The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport marks its entry into the SUV market, bringing a stylish, two-row alternative to the popular three-row Volkswagen Atlas. Prospective buyers and safety-conscious drivers are keen to understand how this vehicle performs in safety evaluations. This article delves into the safety ratings of the 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, drawing insights from rigorous crash tests to provide a comprehensive overview of its safety features and performance.
This analysis is based on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluations, a trusted source for vehicle safety ratings. The IIHS subjects vehicles to a range of crash tests, simulating real-world accident scenarios to assess occupant protection. These tests include small overlap front crashes (both driver and passenger side), moderate overlap front crashes, side impacts (both original and updated tests), and evaluations of head restraints & seats, headlights, and front crash prevention systems. Let’s break down the performance of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport across these critical safety assessments.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object, like a tree or pole. This is a demanding test that focuses stress on the vehicle’s structure outboard of the main frame rails.
The 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport models earned a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test. This is the highest rating possible, indicating robust protection in this type of severe frontal crash.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | G |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The results show “Good” ratings across all subcategories, including structure and safety cage integrity, driver injury measures, and restraint systems. This signifies that the Atlas Cross Sport’s structure effectively resisted intrusion, maintaining the driver’s survival space. Injury measures recorded on the crash test dummy were low, indicating a minimal risk of significant injuries in a real-world crash of similar severity.
Action shot from the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, demonstrating vehicle deformation and airbag deployment.
The technical measurements further support these findings. Minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment was recorded. For instance, the maximum intrusion at the lower hinge pillar was 8 cm, and at the footrest, it was also 8 cm. Crucially, steering column movement was 0 cm, indicating excellent structural integrity in the critical driver area.
Driver injury measures were also reassuringly low. The Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) was 516, well within acceptable limits, and there was no hard contact to the head. Neck tension was 2.0 kN, and chest compression was 23 mm, both indicating low risk of injury. Leg and foot injury risks were also minimal based on femur forces, knee displacement, and tibia index measurements.
Post-crash test view showing the driver dummy’s position within the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, indicating excellent maintenance of survival space.
Close-up of airbag deployment in the driver-side small overlap test, highlighting the effective head protection system of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Footwell area after the driver-side small overlap test, demonstrating the minimal intrusion and low risk of lower extremity injuries in the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Evaluation
The passenger-side small overlap test mirrors the driver-side test but evaluates protection for the front passenger. This test is equally critical as passenger safety is paramount.
The 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport also achieved a “Good” overall rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/Thigh | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | G |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Similar to the driver-side test, all evaluation criteria received a “Good” rating. This demonstrates consistent high-level protection for both occupants in a small overlap frontal crash. The structural performance maintained the passenger survival space effectively, and airbag deployment was optimal.
Action shot of the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test on the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, showcasing the vehicle’s crashworthiness.
Technical measurements for the passenger side test show slightly different intrusion levels compared to the driver’s side, as is typical in these tests due to vehicle asymmetry. For example, lower hinge pillar intrusion was 9 cm and footrest intrusion was 14 cm. However, these measurements still indicate good structural performance. Passenger injury measures remained low, with a HIC-15 of 397 and chest compression of 19 mm. Driver injury measures, recorded in this test as well, were also excellent, reinforcing the overall safety performance of the vehicle.
Passenger dummy position after the crash test in the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, illustrating the maintained survival space.
Airbag deployment effectiveness in the passenger-side small overlap test, ensuring head protection for occupants in the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Footwell integrity in the passenger side after the small overlap test, highlighting the low risk of lower leg injuries in the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation
The moderate overlap front test simulates a frontal collision where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front width impacts another vehicle or a barrier. This test is a long-standing benchmark for frontal crashworthiness.
The 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport achieved a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front test, mirroring its strong performance in the small overlap tests.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Left | G |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Again, “Good” ratings across all categories reflect excellent frontal crash protection. The structure held up well, and injury measures were minimal. Technical measurements show footwell intrusion ranging from 8 to 10 cm and minimal instrument panel and steering column movement. Driver injury measures were low, with a HIC-15 of 243 and chest compression of 30 mm.
Side Crash Test: Original and Updated Evaluations
Side impacts are a significant source of injury in real-world crashes. The IIHS conducts both an original side crash test and an updated, more severe side test to evaluate vehicle protection in these scenarios.
