Exclusive: The All-New 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUV Review

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2024 VW Atlas: Families of all sizes can benefit from three-row SUVs, such as the Volkswagen Atlas, as they provide ample space, comfort, and towing capacity while avoiding the uncool sliding doors of minivans. The Atlas is capable of accommodating seven passengers comfortably, thanks to its roomy third row.

Additionally, with the second and third rows folded, the Atlas’ spacious cabin allows for convenient cargo transportation. Equipped with a turbocharged inline-four engine with 269 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Atlas can be powered by either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Despite competition from more sophisticated rivals like the Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Mazda CX-9, the Atlas continues to improve with every Volkswagen update. The Atlas Cross Sport, which lacks a third row but has a stylish design, is reviewed separately.

The Volkswagen Atlas, which was beginning to show its age, has received a thorough update for the 2024 model year. The seven-seater SUV now features a new turbo-four engine, updated exterior styling at the front and rear, and an overhauled interior. The use of new materials, a larger infotainment display, and a range of standard features will make the Atlas’ cabin feel more luxurious.

Despite these changes, we believe that the issues we have with Atlas’ driving performance will not be resolved. Although the new engine is more powerful than the previous entry-level 2.0-liter turbo engine, it doesn’t produce any more power than the outgoing six-cylinder option. However, it does offer more torque. Volkswagen has not made any changes that would improve the Atlas’ poor handling and body control.

While the changes made for the 2024 model year seem to be a significant improvement, we will reserve our final judgment until we have conducted our instrumented testing on the updated Volkswagen Atlas. In the end, the Atlas will continue to excel at what it does best: being an extremely spacious three-row SUV.

2024 VW Atlas Review

For those in need of a large Volkswagen, there is no bigger option than the seven-passenger Atlas, which originally debuted in 2018 and has returned with updates for the 2024 model year. While a fully redesigned second-generation model may be on the horizon in the next few years, the Atlas remains a strong contender against competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer in the three-row SUV segment.

All-New 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas is a popular choice for families seeking a midsize SUV with minivan-like functionality. It boasts spacious three-row seating with one of the most roomy and easily accessible third rows in its class, as well as ample cargo space.

The 2024 Atlas has received a significant mid-cycle refresh, including a new turbocharged engine, updated styling, and numerous desirable standard features such as a 12-inch infotainment system, 3-zone climate control, wireless charging, and advanced safety technology. The Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot are among its main competitors.

  • Roomy 3-row seating
  • Modern technology
  • Agile for its size
  • Refreshed exterior and interior
  • New turbo engine
  • Peak Edition

What’s New?

For the 2024 model year, Volkswagen is introducing the second mid-cycle refresh for the first-generation Atlas, which has been in production for six years. The exterior of the SUV has been updated, while the interior receives several enhancements, including premium materials and a range of new standard features.

Notably, the 2024 Atlas boasts numerous new standard features, such as a 12-inch infotainment system, a digital gauge cluster known as Digital Cockpit Pro, advanced driver assistance technology called IQ.DRIVE, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, 3-zone climate control, and heated steering wheel.

Replacing the previous 4-cylinder and V6 engines, a new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has been introduced for the Atlas, which offers comparable performance to the outgoing V6 engine, but with improved fuel efficiency.

In addition, a new model called the Peak Edition has been added to the Atlas lineup. This model features unique exterior design elements, such as distinctive front and rear fascias, special body cladding, black trim, and 18-inch black wheels with all-terrain tires.

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Inside, the Peak Edition boasts a “Peak Edition” badge on the steering wheel and orange accent stitching. However, the updates are primarily cosmetic in nature.

