The 2024 VW Atlas is a three-row crossover SUV that also offers a more compact five-seat variant referred to as the Atlas Cross Sport. This SUV rivals popular family vehicles such as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, along with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and its larger counterpart, the Grand Cherokee L. Remarkably, the 2024 Atlas stands out with its spacious and attractive new interior, a more potent turbo-4 engine, and an impressive warranty. For 2024, Volkswagen has rejuvenated both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, featuring redesigned front and rear aesthetics, upgraded technology, and an enhanced turbo-4 engine, replacing the former V-6.
The most significant revisions are evident inside the Atlas, where a standard 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster has been introduced, accompanied by a 12.0-inch touchscreen for climate controls, a newly crafted center console featuring a user-friendly electronic gear shifter, a generous center storage compartment, and a sleek, minimalist dashboard. These enhancements signify a major advancement for a model that earlier trailed behind competitors regarding interior quality and finish.
The Atlas is offered in two configurations: the standard model, which features a longer roofline and a traditional SUV profile, and the Cross Sport, which is 5.1 inches shorter, features two rows of seating, and presents a sportier, sloped roofline. Both configurations share the identical front design, boasting numerous shiny metallic accents and a prominent VW emblem on a grille with vertical bars (some versions even offer an illuminated logo for extra appeal). The Atlas’s most striking design characteristics are found at the hip area, where its bold wheel arches protrude; the front showcases slender air intakes while the rear smoothly transitions into a sleek tail with expansive glass and noticeable LED taillights. The varied rooflines give the Atlas Cross Sport a sportier look that also diminishes cargo capacity.
Volkswagen’s newly constructed turbo-4 engine in the Atlas presents improved EPA fuel efficiency ratings compared to the previous V-6. Nevertheless, comparing this year’s turbo-4 to last year’s model can be somewhat complex: the front-wheel-drive Atlas SE achieves a rating of 20 mpg in the city, 27 on the highway, and 23 combined in both body types, which is a minor decline from last year’s figures of 21/25/23 mpg. With all-wheel drive, the Atlas SE now reaches 19/26/22 mpg against last year’s 20/24/22 mpg. While the former V-6 achieved a top combined rating of 20 mpg, the new Atlas SEL secures 21 mpg combined, with the Peak Edition also obtaining 20 mpg combined.
The Atlas comes equipped with a multitude of standard safety features, although its crash test performance displays mixed results. The federal government awards the Atlas a five-star overall rating, although this consolidates from a lower four-star rating for front-impact protection. The IIHS ranks it as “Good” in most assessments; however, in the newly introduced moderate-overlap test, it garners a “Marginal” classification. Regardless, it earns a Top Safety Pick accolade for 2024. Standard automatic emergency braking is included, though it is rated as “Basic” by the IIHS. The active LED headlights have achieved a “Good” rating, an enhancement from last year’s base models, which were rated as “Marginal.” Other standard features encompass active lane control, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with a surround-view camera system exclusively available on the R-Line.
Size remains the Atlas’ greatest asset. Celebrated for its expansive interior, it accommodates five comfortably and features a third row that can host two more passengers or convert into ample cargo space. Measuring 200.7 inches in length (approximately five inches shorter for the Cross Sport), the Atlas boasts spacious, well-cushioned front seats equipped with heating, cooling, and power adjustments for the driver. The driving position is outstanding, showcasing low-sitting digital gauges neatly framed by the steering wheel. Most models utilize synthetic leather, while higher trims advance to leather with quilted patterns and perforations, especially in the top-tier R-Line trim, which includes power adjustments for the front passenger seat. There’s substantial shoulder, head, and legroom throughout this generous vehicle.
This year, the Atlas features a more sophisticated-looking interior with a significantly larger standard touchscreen. The new 12.0-inch display is prominently situated on the dashboard, which is now wrapped in soft-touch materials, enhancing the overall aesthetic and tactile experience across all trims. A short transmission toggle is located on the center console, concealing a large storage area beneath it, and every Atlas now includes a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The screen’s vibrant display captures attention, while everything else appears more polished and understated. The interior design mirrors that of the Telluride/Palisade, with choices for wood-like or carbon fiber accents, and leather featuring quilting or orange detailing. Some Peak Edition models display a nostalgic avocado green hue, while harvest gold is noticeably missing.
In the second row, the standard bench seat comfortably accommodates three sizable adults, or it can be swapped out for two captain’s chairs that provide nearly the same level of comfort as the front seats. The Atlas offers almost 38 inches of legroom in the second row, and even with a sunroof, tall passengers still have several inches of headroom. When the second row is slid forward, the third row has adequate space for 6-foot-tall passengers; while the seat is roomy, taller individuals may find their heads brushing against the ceiling and their seating position somewhat awkward due to the headrest’s lower edge.
Volkswagen has enhanced the Atlas’s interior by incorporating premium 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 garners acclaim for a refinement that competes with South Korean rivals.
The Atlas offers solid value in the SE trim, with prices nearing $40,000. Even in its entry-level trims, the spacious Atlas remains a formidable competitor in terms of value. It excels in areas such as 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 includes a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty along with two years of complimentary maintenance.
Upgrading to all-wheel drive costs an extra $1,900. The Cross Sport variant starts at approximately $1,000 more. A $3,940 SE Technology Package adds options like a power tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, remote starting, a tow hitch, and extra USB ports—including one cleverly placed in the rearview mirror for dash cams. A sunroof costs $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 accents, a sunroof, ambient lighting, and a distinctive 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 continues to be a strong contender in the midsize SUV arena, especially for consumers seeking spaciousness, comfort, and functionality. While it may not be the most performance-driven SUV in its category, it excels in creating a family-friendly atmosphere, robust safety features, and an elegant design. Merging updated technology, reasonable pricing, and versatile capabilities, the Atlas remains a practical and enticing choice for a diverse array of SUV shoppers.
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