The 2024 VW Atlas is a three-row crossover SUV that also comes in a smaller five-seat version known as the Atlas Cross Sport. This SUV competes with family favorites like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the larger Grand Cherokee L. Notably, the 2024 Atlas impresses with its roomy and appealing new interior, a more powerful turbo-4 engine, and a commendable warranty. For 2024, Volkswagen has revamped both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, featuring new front and rear designs, updated technology, and an improved turbo-4 engine, phasing out the previous V-6.
The most notable updates are found inside the Atlas, where a standard 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster has been introduced, along with a 12.0-inch touchscreen for climate controls, a newly designed center console with a convenient electronic gear shifter, a spacious center storage area, and a clean, minimalist dashboard. These enhancements represent a significant improvement for a model that previously lagged behind competitors in terms of interior quality and finish.
The Atlas is available in two styles: the standard version, which features a longer roof and a classic SUV profile, and the Cross Sport that is 5.1 inches shorter, has two rows of seats, and showcases a sportier, sloped roofline. Both styles share the same front design, boasting plenty of shiny metallic accents and a prominent VW logo on a grille with vertical bars (some versions even feature an illuminated logo for added flair). The Atlas’s most eye-catching design elements are at the hip level where its bold wheel fenders protrude; the front has slender air vents while the rear transitions into a sleek tail with large glass and prominent LED taillights. The different rooflines give the Atlas Cross Sport a sportier appearance that also reduces cargo space.
Volkswagen’s newly designed turbo-4 engine in the Atlas offers better EPA fuel efficiency ratings compared to the former V-6. However, comparing this year’s turbo-4 to last year’s model is not entirely straightforward: the front-wheel-drive Atlas SE is rated for 20 mpg in the city, 27 on the highway, and 23 combined in both body styles, which is a slight decrease from last year’s ratings of 21/25/23 mpg. With all-wheel drive, the Atlas SE now achieves 19/26/22 mpg against last year’s 20/24/22 mpg. While the previous V-6 reached a maximum of 20 mpg combined, the new Atlas SEL manages 21 mpg combined, with the Peak Edition also hitting 20 mpg combined.
The Atlas offers a wealth of standard safety features, but its crash test performance is mixed. The federal government awards the Atlas a five-star overall rating, although this rounds up from a lower four-star rating for front-impact protection. The IIHS designates it as “Good” in most tests, but in the newly implemented moderate-overlap test, it receives a “Marginal” classification. Nonetheless, it secures a Top Safety Pick award for 2024. Automatic emergency braking comes standard, although it is rated as “Basic” by the IIHS. The active LED headlights have earned a “Good” rating, an improvement from last year’s base models, which were rated as “Marginal.” Standard features also include active lane control, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with a surround-view camera system available only on the R-Line.
Size remains the Atlas’ most significant strength. Praised for its expansive interior, it comfortably seats five and features a third row that can accommodate two additional passengers or convert into an ample cargo space. Measuring 200.7 inches in length (approximately five inches shorter for the Cross Sport), the Atlas boasts roomy, well-padded front seats equipped with heating, cooling, and power adjustments for the driver. The driving position is excellent, featuring low-sitting digital gauges neatly framed by the steering wheel. Most models use synthetic leather, while higher trims upgrade to leather with quilted patterns and perforations, particularly in the top-tier R-Line trim, which includes power adjustments for the front passenger seat. There’s ample shoulder, head, and legroom throughout this spacious vehicle.
This year, the Atlas boasts a more professional-looking interior with a much larger standard touchscreen. The new 12.0-inch display is positioned prominently on the dashboard, which itself is now enveloped in soft-touch materials, enhancing the overall look and feel across all trims. A short transmission toggle sits on the center console, concealing large storage space beneath it, and every Atlas now comes with a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The screen’s vibrant display dominates attention while everything else appears more refined and understated. The interior aesthetics echo that of the Telluride/Palisade, with options for wood-like or carbon fiber finishes, and leather featuring quilting or orange detailing. Some Peak Edition models showcase a nostalgic avocado green color, while harvest gold is notably absent.
In the second row, the standard bench seat accommodates three large adults, or it can be replaced with two captain’s chairs that offer nearly the same level of comfort as the front seats. The Atlas provides almost 38 inches of legroom in the second row, and even with a sunroof, tall passengers still have a few inches of headroom. When the second row is moved forward, the third row has enough space for 6-foot-tall passengers; while the seat is spacious, taller riders may find their heads brushing against the ceiling and their seating position awkward due to the headrest’s lower edge.
Volkswagen has elevated the Atlas’s interior by incorporating superior materials, including attractive synthetic wood trim in ash or light walnut and metallic accents. The dashboard is designed with softer plastics, contributing to a quieter cabin experience. Last year’s Atlas faced criticism for a simplistic interior; now it receives praise for a refinement that rivals South Korean competitors.
The Atlas provides solid value in the SE trim, with prices hovering around $40,000. Even in its base trims, the spacious Atlas remains a strong contender in terms of value. It excels in aspects like infotainment features, standard amenities, warranty, and overall worth. Starting at $39,075 for the Atlas SE with front-wheel drive, you’ll receive 18-inch alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, adaptive LED headlights, heated and cooled front seats, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging for smartphones. Additionally, it comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty along with two years of complimentary maintenance.
Upgrading to all-wheel drive is an additional $1,900. The Cross Sport version starts at around $1,000 more. A $3,940 SE Technology Package includes options like a power tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, remote starting, a tow hitch, and additional USB ports—including one cleverly placed in the rearview mirror for dash cams. A sunroof adds $1,200; black wheels are $595; and second-row captain’s chairs can be added for $695. The $47,905 Peak Edition features black wheels, black trim, a sunroof, ambient lighting, and a unique interior color. The top-tier $53,805 Atlas SEL R-Line is equipped with leather seats, 21-inch wheels, Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a sunroof, a head-up display, and heated seats in the second row.
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas remains a competitive choice in the midsize SUV segment, particularly for buyers seeking spaciousness, comfort, and practicality. While it might not be the most performance-oriented SUV in its class, it excels at providing a family-friendly environment, robust safety measures, and an elegant design. Combining updated tech, reasonable pricing, and versatile capabilities, the Atlas continues to be a practical and appealing option for a diverse range of SUV shoppers.
Image Source: quiggyt4 / Shutterstock