  • The more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine
  • Updated front and rear fascias
  • Refreshed interior design and materials
  • The standard 12.0-inch infotainment display
  • Standard digital instrument cluster
  • Standard three-zone climate control
  • Standard ventilated front seats
  • Standard heated steering wheel
  • IQ Drive suite of active safety technology is standard
  • Standard wireless charging
  • V-6 engine discontinued
  • Peak Edition

All-New 2024 VW Atlas Update

The Volkswagen Atlas struggled with declining sales last year, likely due to only minor updates since its debut five years ago. While it has never been a top seller in its segment, 2022 was an especially challenging year for the three-row SUV, with its lowest sales figures to date.

According to GoodCarBadCar, the Atlas dropped from over 72,000 sales in 2021 to just under 44,000 sales in 2022. In comparison, one of its main competitors, the Toyota Highlander, sold over 200,000 units in the U.S. market.

To help reverse its fortunes, Volkswagen is giving the Atlas a redesign for 2024 with more standard features, a refreshed appearance, and an updated powertrain. These changes are intended to provide the Atlas with a much-needed boost in the highly competitive SUV market.

The 2024 Atlas will feature a minor update to its appearance rather than a complete redesign. Although the overall shape of the three-row Volkswagen remains the same, there will be slight changes to the front grille and headlights. The rear end will remain nearly identical to the 2023 model. These updates may be enough to rekindle interest in the Atlas.

Since its introduction in 2018, the Atlas has been Volkswagen’s largest SUV. While the Tiguan is also a three-row SUV, the Atlas is larger in every dimension. Its spacious exterior allows for a roomy interior with seating for up to seven passengers.

Additionally, the Atlas is an ideal choice for those looking to carry cargo. The 2023 model provided up to 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats were folded down. Well-equipped models could also tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a suitable family crossover.

2024 VW Atlas Refresh

The Volkswagen Atlas SUV has undergone a refresh before, debuting in 2018 and receiving a mild restyling in 2021 to match the two-row Atlas Cross Sport that was introduced in 2020. However, the latest redesign features more significant changes, with VW’s designers taking a more aggressive approach.

All-New 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport now sport more contemporary aesthetics, featuring updated grilles, C-shaped headlights, and full-width taillights. Most trim levels now include an illuminated VW logo at the front and a light bar stretching across the top of the grille. The SUV’s corners are fitted with newly designed wheels ranging in size from 18 to 21 inches, and a larger rear spoiler has been added to give the Atlas a more aerodynamic appearance.

Inside the 2024 Atlas, Volkswagen has made significant improvements to enhance the passenger experience with better materials and more convenient features. The faux-leather upholstery wraps around the dashboard and center console, while the door panels have wide decorative plastic or wood trim extending all the way.

Additionally, a new ambient lighting system with a cool backlit dashboard section has been added as an optional feature.

The updated SUV also has a larger 12.0-inch infotainment display that is standard across all trim levels. In addition to this, all models come with a 10.3-inch digital gauge display, and a head-up display is available as an option.

The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and all Atlas vehicles feature a wireless smartphone charging pad and at least six fast-charging USB-C ports.

Climate Control by Voice

The new 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport come with standard heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a height-adjustable passenger seat. The automatic climate control system is voice-activated, which may make for a great Super Bowl commercial, but similar features in other cars have been finicky and awkward.

Previously, the Atlas offered two engine options, a 235-hp turbo-four, and a 276-hp V-6. The new models, however, only come with one engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four that delivers 269 hp. The SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is optional for all trims.

Volkswagen has not yet released the EPA rating for the turbo-four’s fuel efficiency, but the automaker claims it will be better than the outgoing model. The towing capacity of the Atlas remains the same at 5000 pounds.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Redesign

Volkswagen put more effort into improving the interior of the 2024 model year Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, with upgrades to materials and added standard features. The dashboard has been redesigned and now features air vents below a new 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The interior also features leatherette upholstery, illuminated Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport lettering on the passenger side, and 30-color ambient lighting.

All trims of the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport come with advanced features, such as the digital cockpit, tri-zone Climatronic, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, six USB-C ports, and voice control.

Higher-end models come with premium quilted leather upholstery that has a diamond pattern. The IQ.DRIVE package is standard and provides semi-autonomous driving. Additionally, the optional Adaptive Cruise Control and head-up display enhance the driving experience.

