Volkswagen is known for having that unique flair. You can’t necessarily put your finger on it, but there’s just something to a VW that stands out and seems a little bit cooler than your average vehicle. While the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has that iconic personality, one of the brand’s (and especially this vehicle’s) particular strong suits is technology. Today, let’s take a deep dive into the innovative tech features of the 2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport.
When looking at a vehicle’s technology, there are, of course, two broad categories to examine: convenience and safety features. So, let’s see how VW is using the latest tech to add a little flair to the Atlas Cross Sport.
Convenience
Convenience and connectivity are seemingly no longer a luxury in a vehicle; it is now an expected component of any vehicle distributed by a mainstream brand. VW has always been a tech-savvy company, and they’re pulling out some exciting stops with the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport. Let’s take a look.
VW Digital Cockpit
As the name suggests, VW strives to make its driver’s seat more than a driver’s seat. It is a cockpit in which the driver connects with the vehicle to accomplish a trip—whether said trip is a quick run to the grocery store or an interstate road trip. This is, in part, accomplished through the Digital Cockpit, which is programmed with advanced navigation features and high-resolution displays of driving information.
Certain trims of the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport offer VW Digital Cockpit Pro, which contains special, customizable features to get you and your vehicle more engaged and connected. The Pro trim also offers a full-screen navigation view, giving you a broader image of your surroundings by way of a larger map. Aside from its size, the touchscreen is prominently housed behind sleek glass. If you’re going to see the world, see it right.
App-Connect
While it used to be a novelty for vehicles to have built-in technology, the modern novelty is the ability to connect with exterior devices. No longer are we limited by our vehicle’s features; now, we can connect our vehicle to our personalized devices to stay connected at all times.
This is, of course, the idea behind App-Connect, which works in collaboration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both of these connectivity technologies allow you to access select apps on the vehicle’s infotainment system, so the driver can keep their eyes up while accessing relevant apps. This feature is especially convenient on long road trips, when you may not be able to look at your phone for a long period of time. With message alerts on the infotainment screen and the ability to select your favorite music, explore new podcasts, and catch up on the news, you’ll have no reason even to think about your phone while you’re in the car.
Now, if you’re going to utilize this feature (especially for hours at a time), you won’t want to run out of battery on your personal device. Well, with a number of charging cord ports—and, more excitingly, available wireless smartphone charging—you will have no problem staying juiced-up and connected while on the road.
Sound System
While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are among the latest and the greatest of connectivity, you may lean more old school and prefer the radio. You’re not alone, and Volkswagen has something just for you in the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport! With a very special SiriusXM with 360L touchscreen interface, all radio lovers will have a rich entertainment experience. Exciting channels exceed normal radio stations, and you’ll have fun just meandering through the channels to find a new favorite. Once you find those favorite channels, amplify them through the available Fender Premium Audio system, which will make you feel the music you love.
The Bridge
Now we meet the technology feature that bridges the gap between convenience and safety technology: IQ.DRIVE. This driver assistance technology recognizes that safety is the biggest convenience while driving, and that safety-oriented technology can help reduce stress, too. This fantastic system hosts seven driver assistance features: travel assist, adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, front collision assist, emergency assist, and lane assist. While IQ.DRIVE merits a post all its own, we will take a quick look at three standout features.
Travel Assist has semi-autonomous driving capabilities; in other words, this program can do almost as much as you can. Able to provide steering support and speed control, travel assist makes sure that any driving errors you make are corrected. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) takes the already-familiar cruise control to a new level by monitoring vehicles ahead of you, adjusting your speed and distance to adapt to the other driver’s actions; so, all you have to do while using ACC is stay awake. Finally, emergency assist steps in when you can’t; if an emergency occurs in which you are suddenly unable to drive, this program is able to bring you to a stop, preventing (or mitigating) any possible collisions. Hopefully, you will never need emergency assist; but if you do, you will be grateful for it.
Safety
Now that we have addressed the bridge between convenience technology and safety technology, let’s take a closer look at safety tech engineered into the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport.
Stability Enhancing Systems
Stability is key when operating a vehicle, and instability can sometimes be the difference between a safe trip and a tragedy. With six stability-enhancing systems, the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport does everything it can to prevent a collision from occurring. Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) comes into play during a hard-braking situation, maintaining appropriate stopping power.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), meanwhile, adjusts the engine throttle to apply corrective forces where they are most needed. So, if you need to make a quick move, the vehicle will move quickly with you—even in unstable conditions, like wet roads.
Collision Response Technology
The unfortunate truth is that accidents do happen. While we all hope it doesn’t happen, it is important that we are prepared just in case. The VW Atlas Cross Sport is ready to respond in the case of a collision. A bad accident can be made worse if a vehicle involved does not stop immediately at the point of collision; if the vehicle is still moving, much more damage can occur.
To prevent bad from turning into worse, the Atlas Cross Sport is armed with an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which either halts or slows down the vehicle after collisions. Now, if the collision is bad enough that the airbags are deployed, the Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) jumps into action by executing tasks like unlocking the door, turning off the fuel pump, and activating hazard lights. If you’ve ever been in an accident, you know how upsetting it can be and how flustered you can be after it occurs; the ICRS enables you to get to safety as easily as possible.
Safety Awareness Technology
One of the best ways to prevent a collision altogether is to be aware of your vehicle and its surroundings. The 2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport keeps you aware through features such as its accurate Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts you if your tires start to lose pressure.
Another thing to be aware of, though sometimes difficult, is what is behind you. The Altas Cross Sport provides clear views thanks to a wide-lens, rear view camera, which will help you identify any obstacles that may be in your way as you back up. So, do your part and stay aware—and let the Atlas Cross Sport help you navigate safely!
A Tech-Savvy Vehicle
As you can see, the 2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport is a high-tech vehicle through and through. These features may be overwhelming to those drivers who do not consider themselves tech-savvy. The good news is that the vehicle is tech-savvy—so that you don’t have to be! Volkswagen has ensured their convenience and safety technology are both intuitive and reliable. After all, if you’re behind the wheel, your job is to focus on the road. So, let the vehicle take care of the technical details—while you enjoy the drive.