Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (2027)

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport arrives as a two‑row fastback SUV that adds noticeable power and a fancier interior, but it still lacks basic buttons, any hybrid system, and even the ability to tow a large animal, a detail highlighted by The Autopian’s tongue‑in‑cheek note about a “giant male hippo.” The contrast between added power and missing fundamentals is the story’s surprise. Volkswagen’s redesign appears driven by a push for stronger performance, improved fuel‑economy claims and upgraded cabin comfort, as noted by Consumer Reports and motor1.com. Automotive News and CarBuzz point to the new safety gear and a cleaner exterior aimed at rivaling the Honda Passport.

The added horsepower and refined interior are presented as the core reasons for the model’s refresh. Opinions diverge on whether the power boost compensates for the missing tech. Detroit Free Press praises tiny LED lights and overall design, while The Autopian stresses the absence of a hybrid option and the odd towing limitation.

Edmunds calls the model a “big two‑row energy,” and CarBuzz notes it targets the Honda Passport square, indicating a strategic positioning. It also remains unclear if a hybrid variant will appear later, or how the towing capacity compares to segment rivals. Future updates from Volkswagen or detailed road tests will be needed to fill these gaps.