Audi Q7 vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The mid-size SUV has room for seven (barely) and comes in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. There are two different engine choices, but all Q7s, regardless of trim, are all-wheel-drive (AWD) with excellent handling characteristics. However, this second-generation Q7 has been around since 2017, and it shows in some key areas.

Verdict: While the 2025 Audi Q7 has a lot going for it in terms of driving dynamics and engine prowess, it falls behind the competition when it comes to safety tech. Further, the third row is cramped for anyone but the smallest of humans, and the price can skyrocket as you move up the trim line.

Volkswagen's efforts to grow its appeal in the United States have developed over a long process of trial and error, but VW showed it finally understood American tastes when it launched the Atlas three-row crossover SUV. And because not everyone needs three rows, VW followed up the standard Atlas with the two-row Cross Sport for the 2020 model year. Both versions get a significant refresh for 2024.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gets most of the same updates as its three-row sibling, including different styling, more standard features, and the discontinuation of its six-cylinder engine option in favor of a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. These changes are aimed at making the Cross Sport more competitive against other midsize crossovers like the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Pilot, the aged Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, and the more truck-like Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2024 Atlas Cross Sport lineup includes SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line trim levels. We drove the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line for this review.

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