Don’t get too excited, but let’s climb into the back seat of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The rear space astonishes. Your jaw might actually drop when you experience the cavernous second row, regardless of how the front seats are adjusted. Wow. If only we could give bonus points for this VW’s spaciousness for passengers and cargo.

But we can’t—there’s more to the midsize two-row SUV segment than just interior packaging, and that’s why the Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t meet our standards. Even the styling—which is arguably more important in a premium-priced midsize SUV than a more affordable compact—is a mixed bag. From the front, the Atlas Cross Sport looks too much like the three-row family SUV it’s based on, though we appreciate the sporty rake of the hatch lid as it slopes toward the rear bumper.

Even if you dig the blocky design that’s vaguely reminiscent of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, eventually you’ll have to drive the thing. Although we wish we had better news, both the 235-hp 2.0-liter turbo I-4 and 276-hp V-6 disappointed. A couple judges found the 2.0T engine runs out of steam as you accelerate toward highway speeds, and the V-6 wasn’t much better.

“With the V-6, you have to rev out the engine to get anywhere,” features editor Christian Seabaugh said. “I think I’d recommend the torquier I-4 over the V-6 because at least that doesn’t feel gutless around town.”

With a jittery ride and a transmission that upshifts too quickly, the Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t have much to offer in terms of dynamics. In fact, our loaded V-6 AWD test vehicle managed a run to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, shaving off only 0.2 second from the four-cylinder AWD model we also tested. Oh, and as for the competing Toyota Venza, which we prefer driving to the Volkswagens? That 219-hp hybrid SUV hits 60 almost a half second quicker and feels more responsive in the real world, too. Ouch.

But for drivers who don’t care about that half second’s quickness, let’s return to the interior. We give VW credit for attractive interior colors; both the dark beige leatherette in the $39,100 2.0T model and the dark burgundy in the $51,210 V-6 SUV impressed judges. Despite the availability of a digital instrument cluster and 360-degree camera system, however, the rest of the interior falls short.

“It’s like Volkswagen tried so hard to go modern and minimalist that they sucked all of the character out of this interior,” features editor Scott Evans said about the 2.0T test car. “It’s just so intensely dull and cheap looking.”

Given all the Atlas Cross Sport’s hard plastics and cheap HVAC switchgear, many judges would trade its size and superior warranty for the Toyota’s overall idiom in a heartbeat.

“What a difference it makes coming from the Venza to the Atlas Cross Sport,” MotorTrend en Español managing editor Miguel Cortina said. “The Toyota beats this interior, exterior, value, and tech by a mile.”

Lately, rooting for VW in the U.S. can feel like supporting a highly respected sports team that—with a couple exceptions—has fallen on tough times. Lacking impressive fuel economy from either engine, excellent performance, or an interior that feels high-quality, it’s tough to recommend the Atlas Cross Sport. “We know VW is capable of better than this,” Seabaugh said.

Before customers forget about the quality cars VW was once known for here in the U.S., we hope the brand can turn things around. For now, those who aren’t swayed by the huge interior or four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty will be easily seduced by the competition.

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