22 MPG combined defines the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0L. This isn’t a Prius, it’s a stylish, mid-size SUV for buyers who want space, comfort, and some European style more than top fuel efficiency. It’s a choice based on practicality and lifestyle more than trying to save every drop of gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are important to consider. The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport 2.0L gets 21 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These numbers show how the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with its 8-speed automatic transmission, performs. The city number shows its efficiency in stop-and-go traffic. The highway number, while not the best in its class, shows it can be reasonably efficient when cruising. The eight-speed transmission helps keep the engine working efficiently at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $2,000 for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2.0L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This gives buyers a number to use when planning their budget. Fuel prices change, but this $2,000 estimate is a benchmark for comparing the Atlas Cross Sport’s fuel expenses with other vehicles. Individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the weather will change your actual fuel costs, however, this shows how the ATLAS MPG across all years stacks up against its competitors.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy changes depending on driving conditions. Driving aggressively, short trips, and heavy loads will make the MPG go down. Driving smoothly, maintaining speed, and inflating tires can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Owner forums and fuel-tracking apps show that most drivers find the EPA estimates to be reasonably accurate. Getting the highway MPG consistently means driving carefully. Your personal MPG will depend on how and where you drive.

How it compares

The Atlas Cross Sport 2.0L isn’t the most fuel-efficient SUV, but it’s important to know how it compares. The Honda Passport, with its standard V6 engine, gets about 22 MPG combined, close to the Atlas Cross Sport, but the horsepower uses more gas. The Nissan Murano, with its V6, also gets around 23 MPG combined. The all-wheel-drive Mazda CX-5 with the turbocharged engine gets roughly 24 MPG combined. The Toyota Venza, a hybrid SUV, gets 40 MPG combined, which is much better. This comparison shows what you give up to get the Atlas Cross Sport: a larger vehicle with a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, with less gas mileage than smaller or hybrid choices. To see bigger vehicles from the same manufacturer, explore all Volkswagen fuel economy data.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use the Atlas Cross Sport’s cruise control system on the highway. Keeping a steady speed improves fuel economy and keeps you from getting tired.

Don’t carry extra weight. Extra cargo makes the engine work harder, so it uses more fuel. Take out things from the trunk and back seats that you don’t need for your daily driving.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Tires with too little air make the engine work harder, which uses more gas. Check your tire pressure often and fill them to the recommended levels, listed on a sticker on the driver’s side door.

Plan your routes to stay out of traffic jams. Using navigation apps to find different routes can save time and gas. Drive when there’s less traffic to avoid idling.

Don’t accelerate quickly. Avoid sudden starts and stops, because they make the engine work harder and reduce fuel efficiency. Speed up smoothly, watching the traffic to keep a steady speed.