Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs Dodge Hornet

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport underwent significant styling updates in line with the three-row Atlas, primarily focusing on new lighting elements at the front and rear. Notably, the vehicle displayed illuminated Volkswagen logos on the grille and tailgate, in white and red respectively, a feature initially seen on the Volkswagen ID.4. These sleek lighting elements amplified the aesthetic appeal of the Cross Sport, connecting the daytime running lights upfront via a light bar integrated within the new standard LED headlights. This cohesive lighting strategy contributed to a more Americanized look, fitting for a vehicle built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and tailored for the U.S. market.

Its back end featured reshaped taillights seamlessly blending into a rear light bar that housed the second illuminated VW logo. Unique to the Cross Sport was its lower roofline, resembling "crossover coupes" from German luxury brands. It measured 5.2 inches shorter than the standard Atlas and sat lower, adding to its sporty aesthetic. New wheel designs graced all trim levels, starting with 18-inch alloys on the base SE model, up to 21-inch wheels on the SEL Premium R-Line trim. The SEL Premium R-Line also boasted sportier styling elements, reinforcing the sporty nature of this more compact variant.

Internally, the Cross Sport shared the same updates as its larger sibling, featuring a central touchscreen that stood erect rather than blending into the dashboard, made possible by a new electronic shifter. The interior trims included standard leatherette upholstery escalating to quilted leather with diamond patterns on top-level trims, albeit largely consisting of different types of plastic despite attempts at simulating wood and carbon-fiber-facsimile trim.

Conversely, the 2024 Dodge Hornet encapsulated Dodge’s distinctive styling though it wasn't a V8 muscle car like its stablemates. The Hornet's muscular front end, integrated heat extractors, and distinctive grille sections projected toughness. This sense of robustness was further highlighted by the large, illuminated Rhomb logo on the tail lamp. Oversized tailpipes at the rear underscored the Hornet's performance capabilities.

Available in four trim levels—GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus—the Hornet exhibited slight but noticeable familial resemblances with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, particularly in its overall shape. However, the Hornet's blunt nose maintained classic Dodge design elements. The 2024 Hornet's interior, influenced by its Italian sibling, presented a more modern feel. Features like Alcantara upholstery and a tilted center stack accentuated its sporty intentions, while physical switches for climate settings and widescreen infotainment provided a balance between modernity and functionality. Nevertheless, some controls reflected a dated design, evident in the reused buttons and overly bolstered seats.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport introduced a new sole engine option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered in standard FWD or optional AWD configurations. This marked the end of the VR6 engine era in VW's lineup, previously seen in the Atlas and Cross Sport models. The new turbo-four engine delivered 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, outperforming the outgoing VR6 in torque despite the slight decrease in horsepower. The turbo-four's peak torque arrived earlier, enhancing its responsiveness. However, the engine sound's prominence and discomfort at high noise-to-power ratios were detracting factors.

The Cross Sport’s ride quality didn't impress, especially with the 21-inch wheels of the test model contributing to a less refined cruising experience. Towing capacities remained at 5,000 pounds for all but the base SE model, which was rated at 2,000 pounds.

In comparison, the 2024 Dodge Hornet offered varied powertrains across its trims. The GT trim, equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, produced an impressive 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, significantly advantageous in a compact crossover. The GT's nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD enhanced its drivability, albeit the need for premium fuel increased running costs.

The R/T variant, a PHEV, featured a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine supplemented by a 15.5-kWh battery and two electric motors, boosting total output to 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T’s electric AWD system and six-speed automatic transmission underpinned its sporty performance. This trim's weightier build due to the battery was compensated by its robust power delivery, enhanced further by the "Powershot" feature that briefly added 30 horsepower.

In terms of handling, the Hornet R/T’s suspension provided a balanced ride, managing road imperfections adeptly while maintaining composure in cornering despite its substantial curb weight. Its electric components allowed for multiple driving modes, presenting a versatile approach to fuel efficiency and power usage.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport saw improvements with more standard equipment. Heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel became standard even on the base SE model. Front seats added ventilation to their heating capabilities, and the SE with Technology trim introduced a standard power liftgate and tow hitch. Higher trims, specifically SEL, incorporated heated second-row seats and leather upholstery earlier in the trim hierarchy than before.

However, the Cross Sport’s design impacted rear passenger comfort. While offering competitive legroom, its stylish roofline reduced rear headroom, making the back seats feel more cramped. Cargo capacity remained relatively unaffected, providing 40.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, positioning it favorably against most competitors but slightly behind the Honda Passport.

In contrast, the 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passenger comfort. Front headroom and overall visibility were commendable, but the back seat felt confined. Despite similar on-paper legroom and headroom measurements, the high beltline and dark interior made the rear cabin feel smaller. The R/T’s PHEV setup sacrificed some cargo space, reducing underfloor storage and overall capacity. While the GT offered 27 cubic feet of luggage space, the R/T only managed 22.9 cubic feet, both falling short compared to rivals like the Hyundai Tucson PHEV.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. Wireless phone charging and up to six USB-C ports enhanced convenience. Despite the screens' high quality, the haptic touchpads for controls proved less user-friendly due to the absence of physical feedback, complicating tasks like volume control. Advanced tech features included a USB-C dash cam port on higher trims, a head-up display on SEL trims, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system on the top-tier SEL Premium R-Line.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet boasted a class-leading 12.3-inch digital driver information display capable of extensive customization. Its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system operated on the Android-based UConnect 5, renowned for its user-friendliness and customization options. Although our test model's system occasionally lagged, subsequent uses revealed improved responsiveness. Standard wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a comprehensive Harman Kardon audio system elevated its tech appeal. The ease of personalization through user profiles and widget additions further enhanced the Hornet’s modern tech vibe.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), excelling in side-impact crash tests while securing four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had yet to rate the 2024 model, though the structurally similar 2023 model performed well in most tests. Volkswagen's IQ.Drive package, now standard across all trims, included a comprehensive suite of driver aids such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, improving overall safety credentials.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet hadn't been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication, leaving its safety performance unverified. Nonetheless, Dodge equipped the Hornet with an extensive range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The availability of level 2 autonomous driving features through an optional Tech Pack further enhanced its safety profile, although the ultimate efficacy in crash scenarios remained undocumented.