The three-row Atlas SUV from Volkswagen has previously been updated. It made its debut for the 2018 model year, and in 2021, it received a minor facelift to bring it into line with the two-row Atlas Cross Sport, which was introduced for the 2020 model year. However, VW's designers have updated the company's largest SUV with much more force this time around.
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have updated grilles, C-shaped headlights, and full-width taillights, giving them more of a contemporary appearance. An illuminated VW logo on the front and a light bar that runs across the top of the grille are standard on all but the base models. New wheel plans — in sizes going from 18 to 21 inches — beauty every one of the four corners of the SUV, and a bigger back spoiler has been added to assist with giving the Chart book a more cleared back roofline.
But Volkswagen has made even bigger changes inside, where it has made the passenger experience better by adding more convenience features and nicer materials. Faux-leather upholstery covers the dashboard and center console, and decorative plastic or wood trim covers the door panels completely. The options sheet now includes a new ambient lighting system with a cool backlit dashboard.
All models include a 10.3-inch digital gauge display in addition to the lineup's standard 12.0-inch infotainment display; Optional is a head-up display. All Atlases include a wireless smartphone charging pad, at least six fast-charging USB-C ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the infotainment system.
Climate Control by Voice
Now standard are a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a passenger seat that can be adjusted in height. Additionally, the voice-activated automatic climate control system is a feature that is sure to make a great Super Bowl ad, but has been finicky and embarrassing in other vehicles with similar functionality.
The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are only available with one engine, whereas the previous models were available with either a 3.6-liter V-6 with 276 horsepower or a turbo four with 235 horsepower. a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 269 horsepower. All-wheel drive is available on all trims, but front-wheel drive is still standard.
The turbo four's fuel efficiency has not yet been evaluated by the EPA, but VW claims that it should be better than the previous model. The Atlas maintains its unchanged towing capacity of up to 2268 kilograms.
On Sale Later in the Year
Although Volkswagen claims that the attractive 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will go on sale in the third quarter of 2023, the company has not yet announced pricing. We anticipate a slight increase in the base price from the $35,755 entry price of the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport due to the upgrades. The three-row Atlas should start slightly higher than the $36,455 of the 2023 model.