The 2024 Ford Edge and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are 2-row midsize SUVs that deliver the higher seating position and a commanding view of the road that shoppers love about SUVs, along with ample room for rear-seat passengers and cargo.
We particularly enjoy the Edge’s available twin-turbo V6, sharp steering, and abundant passenger space in the first and second rows. The Atlas Cross Sport is equally roomy for passengers but holds a narrow advantage when it comes to cargo volume. The Volkswagen also gets a mid-cycle refresh this model year, whereas this generation of Edge was originally introduced in 2015, got its most recent refresh in 2019, and is reportedly about to end its current run.
Let’s discover some highlights of the Ford Edge and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
2024 Ford Edge
The 2024 Ford Edge is available in five trims: SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium, and ST. Its price starts at $39,960, including factory-to-dealer destination charges. Under the hood of all trims except the zippy ST model is a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder paired to an 8-speed automatic. This engine returns an EPA-rated 23 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional.
Ford Edge Highlights
Rapid ST model: Helping set the Ford Edge ST apart is a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 that produces 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. This turns the Edge into one rapid means of getting you and up to four passengers wherever you need to go. The ST also comes with 20-inch alloy wheels and a sport suspension system that makes its handling even livelier.
Easy-to-use infotainment system: Granted, the Edge has been around a while, but this doesn’t mean Ford hasn’t been busy adding updates and improvements. Inside, you’ll find a sizable 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and features like wireless smartphone connectivity, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Notable options consist of wireless device charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Titanium trim: A hands-free tailgate, upgraded interior trim, LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, and that kicking B&O audio system are all baked into the nicely equipped Titanium model. It has an asking price of around $45,000.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Edge models near you.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a base price of $38,410, including destination fee. It comes in five trims: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. This model year ushers in an updated front grille and taillights that span the width of the rear. You also get more VW for your money, seeing as the Atlas Cross Sport has a longer list of comfort and tech features than it did before. If you like the Atlas Cross Sport but really need an extra row of seating, the standard 3-row Atlas could better suit your driving needs.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Highlights
Turbo 4-cylinder: A 269-hp turbo 4-cylinder replaces the previous model’s base turbo 4-cylinder and optional V6. It’s nearly as powerful as the discontinued V6 and delivers a reasonable 23 mpg combined. During our time with it, we’ve come away impressed by this engine’s refinement and acceleration.
More safety features: Volkswagen also expanded the Atlas Cross Sport’s standard safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic warning, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive headlights, and more. The bundle of driver aids is grouped into what VW calls IQ.Drive.
Extra standard equipment: Wait, there’s even more. Now fitted to every Atlas Cross Sport is a 12-inch touchscreen, a sleek digital instrument cluster, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and 3-zone climate control. You don’t get all of that standard in the Ford Edge.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Atlas models near you.
Similarities
The Ford Edge and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are excellent picks if you’re in the market for a 2-row midsize SUV with extra kick to it. They each have sharp handling and road manners that make them a little more engaging to drive. Thankfully, the Ford and VW are just as practical as they are sporty. Cargo volume is abundant, and tall adults will have no trouble getting comfortable in either row.
Conclusion
We think the Ford Edge does a great job staying competitive in a field that doesn’t just include the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, but other 2-row rivals like the Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, and Chevrolet Blazer. Yet, when push comes to shove – sorry, or maybe a gentle nudge – it’s the Atlas Cross Sport that comes out ahead. Its reboot this model year adds highly sought-after features. Plus, its exterior freshening makes it look that little bit more aggressive.
| 2024 Ford Edge | 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | |
| Starting Price | $39,960 | $38,410 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 269 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway/ 23 mpg combined | 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 star | 5 star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 117.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 188.8 inches | 200.7 inches |
| Width | 75.9 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 68.3 inches | 70.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.3 feet | 40.5 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.3 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.6 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 40.6 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.3 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.5 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 39.2 cubic feet | 40.3 cubic feet |
