2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs. 2024 Chevrolet Blazer Comparison

Looking for a mid-size SUV but prefer something sportier and can live without three rows of seating? The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Chevrolet Blazer should be on your shopping list.

The Atlas Cross Sport is a 2-row version of the 3-row Atlas. Its roof taper is greater than the regular Atlas, and it benefits from a major mid-cycle upgrade for the 2024 model year.

In Chevy’s corner of the competition, the 2024 Blazer arrives with limited exterior color options and heated front seats, which are standard. Whether you choose a turbo 4-cylinder or a V6, the Blazer’s styling borrows heavily from Chevrolet’s Camaro muscle car.

Let’s look at some key advantages of Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Chevy Blazer.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gets a redesigned front grille and new taillights that take up the width of the rear. Most importantly, a 269-horsepower 4-cylinder replaces the previous version’s lackluster base turbo 4-cylinder with the optional V6.

VW also improved the standard feature content through a 12-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and wireless device charging. Pricing starts at $38,410, including factory-to-dealer delivery.

Highlights of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Turbo 4-cylinder: We’re fans of VW’s decision to put this new 269-hp turbo 4 cylinder in the engine bay. It is strong but not a fat guzzler, and EPA-Estimated fuel economy up to 23 mpg combined. There’s plenty of passing power, helped in large part by its massive low-end torque.

Cargo space load: For the shopaholic or the person in your life who refuses to pack light for the holidays, allow us to present the 40.3-cubic-foot Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport cargo hold. This area is a ton of space, even among midsize SUVs.

IQ.Drive: This collection of driving aids won’t make you smarter, although they may keep you safer. IQ.Drive is now fitted to every Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, adaptive headlights, rear cross traffic alert, and more.

Soft digital instrument display: This 10.25-inch customizable digital instrument display is a classic called the Digital Cockpit Pro. First used in high-end cars from Audi, its sleek graphics put information such as navigation commands and music settings directly in front of the driver.

Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see Atlas models close to you

2024 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2024 Blazer starts at $36,795 and is sold in one of four trim levels: 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. The standard powertrain is a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. The performance-themed RS comes with a powerful 308-hp V6 – this engine is also available in the 3LT and Premier.

Highlights of the Chevrolet Blazer

Operating reflexes: One thing that stands out immediately when road testing the Blazer is how much this large SUV lives up to the corners. Handling is sharp, and strong brakes provide confidence when you need to slow down.

Camaro of SUVs: Chevrolet’s design team did a great job taking design cues from the Camaro and applying them here. The Blazer is one of the sportiest looking midsize SUVs out there.

Easy to use infotainment: The Blazer comes with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi connectivity, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and four USB ports. That’s a great list of features, but what’s even better is how easy this system is to navigate while driving. The menus are open, and the most used controls are not buried inside the app.

Two engine options: We think most Blazer buyers will be happy with the 228-hp 4-cylinder, though it’s nice to have the option. Sure, you lose a few MPG with the optional V6, except it adds a whole new range of straight-line speed and passing power.

Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see Examples of blazers close to you

Similarity

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Chevy Blazer are more extroverted takes the average midsize 2 row SUV. Sure, they come with practical things like cup holders, storage cubbies, and available AWD. But their most obvious similarity is that they avoid attention with added style.

Conclusion

This comparison is a close contest, and each SUV has several distinct advantages. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has more cargo room, a slightly larger touchscreen, and new standard equipment such as heated and ventilated front seats.

On the other hand, the Chevrolet Blazer looks sharp despite entering its sixth model year. Its handling is good, and we remain big fans of its infotainment system. However, the luggage room follows VW, and there are budget-friendly interior pieces.

If you value style and driving feel above all else, go for the Blazer. In most other respects, we think the updated Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport wins.