Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4motion
22 MPG The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4motion is EPA-rated at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 682 gallons, $2182 a year in fuel, or $0.145 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2020–2026 run it averages 21 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 | $0.114 | $1136 | $1705 | $2273 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.136 | $1364 | $2045 | $2727 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.145 | $1455 | $2182 | $2909 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.159 | $1591 | $2386 | $3182 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.182 | $1818 | $2727 | $3636 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.205 | $2045 | $3068 | $4091 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.227 | $2273 | $3409 | $4545 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2850 | 407 | 1 |
| 2025 | 21 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2950 | 420 | 1 |
| 2024 | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2850 | 407 | 1 |
| 2023 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24 | $2975 | 428 | 2 |
| 2022 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24 | $2975 | 425 | 2 |
| 2021 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 23.5 | $3075 | 439 | 2 |
| 2020 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $3200 | 460 | 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 130 small sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4motion ranks 94 on current figures, against a class average of 29.3 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Ford Edge AWD (22.3), Chevrolet Blazer AWD (22.5), Acura RDX AWD (23), Acura RDX AWD A-SPEC (23), Audi SQ5 (23).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 407 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4motion get?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4motion is rated at 22 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 26 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 21 MPG, ranging from 19 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4motion cost in fuel per year?
At 22 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 682 gallons — roughly $2182 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.145 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2850.
Has the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4motion become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 19.5 MPG in 2020 to 22 in 2026 — an improvement of 2.5 MPG, or 13% across 7 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 4motion efficient for its class?
It ranks 94 of 130 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 29.3 MPG. That is 7.3 worse than typical for the class.
Compare with similar models
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.