Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2027: engine, torque, release date and interior specs

The redesigned Atlas Cross Sport arrives in the US in early 2027 with a new 282-hp engine, MQB Evo architecture and a bigger cabin — though peak torque actually falls slightly versus the outgoing model.

Author: Nikita Novikov

07:09 11-08-2026

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13 extra horsepower hide a more interesting change in the new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The second generation gets a 2.0-liter EA888 evo5 engine rated at 282 hp, but torque has actually dropped from the previous 370 Nm (258 lb-ft) to 350 Nm. So calling the new engine simply “more powerful” doesn’t tell the whole story: the power bump comes with about a 5% loss in peak torque.

According to the automaker, the five-seat crossover will reach the US market in early 2027. It uses the updated MQB Evo architecture, an 8-speed automatic and either front-wheel or 4Motion all-wheel drive. Maximum trailer weight remains around 5,000 lb (2,268 kg).

The cabin has been reworked more noticeably. The digital instrument cluster measures about 10.3 inches, the standard infotainment display is 12.9 inches, and higher trims get a 15-inch screen. New features include simultaneous wireless charging for two smartphones, five USB-C ports and a new central control dial for volume, drive modes and Atmospheres lighting.

Volkswagen hasn’t announced pricing yet. The outgoing 2026 Atlas Cross Sport officially starts at $38,300 in the US and comes with a 269-hp engine producing around 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. So once pricing lands, it’s worth watching not just the power increase, but how much the sticker price climbs versus today’s model.

This reveal closes a question Volkswagen left open in the spring. Back in May, the brand’s roadmap already showed the 2027 Atlas with a new design and engine. Even earlier, it emerged that the Atlas Cross Sport will join Volkswagen’s upcoming US hybrid lineup.

The hybrid won’t arrive alongside the gasoline model. Volkswagen plans to add an electrified powertrain later, as part of the model’s midcycle update. For buyers who care more about fuel economy than getting the new generation in 2027, that version could end up being the more significant update.