up maps, gauges or other details on the driver display. This Minimalist Center Console Says It AllThe center console in the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport has this great new dial for radio volume, drive modes and atmospheres – Credit: VWThe center console is uncluttered and simple, anchored by a single "Experience Dial" that glows, begging to be touched. It controls the Atmospheres choices and the radio volume, but it also functions as the drive mode selector. The console also holds dual cupholders and a the dual wireless phone charge pad where two phones can charge side by side. There are 5 USB ports for other phones, or tablets or laptops, to charge.Under neath the console is a small storage compartment where you can tuck away a few things, like a cosmetic bag, charge cords or sunglasses.Even More Driver Assist Features Have You CoveredThe wide rear seat in the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport – Credit: VWWe've come to love our driver assist features — think, lane keep assist, bling spot monitoring and emergency braking. For the 2027 VW Atlas Cross Sport, these systems are even smarter, with more precise function. And, the adaptive cruise control system now has a predictive function and allows even more hands-on automated driver assistance. AdvertisementAdvertisementBuilt in Chattanooga, Tennessee where the Atlas is built, the VW Atlas Cross Sport will go on sale later this year, though pricing hasn't yet been announced. Likely it'll trail the pricing of the Atlas just a bit though with more premium features for the money. And that's the point, really, in a more-for-me SUV that allows me to graduate from the kid car into my own stylish ride without giving up the things I've come to like about large SUVs.