Following last month’s spy shots of the VW Atlas Cross Sport sent by one of our readers from Arizona, we can now show you a new set of images, this time courtesy of our photographers.
The two-row variant of the Atlas SUV has been spotted in the U.S. once again but unfortunately, prototypes continue to be fully wrapped in camouflage — only the windshield and the front lateral windows are undisguised.
Despite that, we can see that the midsize SUV has a familiar silhouette, especially if you’re familiar with the VW Teramont X recently unveiled in China. Both the Teramont X and its American counterpart are inspired by the Cross Coupe GTE and the Atlas Cross Sport concepts from 2015 and 2018, respectively.
Compared to said study, the production model gets slightly toned-down front and rear bumpers, as well as simplified light units. However, the sportier proportions stay largely the same. The Atlas Cross Sport isn’t quite identical with the Teramont X, however. The design of the front fascia is different, as is the LED signature of the taillights.
The VW Atlas Cross Sport is expected to retain the regular Atlas’ 117.3-inch (2,984-mm) wheelbase for production costs reasons. However, it is shorter than the three-row model — by about 7.5 inches (190 mm). The Cross Sport is also 1.7 inches (43 mm) lower and 1.6 inches (41 mm) wider for a more dynamic stance. Additionally, distinctive design cues include the more sloping roofline and more steeply-raked rear window. Overall, it looks more athletic than the Atlas, although this particular prototype has ditched the concept’s massive 22-inch wheels for smaller ones.
Under the hood, the VW Atlas Cross Sport will share powertrain choices with the larger Atlas. That shouldn’t be surprising given that the Cross Sport will be built alongside the three-row model at the Chattanooga plant in Tennessee. The standard choice will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 hp, with a 276 hp 3.6-liter V6 available as an option. There are also rumors of a 310 hp hybrid system but those haven’t been officially confirmed.
The 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport will go into production later this year and will represent the automaker’s answer to the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, and other similar models. The public debut is likely to take place at the LA Auto Show in November.