The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4Motion, with the 3.6L V6, gets a combined fuel economy of 20 MPG. While this isn’t groundbreaking for SUVs, it’s a reasonable trade-off for those who want interior space, all-weather traction, and the smooth power of a naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine instead of maximum fuel efficiency. This vehicle isn’t made for hypermiling. It’s made to haul families, equipment, and pets in comfort, no matter the weather.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Atlas Cross Sport gets 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the 3.6L V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission work harder because of the vehicle’s weight. The highway number is more optimistic and achievable when cruising, where the engine is more efficient. However, fast acceleration or high speeds will reduce this number. Knowing these differences is key to having realistic expectations for your fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4Motion is $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a hypothetical national average fuel price. Your costs will vary based on local fuel prices and driving habits. If you mostly drive in urban areas or tow often, you’ll likely spend more. The $2,200 figure is a good benchmark, but adjust it for your personal use.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates offer a standardized comparison, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Several factors affect the Atlas Cross Sport’s efficiency, including driving style, terrain, weather, and vehicle load. Driving aggressively, hills, headwinds, and heavy cargo will all hurt fuel consumption. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, consistent speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you get closer to the EPA’s numbers. Track your fuel economy using an app or spreadsheet to get a more accurate picture of your usage.

How it compares

The 20 MPG combined rating puts the Atlas Cross Sport 4Motion in the middle of its class. The Honda Passport, for example, gets a similar 22 MPG combined with AWD, offering comparable interior space and V6 power. A turbocharged four-cylinder can do better. The Mazda CX-5, in its turbo trim, gets about 24 MPG combined while still being responsive, but it has less cargo space. Exploring ATLAS MPG across all years can show you how these numbers vary. The Atlas Cross Sport prioritizes space and a smooth V6 over saving on gas, which many buyers accept. You can also explore all Volkswagen fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Atlas Cross Sport’s 3.6L V6 works best with smooth acceleration. Don’t accelerate too fast and try to anticipate traffic to avoid sudden stops. The engine responds well to gentle inputs, and the automatic transmission shifts up quickly to save fuel under light loads.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly when the tires are cold and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the doorjamb sticker.

Remove unnecessary weight. Extra cargo in the vehicle adds to the load, increasing fuel consumption. Take out anything you don’t need, like sporting equipment or tools. A lighter vehicle requires less energy to accelerate and maintain speed.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy by reducing changes in throttle input. Be careful using cruise control in hilly areas, as the transmission may downshift often to maintain speed, which reduces the benefits.