2024 VW Atlas Review: Evaluating Comfort and Capability in the Family SUV

The Volkswagen Atlas has been a significant contender in the family SUV market, known for its spaciousness and European driving dynamics. Entering the 2024 model year, the Atlas receives a substantial refresh, aiming to elevate its appeal in a highly competitive segment. As a long-time enthusiast of the Volkswagen brand, with fond experiences driving and owning models like the Tiguan, I approached the 2024 Atlas with considerable optimism. My personal experience with a 2018 Tiguan, a nimble and well-balanced crossover, set a high bar for the larger Atlas. However, initial impressions behind the wheel of the refreshed Atlas revealed a stark contrast, particularly in steering feel, sparking a critical evaluation of this updated SUV.

For 2024, Volkswagen’s updates to the Atlas are more than skin deep. While not a complete redesign, the changes are extensive, encompassing a refreshed exterior with new front and rear fascias, a dramatically revamped interior, and adjustments to the powertrain lineup. Gone is the V6 engine option, making the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder the sole engine choice. This review delves into the specifics of these changes, examining whether they collectively enhance the Atlas’s position in the market or if they fall short of expectations against increasingly impressive rivals.

2024 VW Atlas Front Exterior Design

Despite its potential as a large family SUV, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas faces stiff competition from newer and equally compelling SUVs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the 2024 Atlas, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help potential buyers determine if it aligns with their needs and preferences in the crowded three-row SUV segment. We will analyze its design, interior, driving dynamics, features, and overall value proposition in comparison to key competitors.

Diving into the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas: The Basics

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas marks a significant mid-cycle refresh for the model, bringing notable changes to both its aesthetic and mechanical aspects. Volkswagen has streamlined the engine choices for the 2024 Atlas, moving away from the previous offerings of a 2.0-liter turbo-four and a naturally aspirated V6. Now, all 2024 Atlas models are powered by an enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Accompanying this powertrain update are visual revisions inside and out, along with the integration of Volkswagen’s latest infotainment technology and an expanded list of standard features.

VW Atlas Exterior Styling Details2024 Atlas Rear Design and TaillightsSide Profile of 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

Visually, the 2024 Atlas retains its recognizable silhouette but incorporates a completely redesigned front fascia. This includes new headlights, a more prominent grille, and a reshaped front bumper, collectively contributing to a bolder and wider stance. While these changes aim for a more imposing presence, the overall aesthetic impact is debatable. The rear of the Atlas also receives attention with a new taillight bar, offering a modern touch compared to the previous simpler taillights. However, in a market brimming with visually striking SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Grand Highlander, the refreshed Atlas risks blending into the background despite its updates. Its design, while competent, lacks the distinctive flair to truly stand out in its class.

The interior of the 2024 Atlas undergoes a significant transformation, aiming for a more premium feel. The cabin design adopts an open and airy layout, incorporating wood trim accents and a simplified center console. However, this redesign also introduces Volkswagen’s contemporary touchscreen infotainment system, which replaces the older, more user-friendly system. This new system, shared with models like the Golf and ID.4, has been criticized for its complex menu structure and touch-sensitive controls that replace traditional buttons and knobs.

Front Interior View of 2024 VW Atlas Dashboard and Infotainment SystemClose-up of 2024 Atlas Touchscreen and Center Console ControlsDetailed View of 2024 VW Atlas Interior Wood Trim and Design Elements

The move to touch-based controls for essential functions like volume and climate settings, along with the deeply nested menus in the infotainment system, raises concerns about usability and driver distraction. The placement of some controls, such as the rear defroster located near the driver’s knee, further complicates the user experience. This shift in interior design and technology represents a departure from the praised simplicity and intuitiveness of previous Volkswagen interiors.

Driving Dynamics of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

Despite concerns about the interior and technology, the powertrain of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas shows promise. The sole engine offering, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, receives a power increase for the 2024 model year. It now produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, up from 235 hp and 258 lb-ft in the previous iteration. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

Engine Bay of 2024 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0TFront Seats and Dashboard of 2024 VW Atlas InteriorSteering Wheel and Driver Controls in 2024 AtlasRear Seating and Spacious Cabin of 2024 VW AtlasCargo Space in the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

The enhanced engine delivers adequate performance for the Atlas’s size and weight. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 7.5 seconds, which is respectable for a vehicle in this class. The engine feels responsive and refined in everyday driving situations, and the eight-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and timely shifts. However, the inclusion of a simulated engine sound in Sport mode is noted as being overly aggressive and artificial, detracting from the driving experience rather than enhancing it.

