Volkswagen may be facing some issues, but one area is knows where its bread is buttered is with its U.S. lineup of SUVs. That certainty is reflected in the revamped 2027 Atlas Cross Sport the company revealed Monday.The new version features a new exterior and a "reimagined" cabin, according to the automaker. The goal is to push the sporty version of VW's flagship SUV further upmarket, giving it a near-premium feel. Compared with the 2027 Atlas 7-seater, the Cross Sport is 5.4 inches shorter at 195.6 in overall, thanks to the dramatically raked coupe-like rear pillars. It is also 2.1 inches lower. "Because the cabin is low and the rear overhang short, it gives the car a really sporty stance. Both the proportions and the use of body color trim elevate its look to the premium class. These chunkier proportions make it look really planted," said William Lee exterior designer, in a release.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the exterior updates clearly separate it from its predecessor, it's not a massive jump making it unrecognizable, but there's clearly a different look and feel to the newest version of the Cross Sport. The new variant sports a very distinct look with sharper lines than the last model."Stronger proportions and sleeker surfacing are seen best in the profile. A dynamic and sharp theme line runs along the upper body sides, bringing solidity to the design and emphasizing the strong fenders that help define the stance," the company noted. "Illuminated door handles puddle lamps with a unique projection pattern are available. All models have body color rocker panels on the lower trims to differentiate from the 2027 Atlas 7-seater."At the back, the dramatic coupe-like rear pillar and short overhang emphasize the sportiness, while the tailgate now lies flush with the rear bumper for a more upscale look. The cross-body taillight design mirrors the lighting signature in the front, and standard dynamic turn signals with coming/leaving home animations to add an upscale feel."AdvertisementAdvertisementThe outside comes available with three new colors: Dark Sage Metallic, Blackberry Metallic, and Sandstone. On the inside, the big changes include heavy use of contrasting colors and ambient lighting to help with the vehicle's atmosphere. When buyers opt up to the top two trim levels, they get 30-color ambient lighting scheme that can really set the mood and feel of the cabin.On the tech side, even the entry-level model gets a big screen at 12.9 inches while the top trims see that grow to 15 inches. A new Driver Experience Dial in the center console controls audio volume, drive modes, and the Atmospheres feature. The console also has room for two cellphones to charge side by side with updated Qi2 wireless charging; five USB-C ports are available throughout the vehicle as well.Under the hood is the most powerful version of the EA888 engine ever. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder puts tout 282 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque while the most powerful ever also see improved fuel economy for 2027.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shifting. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is available across the lineup. A hybrid variant is planned to arrive with the midcycle refresh. Towing capacity remains at 5,000 pounds for models with a factory-installed trailer hitch. Unfortunately, pricing for the new version wasn't made available and won't be until closer to the new Cross Sport's launch early next year, according to VW officials. The 2026 model starts at $38,300.[Images: Volkswagen]Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.