Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs Kia EV9

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received styling updates that aligned it closely with the three-row Atlas. New lighting elements in the front and rear defined its aesthetic, including the Volkswagen logos in the grille and on the tailgate that now lit up in white and red, respectively. These illuminated logos debuted on the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 and added a touch of modernity to the Cross Sport's design.

Elaborate lighting features adorned both the front and rear. A light bar connecting the daytime running lights was part of new standard LED headlights, lending the Cross Sport a more Americanized look. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Atlas models were tailored specifically for the U.S. market. The rear end, distinct from the standard Atlas, featured a lower roofline that echoed the "crossover coupes" of German luxury brands. Measurement-wise, the Cross Sport was 5.2 inches shorter and sat slightly lower than its three-row sibling.

For 2024, the Cross Sport saw new wheel designs across all trim levels. The base Atlas Cross Sport SE included 18-inch alloy wheels, SE with Technology and SEL models offered 20-inch wheels, and a black wheel package was optional. The SEL R-Line featured a unique 20-inch wheel design along with sportier side skirts and bumpers, while the SEL Premium R-Line boasted 21-inch wheels. However, it did not receive the more rugged Peak Edition package.

Interior updates mirrored those of the standard Atlas. The central touchscreen was now freestanding, and the center console was raised, providing a storage nook below thanks to a new electronic shifter. Standard leatherette upholstery, leather seats on higher trims, and quilted leather upholstery with diamond patterns on the top SEL Premium R-Line trim enhanced the cabin's appeal. Despite VW's efforts to simulate wood and carbon-fiber-facsimile trims, they still felt like different types of plastic.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 introduced a bold new look among Kia EVs. It boasted a blockier, digital appearance, with body lines following octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. The lighting signature was particularly striking, comprising the “Star Map” daytime running lights and a “Digital Tiger Face” grille. The standard LED headlights were arranged in clusters of dashes or dots depending on the trim. The Land and GT-Line trims featured a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding smaller light points visible only when the vehicle was powered on.

The wheel designs complemented the EV9’s blocky aesthetic. The base 19-inch wheels retained a sense of motion and aerodynamics, while the 20-inch wheels on the Land trim had an interlocking triangle pattern. The GT-Line’s 21-inch wheels were square.

Inside, the EV9 felt airy and fresh, particularly with a light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs. The front seats were eight-way power-adjustable with lumbar support, and higher trims added leg support and bolster adjustments. SynTex seating surfaces were comfortable, enhanced by durable fabric linings on chairbacks, door cards, and the center console.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was solely available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). This marked a departure from the previously available 3.6-liter VR6 engine. The new turbo-four promised better performance with 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, featuring slightly less horsepower but more torque than the VR6.

Volkswagen boasted that the 2024 Cross Sport would be quicker from zero to 60 mph compared to its 2023 VR6 counterpart, although specific numbers were not provided. The previous standard engine was a less powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four, making 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, meaning the new engine represented an upgrade for many buyers. However, the engine's noise-to-power ratio and overall ride quality left something to be desired, particularly with the test car’s 21-inch wheels.

The maximum towing capacity remained unchanged at 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE, which was rated at 2,000 pounds. This was fairly standard for a midsize crossover, though those requiring more towing power might consider a two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds with its base V6 engine.

On the other hand, the 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim featured a single motor for rear-wheel-drive (RWD), delivering 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It had an EPA-estimated electric range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model, equipped with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, reduced horsepower slightly to 201 but increased the range to 304 miles.

Higher trims came exclusively with all-wheel drive (AWD) and dual motors. The Wind and Land trims offered 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque with a range of 280 miles. The GT-Line sacrificed some range, delivering 270 miles but achieving 516 lb-ft of torque.

During a test drive in Napa Valley, the GT-Line trim exhibited smooth and refined power delivery without the aggressive acceleration typical of many electric vehicles. It accelerated seamlessly to cruising speed and handled well, with no excessive body roll. Mild rocking in the suspension was noted but could be attributed to the unfamiliar roads.

The EV9’s regenerative braking system could be adjusted to a natural feel akin to modern gas-powered vehicles. Paddles on the steering wheel allowed easy adjustments of regeneration levels, and the i-Pedal feature enabled one-pedal driving.

The EV9 featured DC fast charging capability, promising a 10 to 80 percent charge in 25 minutes on a high-speed charger, although independent charging validation was pending.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with enhanced standard equipment for 2024. The base SE model now included heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated and heated front seats were also standard. The SE with Technology trim offered a power liftgate and tow hitch, while heated second-row seats and leather upholstery were standard on the SEL trim.

While the front seat space was competitive, the Cross Sport’s lower roofline impacted rear-seat headroom. Rear passengers experienced a more cramped feel compared to other vehicles in this segment. However, legroom remained competitive, offering decent space even in the first row.

Cargo space was less affected by the styling. The Cross Sport provided 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This was relatively spacious compared to most rivals, though slightly less capacious than the Honda Passport.

The Cross Sport’s cabin was functionally designed. The updated center console featured ample storage space, and the door pockets could accommodate multiple drink bottles securely.

In stark contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 featured a significant differentiator: a third row of seating. It provided 39.5 inches of headroom in the third row, outdoing the Kia Telluride, BMW X7, and Rivian R1S. Third-row legroom ranged from 30.8 to 32.0 inches based on the middle row’s configuration. The EV9 seated up to seven passengers, with the rear accommodating two.

Cargo space behind the third row was competitive at 20.2 cubic feet. Folding the third-row seats expanded this to 43.5 cubic feet, and a further expansion to 81.7 cubic feet was possible with just the front-row seats in place. The EV9’s high and flat load floor facilitated easy luggage retrieval.

Storage space in the front was adequate, with a large open compartment between the driver and front passenger. Higher trims offered a sliding cover over the cupholders, and second-row passengers enjoyed a large drawer and tray table expanding from the console.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted enhanced standard tech features. It came with a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging was also standard.

The infotainment setup mirrored that of the three-row Atlas, offering intuitive layouts and well-designed graphics. However, the haptic touchpads replacing conventional buttons were less user-friendly, lacking physical feedback and requiring the driver to check the screen for successful inputs. Four standard USB-C ports could be increased to six, and a USB-C dash cam port eased dash cam installation. The SEL trim included a standard head-up display, and the optional premium audio system transitioned from Fender to Harman Kardon, providing a 12-speaker upgrade from the standard six-speaker system.

The 2024 Kia EV9 showcased a cutting-edge tech setup with a single curved display incorporating three separate screens: a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch Climate Display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside a wireless charging pad.

The EV9’s base trims included an eight-speaker audio system, while higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. A head-up display was standard on the GT-Line trim. The EV9’s connectedness was noteworthy, with extensive over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities allowing for feature upgrades and customizations post-purchase. This flexible system promised future enhancements, including new lighting patterns and performance upgrades via the Kia Connect store.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), achieving five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had yet to release ratings for the 2024 model, the structurally similar 2023 version scored top "Good" ratings in most tests, though it received a "Marginal" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.

The Cross Sport came with the now-standard IQ.Drive package, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The SEL and SEL R-Line trims added predictive adaptive cruise control, and the Premium R-Line included park assist and a surround-view camera system. Post-collision braking, VW's crash response system, and emergency assist were standard across all trims.

Similarly, the 2024 Kia EV9 included a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features encompassed adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning and stop-and-go capabilities, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and blind-spot collision warning. The Blind-spot View Monitor was available on the Land and GT-Line trims. Advanced forward collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and specific trim-limited parking collision avoidance assist features were also included.

While the EV9 had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, it achieved the highest available rating from The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), highlighting its robust safety credentials.