Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs Toyota bZ

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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Readers are looking at the electric vehicle formerly known as the bZ4X. It wears a shorter name for 2026, but that’s not the big news. More power, over 300 miles of range, a standard NACS charging port (with a CCS adapter), and Plug & Charge capability are all major improvements. Toyota has also tidied-up the styling—inside and out—and added a larger infotainment screen.

Verdict: With the refreshed 2026 bZ, Toyota has fixed the bZ4X’s most significant flaws, making this a genuinely competitive model at a comparatively affordable price.