The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has arrived with subtle yet significant updates, aiming to solidify its position as a comfortable and practical choice in the competitive family SUV segment. While cruising in the Catskills recently, an encounter with local wildlife prompted a deeper reflection on the changes Volkswagen has implemented in this refreshed model. This review delves into the key updates, driving experience, and overall value proposition of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas.
What’s New in the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas?
While the exterior revisions to the 2024 Atlas might require a keen eye to spot, they contribute to a more modern and refined aesthetic. The most noticeable change upfront is the available illuminated light bar that stretches across the grille, lending a distinctive signature to the SUV, especially at night. Complementing this are redesigned LED headlights, now standard with adaptive functionality, and updated LED rear lighting, incorporating a full-width light strip for enhanced visibility and a contemporary look.
These exterior tweaks, while subtle, collectively refresh the Atlas’s appearance without drastically altering its familiar silhouette. For those unfamiliar with the Atlas, the changes might go unnoticed, but Volkswagen enthusiasts will appreciate the updated design cues. A similar refresh has also been applied to the five-seat Atlas Cross Sport model, which will be covered in a separate review.
2024 volkswagen atlas review changing yet staying the same
Interior and Technology Updates: A More Noticeable Shift
Stepping inside the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas reveals more substantial changes, particularly in terms of technology and features. One element that might draw mixed reactions is the continued use of haptic touch controls. Despite Volkswagen’s acknowledgement of user feedback and plans to move away from this system in future EVs, the 2024 Atlas retains these touch-sensitive buttons. However, alongside this, Volkswagen has introduced customizable digital gauges, a redesigned shifter, and a convenient USB-C port specifically for dashcam connectivity.
The dashboard layout has been subtly revised, with the infotainment screen now presented in a “floating” design, giving a more modern and airy feel to the cabin. The shifter redesign also creates a useful pass-through storage space beneath the center console, enhancing practicality. For added convenience, a head-up display is now available, projecting essential driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.
Furthermore, Volkswagen has significantly enhanced the standard features list for the 2024 Atlas. The IQ.Drive advanced driver-assistance system is now standard across all trims, encompassing features like active side assist, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, front assist, and rear traffic alert, boosting safety and driver confidence.
2024 volkswagen atlas review changing yet staying the same
Previously optional features have also become standard, adding further value to the 2024 Atlas. These include a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, cooled front seats, voice control, and a height-adjustable passenger seat. The availability of leather seats and heated rear seats has also been extended to lower trim levels, making these desirable features more accessible. The cabin materials have been upgraded, with soft-touch surfaces and realistic-looking faux wood trim in higher trims, contributing to a more premium feel.
Powertrain Changes: Farewell V6, Hello Enhanced 2.0T
The most significant mechanical change for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas lies under the hood. Volkswagen has streamlined the powertrain options, replacing both the previous VR6 V6 and the older four-cylinder EA888 engine with a single, enhanced version of the 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder. This new engine produces a healthy 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, representing an increase in both horsepower and torque compared to the outgoing four-cylinder. While slightly down on horsepower compared to the VR6, it offers more torque.
This engine continues to be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Atlas remains available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Volkswagen enthusiasts will recognize this engine as a variant of the one found in performance models like the Golf R and GTI, albeit tuned for the Atlas’s specific needs.
On the road, the new four-cylinder provides adequate power for everyday driving. While it might not deliver exhilarating acceleration, it offers sufficient performance for suburban commutes, merging onto highways, and passing maneuvers. It builds speed steadily and smoothly, keeping pace with traffic without feeling underpowered.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort and Predictability
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas retains its comfortable and composed driving character. The steering, while exhibiting the slightly artificial feel common in many VW products, remains accurate and responsive. The ride quality is smooth and compliant, effectively absorbing road imperfections without feeling overly soft or floaty, although the test drive took place on generally well-maintained roads.
Volkswagen claims that all-wheel-drive models are slightly lighter, and the tested AWD Atlas did feel marginally more agile, although the difference is subtle. The haptic touch controls, while still present, seemed to function better for climate adjustments in this iteration compared to previous VW models. The customizable digital gauges are a welcome addition, enhancing driver information and personalization. However, the decision to implement haptic touch for headlight controls is questionable, adding unnecessary complexity to a simple function and potentially distracting the driver.
2024 volkswagen atlas review changing yet staying the same
Despite improvements, the absence of traditional knobs for volume and tuning is still missed by many. Road noise is well-managed, with engine noise only becoming noticeable under hard acceleration. Even then, the engine note is not unpleasant or intrusive. Passenger space remains a strong point, with ample headroom and legroom in the first and second rows, ensuring comfortable journeys for occupants.
A minor complaint was the somewhat aggressive lane-keeping assist system, which might require adjustment based on individual driving preferences. Overall, the driving experience of the 2024 Atlas is characterized by pleasant predictability and ease of use. It prioritizes comfort and refinement over sporty handling, aligning with its intended purpose as a family-oriented SUV.
Practicality, Features, and Value
The Volkswagen Atlas continues to excel in practicality. Its towing capacity remains at a respectable 5,000 pounds, suitable for hauling trailers and recreational equipment. Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models is rated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive models have slightly varying figures depending on trim, with a maximum highway rating of 27 mpg and a low city rating of 18 mpg for the Peak Edition. The base Atlas AWD achieves a combined 23 mpg.
The 2024 Atlas trim levels start with the SE ($37,725 for FWD, $39,625 for AWD), progressing through SE with Tech ($41,665 FWD, $43,565 AWD), Peak Edition with Tech ($46,555), SEL ($48,455), Peak Edition SEL ($50,435), and topping out with the SEL Premium R-Line ($52,455). Upper trims are exclusively all-wheel drive. The Peak Edition trim offers a more rugged appearance with 18-inch black wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique styling elements.
Key feature additions as you move up the trim ladder include 20-inch wheels, the light bar, and a dashcam for the SE with Tech; leather seats, heated second-row seats, ambient lighting, a head-up display, and predictive adaptive cruise control for the SEL. The R-Line remains the premium trim with 21-inch wheels and Harman Kardon audio.
Standard features across the range include six USB-C ports, 18-inch wheels on the SE, keyless start, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, remote start, park distance control, navigation, memory driver’s seat, and power passenger seat. A panoramic sunroof is available on higher trims.
2024 volkswagen atlas review changing yet staying the same
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Practical Family Needs
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas presents itself as a dependable and spacious option in the three-row SUV segment. While perhaps not the most exciting vehicle to drive compared to rivals like Mazda or Ford offerings, it prioritizes comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride, qualities highly valued by family SUV buyers. Its generous interior space and comfortable seating make it well-suited for daily commutes and longer road trips. The haptic touch controls remain a point of contention, but the overall package offers a compelling blend of features and practicality.
For those seeking a no-nonsense, comfortable, and well-equipped three-row SUV that “just works,” the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas remains a strong contender. It may not be the flashiest or most dynamic choice, but its focus on core family SUV needs makes it a worthwhile option to consider. Its blend of updated features, refined driving experience, and practical design ensures the Atlas continues to appeal to a broad range of buyers.