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For the 2024 model year, Volkswagen has removed the six-cylinder engine option from the Atlas family and now offers only a single four-cylinder powertrain. The new turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI produces 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase of 34 horsepower compared to the outgoing 2.0 TSI four-cylinder engine.

It is only 7 horsepower weaker than the 3.6 VR6 engine but has higher torque than both of the previous engines and across a wider rev range. The new 2.0 TSI is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and can transmit power to either the front or all four wheels through the 4Motion AWD system, which is available across the range.

The towing capacity remains unchanged at 5,000 pounds. The 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are set to arrive in US showrooms in the third quarter of 2023, and pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have been unveiled by Volkswagen at the Chicago Auto Show. Both models have undergone major changes, including a new front-end design, a completely updated interior with better materials and more features, and a more powerful 2.0 TSI engine with greater torque and horsepower.

However, the V6 option is no longer available. While the Atlas has undergone two previous facelifts since its debut in 2017, this is the first update for the Atlas Cross Sport, which was introduced in the US market in 2020.

The updated 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have undergone significant visual changes on the front end, with both models sporting larger headlights connected by an LED bar above the VW emblem (standard on all models except the base trims). The new lighting units have a shape similar to that of the Ford Expedition.

Additionally, the front design now includes an enlarged grille and interconnected bumper intakes that set apart the US-spec SUVs from their Chinese counterparts, the VW Terramont and Terramont X.

The SUVs’ profiles remain similar to their predecessors, with new wheel designs ranging from 18 to 21 inches, depending on the trim level. The taillights at the back have been connected to each other above the chrome bar to create a more cohesive look. The LED bar and illuminated logo are available on all but the base trim levels.

The Atlas Cross Sport has a more pronounced rear diffuser, while both SUVs feature larger rear spoilers. VW only showcased the flagship R-Line trims, which come with 21-inch alloy wheels, R badges, and sporty touches such as faux quad chrome tailpipes.

2024 VW Atlas Peak Edition

If you’re in the market for a rugged-looking truck and don’t find Land Rover’s style suitable for mild off-roading, you might want to consider the new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition. It was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show and is designed with various mobile design features such as a gloss-black “X” design element on the lower fascia that is taken from the Atlas Cross Sport.

The grill has two chrome strips running through it, and the illuminated logo sits in the middle. This model offers two exclusive colors: Avocado Green and Pure Grey. Black mirror caps, window surrounds, wheel arches, and roof rails give the car a black-out look.

To add more style to the Atlas Peak Edition, the vehicle features a logo with an orange and chrome design on the quarter panel and a rugged black and silver diffuser with chrome exhaust bezels on the rear. Inside, the cabin has a Titan Black leatherette with light grey accents and orange contrast stitching.

The dash and door inserts have a black metallic check pattern that sets it apart from other Atlas models. The steering wheel clip has the same logo as the exterior badging, and there are 30 different ambient lighting color options.

The Atlas Peak Edition takes inspiration from the Basecamp Camping concept that was displayed at the SEMA show. The concept was based on a VR6-equipped Atlas SEL with the Basecamp appearance package, which included fender flares, rocker panels, and bumper additions. The vehicle also had Fifteen52 wheels, an H&R Springs suspension lift kit, wheel spacers, and all-terrain tires.

Peak Edition

Volkswagen is releasing a more robust version of the Atlas, which takes inspiration from the Atlas Basecamp concept showcased in 2019. Called the Peak Edition, it comes with 18-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, silver underbody cladding, durable side sills, and blacked-out exterior accents.

The interior has black and grey leatherette seats with orange stitching and backlit dash décor that says “Peak Edition.”

2024 VW Atlas Interior

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has an updated interior that offers a more high-end appearance and feel than its previous models. It also includes several sought-after standard features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and a digital gauge cluster.

All-New 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

These updates help to keep the Atlas competitive against other luxurious vehicles in its class, such as the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.

