Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
23 MPG The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 652 gallons, $2087 a year in fuel, or $0.139 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2020–2026 run it averages 21.9 MPG, improving by 2.5 MPG over 7 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.130 | $1304 | $1957 | $2609 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.139 | $1391 | $2087 | $2783 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.152 | $1522 | $2283 | $3043 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.174 | $1739 | $2609 | $3478 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.196 | $1957 | $2935 | $3913 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 390 | 1 |
| 2025 | 23 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2700 | 392 | 1 |
| 2024 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 393 | 1 |
| 2023 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 24.5 | $2900 | 413 | 2 |
| 2022 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 24.5 | $2900 | 413 | 2 |
| 2021 | 21 MPG | 19.5 | 23.5 | $2975 | 427 | 2 |
| 2020 | 20.5 MPG | 19 | 23.5 | $3075 | 431 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 74 small sport utility vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ranks 63 on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Blazer FWD (23.5), Acura RDX FWD (24), Acura RDX FWD A-SPEC (24), Ford Edge FWD (24), Hyundai Santa Fe FWD (24).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 390 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport get?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 27 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 21.9 MPG, ranging from 19 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport cost in fuel per year?
At 23 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 652 gallons — roughly $2087 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.139 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2700.
Has the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20.5 MPG in 2020 to 23 in 2026 — an improvement of 2.5 MPG, or 12% across 7 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport efficient for its class?
It ranks 63 of 74 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG. That is 11.8 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.