Where the 2024 Atlas disappoints is in its driving feel and handling. Compared to the more engaging dynamics of smaller Volkswagen models like the Tiguan, the Atlas feels less connected and more cumbersome. The steering is light and lacks feedback, described as feeling disconnected and slow to respond. While acknowledging that the Atlas is a large SUV not intended for sporty driving, the review points out that competitors like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90 offer more refined and enjoyable driving experiences in the same segment.

Driver's Perspective View from Inside 2024 VW Atlas

On a positive note, the Atlas excels in ride comfort. It provides a plush and composed ride, effectively absorbing bumps and road imperfections. The cabin remains quiet at highway speeds, contributing to a comfortable and relaxed driving environment. For buyers prioritizing ride comfort above all else, the Atlas delivers. However, the review emphasizes that competitors demonstrate that it is possible to achieve both a comfortable ride and engaging driving dynamics, an area where the Atlas falls short.

High Points and Low Points of the 2024 Atlas

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas does offer several appealing attributes. Its spacious three-row cabin is a significant strength, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The interior is designed with numerous storage cubbies, enhancing its practicality for family use. Large windows contribute to excellent outward visibility, a valuable feature for maneuvering a large SUV. Additionally, Volkswagen’s safety systems, including automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert, are praised for their effectiveness.

Spacious Third-Row Seating in 2024 VW AtlasAmple Cargo Space Behind the Second Row of 2024 AtlasFront Row Seats and Center Console Storage in 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

However, the drawbacks of the 2024 Atlas are notable. The frustrating infotainment system and touch-based controls are major points of criticism, detracting significantly from the user experience. The uninspired steering and handling diminish driving enjoyment. Furthermore, the digital instrument cluster is described as bland and cluttered, and the base SE trim seats are considered too flat for long-distance comfort. Even minor details, like overly tight cupholders, contribute to a sense of lacking refinement.

Features, Options, and Competition in the 2024 VW Atlas Landscape

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas starts at a base price of $39,420 and includes a respectable list of standard features. Heated and ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, and a 12-inch infotainment system are all included. However, all-wheel drive (4Motion) is an optional extra, adding $1,900 to the base price.

The tested model, equipped with the Technology Package, included 20-inch wheels, illuminated VW badges, park distance control, a tow hitch, manual sunshades, and remote start, bringing the price to $43,015. Notably, a sunroof was not included even at this trim level, highlighting potential limitations in feature packaging.

Wheels and Side Detail of 2024 VW AtlasFront Grille and Headlight Design of 2024 AtlasClose-up of 2024 Atlas Touchscreen and Center Console ControlsRear Badge and Liftgate of 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

When considered against its competition, the 2024 Atlas faces significant challenges. Rivals such as the Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Grand Highlander offer fresher designs, often with more standard features at comparable price points. Moreover, several competitors, including the Grand Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee, offer more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain options, an area where the Atlas currently lags.

Fuel Efficiency of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

Despite utilizing a four-cylinder engine, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas does not deliver a significant advantage in fuel economy compared to its V6-powered competitors. It achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined 22 mpg. This is on par with, or only marginally better than, rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot. The Toyota Grand Highlander, even without considering hybrid versions, matches the Atlas’s city mpg and surpasses it on the highway, achieving a combined 23 mpg.

EPA Fuel Economy Sticker for 2024 VW Atlas

Value and Final Verdict on the 2024 VW Atlas

From a purely numerical standpoint, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is competitively positioned in terms of pricing, features, powertrain, and fuel economy within its segment. However, when evaluating the overall package, particularly the cabin technology and design, the Atlas feels somewhat dated. This is understandable given that the Atlas’s underlying platform is one of the older architectures in this class, dating back to its 2017 debut.

Ultimately, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is hindered by its execution. While it offers a spacious and comfortable three-row cabin and a capable powertrain, the frustrating infotainment system, lackluster steering, and ergonomic shortcomings detract from its overall appeal. In a market where competitors offer more well-rounded and user-friendly SUVs, the Atlas struggles to distinguish itself. Lacking a standout feature and falling short in key areas compared to rivals, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas emerges as a weaker contender in the three-row SUV segment.

Rear View of 2024 VW Atlas