The Atlas’s interior space is a major advantage, especially for families who frequently use the third row. While it may not be a minivan, the back seats of the Atlas offer plenty of legroom and are easily accessible. Furthermore, the cargo space is larger than average for this type of vehicle.

Technology

All 2024 Volkswagen Atlas models feature a dual display setup, with a 12.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and a 10.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. Standard features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, wireless charging, six USB-C ports, and voice command controls. Additionally, ambient lighting and two extra USB-C ports are optional.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Volkswagen Atlas is equipped with a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a six-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging, and six USB-C ports that can provide 45 watts of charging power, regardless of the trim level chosen. However, the absence of volume and tuning knobs makes operating the radio system less convenient.

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2024 VW Atlas Exterior

To keep up with the competition, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas receives a modern update, including a new light design, revised front and back bumpers, and fresh wheel options. The R-line models add to this with a sportier look, featuring a glossy black grille and 21-inch wheels.

Additionally, a new Peak Edition offers a more rugged appearance with blacked-out exterior accents, 18-inch black alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, and unique body cladding. In terms of size, only the Chevrolet Traverse is longer than the Atlas in the 3-row midsize SUV segment.

Driving The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

Although it’s a large vehicle, the Atlas retains the driving experience that has made Volkswagen cars enjoyable to drive. The updated 4-cylinder turbo engine is expected to improve power and refinement, making it more competitive with other top engines in the segment.

While it may not be as maneuverable as the smaller Toyota Highlander in tight spaces, the Atlas makes up for it with its spacious passenger and cargo areas. Our experience indicates that highway ride comfort and cabin noise are consistent with other vehicles in this class.

Favorite Features And Tech

All-New 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

Turbo Engine:

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas now comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaces both the old four-cylinder and the V6 engines and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The new engine delivers improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to the outgoing engines.

12-inch Infotainment System:

The updated interior of the Atlas includes a new 12-inch infotainment screen that offers wireless smartphone connectivity and comes standard with six USB-C ports (upgradable to eight).

Digital Cockpit Pro:

The Atlas features a 10.25-inch fully configurable display for the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro, which is a favorite among digital gauge clusters. Drivers can customize what is displayed to their preferences.

Standard Comfort Features:

The 2024 Atlas comes with an impressive list of standard features, including three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and more.

IQ.DRIVE:

Every Atlas comes standard with IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology, which includes features like lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Additional optional features include adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

Roomy 3-Row Seating:

The Atlas offers generous third-row legroom and headroom, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently transport large groups of people.

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Engine & Transmission:

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and provides improved torque and horsepower over the previous engines. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional, and towing capacity remains at 5,000 pounds.

Performance and MPGs:

The new engine’s output of 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque exceeds that of the previous four-cylinder engine but falls slightly short of the outgoing V6. The eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard with all models, and fuel economy is expected to improve over the V6, with estimates of 21/25 mpg city/highway with FWD and 20/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Towing and Payload Capacity:

The Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is the same as its competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Ascent.

Safety Ratings and Features

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and we anticipate that the 2024 model will achieve the same rating.

Volkswagen has increased the number of standard safety features with its IQ Drive suite of driver assistance technology, which includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, emergency braking, forward collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, and travel assist. Additionally, a head-up display and predictive adaptive cruise control are optional.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Price

It’s anticipated that the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas will have a base price of around $37,000 and can reach up to $55,000 when equipped with all the features. It’s recommended to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to ensure you’re paying a fair amount. The resale value of the Volkswagen Atlas is average compared to others in its class.

  • SE $38,000 (est)
  • SE with Technology $42,000 (est)
  • SEL $48,000 (est)
  • SEL R-Line Black $51,000 (est)
  • SEL Premium R-Line $55,000 (est)

2024 VW Atlas Release Date

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is scheduled to hit the market in the third quarter of 2023, after its debut at the February Chicago Auto Show.