Following hot on the heels of the Atlas, Volkswagen will launch the Atlas Cross Sport, a more stylish variant aimed at those who favor looks over practicality.
Set to arrive at dealers early next year, it will be a while until you’ll be able to sit behind the wheel and test it out. However, as it often happens with new products that are about to be launched, Volkswagen invited several motoring journalists to see what the Atlas Cross Sport prototype is made of, and it chose a very challenging location: Death Valley.
In the scorching heat, the automaker made sure that everything functions accordingly, from the powertrain to the battery, suspension and so on, convincing those present that it’s one tough vehicle.
Also Read: New 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport – Here’s The Production Version
The Atlas Cross Sport further demonstrated its prowess by towing a 3,500-pound (1,588 kg) trailer, with the optional 3.6-liter V6 under the hood. The mill produces 376 horsepower and will be offered as an alternative to the 235 HP, 2.0-liter turbo-four. There have been reports about a a 310 HP hybrid joining the range eventually, but right now this is mere speculation.
When powered by the V6, the Atlas Cross Sport can tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg), although you’ll want the optional tow package for this, which comes with an upgraded radiator and alternator, different stability control setup and trailer control module.
So, how does Volkswagen’s new SUV feel in one of the harshest environments on Earth? RoadShow’s first encounter with it is pretty telling.