Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport To Take On 2019 Blazer
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Crossovers are hot, and every automaker knows it. As GM gets into the mainstream midsize crossover SUV space with the all-new, 2019 Chevy Blazer, Volkswagen is looking to get a piece of growing segment for itself. The German automaker debuted a concept version of its upcoming Blazer rival at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. Called the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport concept, here’s a look at how the show car form the world’s largest automaker measures up against the resurrected Blazer.
Strategy
Much like GM’s Chevrolet, VW is taking its full-size, three-row crossover – the Volkswagen Atlas – and shrinking it to become a smaller, two-row model for the Atlas Cross Sport concept. Both models ride on VW’s highly-modular MQB vehicle matrix, which is defined by a transverse engine placement driving the front wheels.
The strategy to shrink a full-size CUV to a mid-sizer is identical to that undertaken by Honda with its 2019 Passport, as well as by Hyundai for the 2019 Santa Fe, itself a smaller version of the upcoming Hyundai Palisade.
Exterior
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport measures in at 190.8 inches long, 68.3 inches tall and 79.9 inches wide. While it may be 7.5 inches shorter than the Atlas, it does retain the same wheelbase. The concept rides on a set of glossy, 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in 285/40 tires. Overall, the exterior design is sleek, and the flared wheel arches look rather menacing.
The concept features an illuminated two-bar grille, a notable departure from the three-bar unit making its way across most of the Volkswagen vehicle lineup. LED headlights, DRLs, and taillights are present and accounted for. The D-pillar has a rather unique, forward-leaning shape.
VW says that the roof spoiler with black side fins is another distinctive element of this concept, but we must note that various crossovers from GM and Chevy have had this design element.
The production-intent model will likely tone down the front and rear ends, as well as the wheel flares and wheels.
Performance
The Volkswagen Atlas Sport concept uses the same 3.6-liter V6 FSI engine found in the production, three-row Atlas. The engine makes 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The concept, however, features two electric motors that are supplied by a compact 18.0 kWh lithium-ion battery. The front motor makes 54 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the rear unit makes 114 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This means that the concept crossover has a total output of 355 horsepower with a top speed of 130 mph, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.4 seconds.
According to Volkswagen, the Atlas Cross Sport concept could also feature a mild hybrid powertrain with the same V6 engine and electric motors, but with a smaller 2.0 kWh battery. This model would deliver 310 horsepower and accelerate to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
In addition, the Atlas Cross Sport concept plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) features five different drive modes.
Interior
The Atlas Cross Sport interior is based on the regular Atlas model, although with a few concept-specific features. The show car features a new generation gauge cluster with a 10.1-inch screen seamlessly integrated where traditional gauges would reside. The touchscreen features gesture control and proximity sensors. In addition, the graphic layout of the gauges changes depending on which driving mode is selected.
The interior also features a 12.3-inch, high-resolution Volkswagen Digital Cockpit that can be reconfigured to show driving information, navigation and assistance functions, when necessary. The touchscreen is also used for climate settings and to control the panoramic glass sunroof, matching sunshade, and interior lights.
Below the infotainment system and Digital Cockpit is a newly-designed horizontal trim strip made of brushed aluminum. It runs the entire width of the cabin.
To the left of the center console is the selector lever for the 6-speed DSG (dual-clutch) automatic transmission, which has shift-by-wire functionality.
Availability
Production of the new five-seater Volkswagen Atlas will begin in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2019. The model will go on sale as a 2020 model year vehicle.
Pricing has yet to be revealed, but expect it to start right at the $30,000 range, with a loaded model topping out in the high $40,000 or low $50,000 range.
Segment
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is expected to reach production over the next 18-24 months. It will take on other mainstream mid-size crossover SUVs, including GM’s Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Dodge Journey.
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Hopefully they improve the styling from the Atlas.
It’s already better than the Chevrolet because you can turn off the start/stop system.
Blazer sucks asking way to much for it its not worth it
And made in Mexico, while this and the Honda Passport are made right in the US. GM is making wrong choices after wrong choices.
Yea, we gonna hear from the undercover Ford trolls how this is ten- billion times is better then Blazer dispite VWs “outstanding” reliability. Pretty sure VW service bays will love it.
Looks alone will make this VW a hit if it comes out looking like that.
(Atlas Will have to improve a lot! I have one 6 months old and, so far, only disappointment!
For Real GM? This should be rebranded version as Updated version of the Pontiac Aztek.
This looks also like a someone took a nissan SUV and blew a ton of air into it.
Atlas looks like a Ford Edge with too big of wheels on it (and VW is terrible for service and standing behind their products – German attitude is usually the product is right but the user is wrong) . Blazer looks decent but too much like an Equinox. Both are sorta meh IMO
Great news! Here comes the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport! Better and Bolder! It comes with two electric motors in its 355-hp plug-in hybrid system along with 26 miles of electric-only range. Despite its Sport moniker, this is more of a mid-sized SUV rather than an SUV coupe. You can check for more new models of Volkswagen cars at https://www.fiestavw.com/ They’re one of the most reliable sources of Volkswagen in the area of Oregon.