By special WTOP contributor Brian Armstead
In May, 2017, the first Volkswagen Atlas was sold in the U.S. as a 2018 model. Today, Atlas (including the five-seater Cross Sport that debuted in 2020) is the bestselling, most profitable nameplate in the VW lineup. Over 494,000 have been sold.
For the 2024 model year, the Atlas family receives a major refresh.
Atlas Exterior:
While Atlas is a large vehicle, updates for the 2024 model give it a more svelte appearance. The updated front end design features a wide chrome, four-bar grille framed by LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights that wrap around the headlights for a crisp look. An illuminated lightbar positioned above the illuminated VW logo offers a premium front-end look.
At the rear, all but the base trims offer an illuminated lightbar with the VW logo sitting between the LED taillights. A larger rear spoiler lengthens the overall roofline of the vehicle, giving it a sleeker side profile. Depending on trim levels, 18-inch, 20-inch or 21-inch alloy wheels are offered.
Atlas Interior: “Upscale” best describes the new Atlas interior. Leather or leatherette trim, available 30 color ambient lighting and a high-grade dash and door trim make the interior very inviting. Atlas’ width means you don’t have to rub shoulders, even in the second and third rows.
Standard technology includes a 10.25-inch “Digital Cockpit Pro” with several viewing options, a 12-inch center touch screen display with navigation system, Harman Kardon premium audio system, and smartphone integration via wireless and USB. Six fast charging USB-C ports are spread throughout the interior.
Atlas Drive Experience: The silky 3.6-liter V6 is no longer available, as all Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models offer one engine: a 269-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Front-wheel drive is standard on base trims, while four Motion all-wheel drive is standard on premium trims. Winding roads throughout the Catskill Mountains in New York served as a worthy test bed for our Atlas drive. While the four is a bit noisy under full acceleration (like most fours), power is good and handling capable. No, Atlas is not a mountain road carver, but that’s not its mission. The mission is to get you and up to six family and friends to your destination safely and comfortably.
Price/Trim Levels: Atlas is available in four trim levels: SE ($37,725), SE with Technology ($41,665), SEL ($48,445) and SEL Premium R-Line ($52,455).
Fuel Economy: Atlas EPA estimates for FWD models is 20-mpg city and 27-mpg highway. AWD models are slightly less efficient at 19-mpg city and 26-mpg highway.
Safety: Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offer outstanding standard or available safety features (IQ Drive). Our test Atlas SEL Premium R-Line featured standard predictive adaptive cruise control; forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring; lane change system with side assist; rear traffic alert and an exit warning system; and head-up display, among many more.
Things to Know: Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport represent serious value considering the reasonable prices, good fuel economy and high standard safety and comfort content across all trim levels. Both models offer a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
Pros:
- Loads of room inside
- Styling is very appealing
- Runs on regular gas
Cons:
- No hybrid model available
- The single engine choice gets a bit noisy under full acceleration
