2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport Towing Capacity and Specs

Towing capacity often determines whether an SUV actually fits your lifestyle or just looks like it might. The 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport maxes out at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped—enough for boats, campers, and utility trailers without stepping up to a full-size truck.

That "properly equipped" part matters more than most spec sheets let on. Below, we'll break down which engine and trim combinations unlock maximum towing, what features help you tow safely, and how the Cross Sport compares to its three-row sibling.

The 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport tows up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the available 3.6L V6 engine and a factory-installed tow hitch. If you stick with the standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, that number drops to around 2,000 pounds. The difference comes down to engine power and whether the vehicle has the right equipment installed.

You'll often see the phrase "properly equipped" in towing specs, and it's worth knowing what that actually means. For the Atlas Cross Sport to hit that 5,000-pound maximum, you're looking at the V6 engine paired with 4MOTION all-wheel drive, plus the factory tow hitch and 7-pin wiring connector. Without all three pieces in place, the towing capacity stays lower.

The engine you choose has a direct impact on how much weight you can pull. While horsepower gets most of the attention, torque is what really matters for towing. Torque is the rotational force that gets heavy loads moving from a dead stop—think of it as the muscle that does the actual pulling.

The base 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder puts out 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. For everyday driving and lighter loads, this engine does the job well. However, with a 2,000-pound towing limit, you're restricted to smaller utility trailers, bike racks with cargo carriers, or lightweight equipment.

If your towing plans involve anything heavier than a small trailer, the four-cylinder will feel its limits pretty quickly.

The 3.6L V6 bumps output to 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, which unlocks the full 5,000-pound towing capacity. Pairing this engine with 4MOTION—Volkswagen's all-wheel drive system—adds traction and stability when you're pulling weight, especially on wet roads or loose surfaces.

Both engines come with an 8-speed automatic transmission that includes Tiptronic manual shifting and a Sport mode. The transmission adapts well to towing conditions, holding gears longer when you're climbing hills or accelerating with a load behind you.

The trim level you choose affects which engines and towing features come standard versus optional. Higher trims tend to include the V6 and more towing-ready equipment from the factory, while base trims often require upgrades to reach maximum capacity.

The S trim starts with the 2.0L engine and front-wheel drive, which caps towing at 2,000 pounds unless you opt for upgrades. SE trims offer the V6 as an available option, and when you add 4MOTION along with the tow package, the full 5,000-pound rating becomes available.

• S trim base configuration: 2.0L engine, FWD, 2,000-lb towing limit
• SE with V6 and 4MOTION: Eligible for 5,000-lb towing when tow package is added

SEL and SEL Premium trims typically come with the V6 engine and 4MOTION as standard equipment, making them more tow-ready without additional upgrades. Adding the factory tow package to either trim gives you the complete 5,000-pound capability along with integrated trailer wiring that connects to the vehicle's onboard systems.

For buyers who know they'll be towing regularly, starting with an SEL trim simplifies the process since the powertrain is already configured for maximum capacity.

Volkswagen built the Atlas Cross Sport with towing capability in mind, offering factory equipment that integrates directly with the vehicle's electrical and safety systems. This integration matters more than you might expect.

The factory tow package includes a Class III hitch receiver and a 7-pin wiring connector. Factory-installed equipment is engineered specifically for the Atlas Cross Sport, which means it maintains warranty coverage and connects to the onboard computer. That connection enables features like Trailer Stability Control, which wouldn't work properly with an aftermarket hitch that isn't integrated into the vehicle's electronics.

Aftermarket hitches can certainly work for basic towing, though they may not communicate with the vehicle's safety systems the same way factory equipment does. If features like automatic trailer sway correction matter to you, the factory package is worth considering.

Trailer Assist is one of those features that sounds gimmicky until you actually use it. The system lets you back up with a trailer attached by steering through the infotainment screen while the vehicle controls the steering wheel. Instead of trying to remember which way to turn the wheel when reversing, you simply indicate the direction you want the trailer to go.

The rearview camera provides visibility directly behind the vehicle, and higher trims add a 360-degree camera system that offers additional angles. When you're maneuvering a trailer in a tight boat launch or campground, those extra views make a noticeable difference.