In the original side crash test, the 2020-2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received a “Good” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | G |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
All categories achieved “Good” ratings, indicating excellent side impact protection for both front and rear occupants in the original test parameters.
However, the IIHS introduced a more challenging updated side crash test to better reflect real-world higher-speed side impacts involving larger vehicles. In this updated side crash test, the 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport maintained a “Good” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | G |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis | M |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
While most categories remained “Good,” the driver pelvis injury measure received a “Marginal” rating in the updated test. This indicates a slightly elevated risk of pelvic injury for the driver in a more severe side impact scenario compared to other body regions which maintained “Good” protection. However, overall, the “Good” rating in the updated side test still signifies a strong level of protection, especially considering the increased stringency of this evaluation.
Vehicle condition immediately after the updated side crash test, demonstrating structural integrity and airbag deployment of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Post-test view with doors removed, showing side airbag deployment and occupant compartment damage in the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport after the updated side crash test.
Grease paint on the driver dummy’s head, indicating effective head protection by side airbags in the updated side crash test of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Grease paint on the rear passenger dummy’s head, confirming head protection from side airbags for rear occupants in the updated side crash test of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Head Restraints & Seats
Whiplash and neck injuries are common in rear-end collisions. The IIHS evaluates head restraints and seats to assess their effectiveness in preventing these injuries. The 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a “Good” overall rating for head restraints & seats.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
Both dynamic rating (performance in simulated rear impact) and seat/head restraint geometry received “Good” ratings, indicating effective design in minimizing whiplash risk.
Headlights
Visibility at night is crucial for safety. The IIHS evaluates headlight performance to ensure adequate illumination and minimize glare. The 2020-2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport headlight ratings vary depending on trim level.
For SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line trims equipped with LED projector headlights with curve-adaptive functionality and high-beam assist, the overall headlight rating is “Good”.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | G |
These premium headlight systems provide good visibility on straightaways and curves, with high-beam assist compensating for some limitations of the low beams.
However, for S, SE, SE with Technology, and SE with Technology R-Line trims, which feature LED projector headlights but without curve-adaptive functionality or high-beam assist, the overall headlight rating is “Marginal”.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | M |
These standard headlights offer good visibility on the left side of the straightaway but inadequate visibility on the right side and on curves. This highlights the importance of trim level selection for optimal headlight performance.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Forward collision avoidance systems are increasingly important in preventing accidents. The IIHS evaluates vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention systems through tests at 12 mph and 25 mph.
The 2020-2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, equipped with standard Front Assist (with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring), earned a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
The system successfully avoided collisions in both the 12 mph and 25 mph tests, demonstrating its effectiveness in mitigating frontal collision risks. It’s noted that the system does not fully meet the requirements for forward collision warning, but its automatic emergency braking capability is highly effective.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Ease of use for child seat anchors is important for proper child restraint installation. The IIHS evaluates LATCH systems based on their ease of use. The 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received a “Marginal” rating for child seat anchors.
| Overall evaluation | M |
While the Atlas Cross Sport has 3 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and 2 additional positions with tether anchors, the lower anchors are rated as “too deep in seat” and requiring “too much force needed to attach” in some positions. This “Marginal” rating indicates that while LATCH hardware is present, it may not be the most user-friendly system compared to vehicles with “Good” or “Acceptable” ratings.
Conclusion
The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport demonstrates robust safety performance across a wide range of IIHS crash tests. It earned “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness evaluations, including the demanding small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and both original and updated side crash tests. While the driver pelvis protection was “Marginal” in the updated side test, the overall side impact protection remains strong. Head restraints & seats also earned a “Good” rating, and the front crash prevention system is “Superior.”
The headlight rating varies by trim level, with premium trims achieving “Good” while base trims are “Marginal.” The LATCH system is rated “Marginal” for ease of use.
Overall, the 2020-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport stands as a safe SUV choice, particularly excelling in crashworthiness and front crash prevention. Prospective buyers should consider trim levels for optimal headlight performance and be aware of the “Marginal” LATCH rating when installing child seats. These safety ratings provide valuable information for consumers prioritizing safety in their vehicle selection process.
