Volkswagen recently unveiled refreshed versions of their popular full size Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUV family for 2024. The seven-passenger Atlas and five-seat Atlas Cross Sport get a host of improvements inside and out, more technology, but get powertrain change some may see as a downgrade.
Starting right up front, there is a face lift included for both models that differentiate the two models further apart from one another. They feature more chrome and upgraded adaptive LED headlamps. Striking is a full width lightbar and daytime running light signature with an illuminated VW logo that’s standard on all but the base model.
At the rear are larger spoilers and a new LED taillight treatment that like the front has a full width signature line and illuminated VW logo, again on all but base models. Below is a revised rear fascia on both that looks good but for some reason VW is continuing with the garish fake functionless exhaust outlets. Ughh VW you are better than this, or at least you used to be.
Moving on, the refresh is tied down with a variety of new wheels ranging from standard 18-inch size to 21-inches on the top R-line.
The interior is where most people will appreciate a significant step up from the Rubbermaid hard plastic palace the Atlas has been. New softer more expensive feeling materials have been added throughout on the dash, console and doors.
To boost its competitive edge a heated steering wheel with shift paddles, heated and ventilated front seats with more adjustment range for both driver and passenger are standard as is automatic climate control. You can also get leather instead of vinyl one trim grade lower than before.
The redesigned dash features a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster standard. Center stage is a new 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display with App-Connect among other features. Available are a wireless charger and lots of charging ports throughout.
While the chassis remains unchanged, semi-autonomous and passive aggressive driving aids are now standard in VW’s IQ.DRIVE suite. This includes among other things lane centering and various alerts to help you actually pay attention to the driving at hand.
Lastly but likely the most notable difference for 2024 is the loss of the long popular 3.6-liter VR6 engine, replaced with the 2.0 turbocharged and direct-injected four with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel-drive optional.
It has 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Volkswagen tries to cheer us up saying four-popper offers similar horsepower to the VR6 – though it is slightly less. There is more torque though that’s available over a wider rev range however and in spite of the smaller engine towing capability stays the same at 5,000 pounds.
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will arrive late this summer. Pricing and packaging specs will be announced closer to that time.
