The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas arrives with a refreshed design and updated features, aiming to solidify its position in the competitive three-row SUV segment. As someone familiar with the Volkswagen brand and particularly fond of the Tiguan, I approached the Atlas with high expectations. However, initial optimism quickly faded upon experiencing the driving dynamics and, more notably, the drastically redesigned interior. While the Atlas presents itself as a practical family SUV with ample space and a comfortable ride, a deeper dive reveals shortcomings that prevent it from truly standing out in a crowded market.
What’s New in the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas?
Volkswagen has implemented significant changes for the 2024 Atlas model year. The exterior showcases a refreshed front fascia, new headlights, a larger grille, and redesigned taillights, giving it a bolder, more contemporary appearance. Under the hood, the engine options have been streamlined to a single, more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, replacing the previous V6 offering. Inside, the Atlas receives a completely revamped cabin, adopting Volkswagen’s latest infotainment system and digital interface. These updates aim to keep the Atlas competitive, but do they succeed in elevating it above its rivals?
The exterior changes, while noticeable, result in an appearance that is arguably more generic than before. While the larger grille and new lighting elements attempt to project a more imposing stance, the overall design lacks the distinctive character seen in competitors like the Hyundai Palisade or Toyota Grand Highlander. The new taillight bar is a modern touch, yet it doesn’t inject significant visual excitement. The Atlas, in its refreshed guise, blends into the background rather than commanding attention.
Interior and Technology: A Step Backwards?
The most controversial aspect of the 2024 Atlas update is undoubtedly its interior. While visually appealing with its spacious layout and wood trim accents, the functionality takes a significant hit. Volkswagen has replaced the user-friendly infotainment system of previous models with the touch-heavy interface found in the Golf Mk8 and ID.4. This system is plagued by unintuitive menus, a lack of physical buttons, and unresponsive touch-sensitive controls for essential functions like volume and climate. Adjusting even basic settings becomes a frustrating and distracting experience.
The relocation of some climate controls, such as the rear defroster, to an obscure position near the driver’s knee further exemplifies the ergonomic missteps in the new design. This shift from the praised simplicity and user-friendliness of older Volkswagen interiors is perplexing and detracts significantly from the overall driving experience. In a segment where family-friendly usability is paramount, these technological downgrades are hard to overlook.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort Over Confidence
On the road, the 2024 VW Atlas prioritizes comfort, perhaps at the expense of engaging driving dynamics. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now producing 269 horsepower, offers adequate power for daily driving and achieves a 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds. The engine performance is commendable, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. However, the artificial engine noise in Sport mode is excessively amplified and unconvincing.
The Atlas’s steering is light and lacks feedback, feeling disconnected compared to the more responsive setups found in some competitors and even within Volkswagen’s own Tiguan. While the ride quality is undeniably comfortable, effectively absorbing bumps and providing a smooth experience for passengers, the overall driving feel is somewhat uninspired. SUVs like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90 demonstrate that a comfortable ride and engaging handling are not mutually exclusive, highlighting an area where the Atlas falls short.
Positives and Negatives: Weighing the Atlas
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas does offer some notable advantages. Its spacious three-row cabin provides ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a genuinely practical choice for families. The large windows contribute to excellent outward visibility, a valuable asset in a vehicle of this size. Volkswagen’s safety systems, including automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert, are effective and add peace of mind.
However, the drawbacks are significant. Beyond the frustrating infotainment system and lackluster steering, the digital instrument cluster is uninspiring, and the base seats are criticized for being too flat for long journeys. Even minor details, like overly tight cupholders, contribute to a sense of lacking refinement.
Market Position and Competition
Priced starting at $39,420, the 2024 Atlas is competitively positioned within its segment. Standard features like heated and ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control, and a 12-inch infotainment screen offer good value. However, all-wheel drive is an additional cost. The test vehicle, with the Technology Package, reached $43,015, yet still lacked a sunroof, further illustrating that options can quickly inflate the price.
When compared to rivals like the Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Grand Highlander, the Atlas faces stiff competition. These competitors often offer more compelling designs, a richer array of standard features, and, in some cases, more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain options. The Atlas, while adequate on its own, struggles to distinguish itself in this talented field.
Fuel Efficiency: Not a Standout
Despite its downsized four-cylinder engine, the fuel economy of the 2024 VW Atlas is not significantly better than its V6-powered competitors. It achieves 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined 22 mpg. The Toyota Grand Highlander, even without being a hybrid in all trims, surpasses the Atlas in highway fuel economy, achieving 23 mpg combined. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Atlas offers no clear advantage.
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas presents a mixed bag. It excels in providing a spacious and comfortable environment for families, and the updated powertrain is competent. However, the frustrating infotainment system, uninspired driving dynamics, and a general lack of standout features relegate the Atlas to a less competitive position within its segment. While it matches competitors in terms of pricing and basic specifications, the execution falls short in key areas, making it a less compelling choice compared to more well-rounded rivals. The Atlas, despite its potential, ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to truly lead in the three-row SUV class.
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