The Atlas Cross Sport includes several systems that activate automatically when towing. Rather than requiring you to toggle anything on, the vehicle detects when a trailer is connected and adjusts its behavior accordingly.

• Electronic Stability Control: Detects skids and applies brakes to individual wheels to correct them
• Trailer Stability Assist: Senses trailer sway and applies corrective braking to bring the trailer back in line before the situation escalates
• Hill Start Assist: Prevents rollback when you're starting on an incline with a heavy load, giving you time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator
• Intelligent Crash Response System: Automatically unlocks doors and shuts off fuel flow if a collision occurs

Trailer Stability Assist deserves a closer look because trailer sway can catch even experienced towers off guard. When the system detects the trailer starting to oscillate, it applies braking force to specific wheels to dampen the movement. You might not even notice it working, which is exactly the point.

If you're shopping for towing capability, you might wonder whether the standard three-row Atlas offers any advantage. The short answer is that both vehicles share the same 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity when properly equipped with the V6 and tow package.

The differences between the two come down to body style and interior space rather than towing muscle. The Atlas Cross Sport has a sportier, coupe-like roofline with two rows of seating, while the standard Atlas offers three rows and a more upright profile. The Cross Sport trades that third row for a sleeker look and slightly lower cargo volume.

For buyers who prioritize cargo flexibility over third-row seating, the Cross Sport's design doesn't sacrifice any towing capability. Both vehicles use the same engines, transmissions, and tow packages.

Spec sheet numbers become more useful when you can picture what they actually mean in practice. A 5,000-pound towing capacity opens up a solid range of possibilities for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 5,000-pound rating handles most small to mid-size boats, including popular 18- to 20-foot bowriders and fishing boats with their trailers. Jet skis and personal watercraft typically weigh well under 2,000 pounds with a trailer, making them manageable even with the four-cylinder engine.

If you're heading to the marina or a lake on Long Island, the Atlas Cross Sport can handle the trip without feeling strained.

Pop-up campers generally weigh between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds, fitting comfortably within the Atlas Cross Sport's capability. Smaller travel trailers in the 3,500- to 4,500-pound range also work well, though you'll want to account for gear, water, and supplies when calculating total weight.

The key is knowing your trailer's loaded weight rather than just its dry weight. A trailer rated at 3,500 pounds empty can easily add another 500 to 1,000 pounds once you pack it for a trip.

Landscaping trailers, ATVs, and home improvement materials fall easily within range. A typical single-axle utility trailer loaded with mulch, lumber, or equipment rarely exceeds 3,000 pounds, leaving plenty of margin for safe towing.

"Tip: Calculate your trailer's loaded weight—not just its empty weight—and aim to stay at least 10% below your maximum capacity. This buffer improves handling and reduces strain on the drivetrain over time."

Seeing towing specs on paper gives you a starting point, but experiencing the Atlas Cross Sport firsthand tells you whether it fits your specific situation. At Platinum Volkswagen in Hicksville, you can test drive the Atlas Cross Sport and talk through towing configurations that match what you're planning to haul.

Our service department installs genuine Volkswagen towing accessories, and our parts department stocks OEM tow packages designed specifically for the Atlas Cross Sport. Whether you're buying new, exploring used inventory, or looking to add towing capability to a vehicle you already own, we support the full ownership journey from purchase through years of service.

Schedule a test drive or explore Atlas Cross Sport inventory →

Tongue weight—the downward force the trailer hitch exerts on the vehicle—is typically limited to 10% of maximum towing capacity. For V6-equipped models, that means up to 500 pounds. Exceeding this limit can affect steering response and put extra stress on the rear suspension.

The tow hitch is part of an available tow package rather than standard equipment across all trims. When shopping, confirm whether the tow package is included on the specific vehicle you're considering, or plan to have it installed through a Volkswagen dealer.

Volkswagen does not recommend flat towing the Atlas Cross Sport with all four wheels on the ground. The transmission and drivetrain aren't designed for this type of towing. If you're traveling with a motorhome and want to bring the Atlas Cross Sport along, a flatbed trailer or tow dolly protects the vehicle's mechanical components.