Overview
Three-row SUVs, just like the Volkswagen Atlas, reply the wants of households huge and small by providing house, consolation, and towing energy with out the power-sliding doorways of a dorky minivan. Because of its spacious third row, the seven-passenger Atlas serves as a cushty method to transport adults. Because of its giant cabin, with the second- and third-row seats folded, the Atlas transforms into a great tool for hauling cargo. Energy comes from a 269-hp turbocharged inline-four engine bolted to an eight-speed automated. Entrance-wheel drive is normal, however all-wheel drive is on the market as an choice. The Atlas, which competes in opposition to extra refined rivals such because the Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Mazda CX-9, will get higher with each replace Volkswagen throws at it. There’s even an Atlas Cross Sport, reviewed individually, which places a classy spin on the SUV on the expense of a 3rd row.
What’s New for 2024?
Volkswagen is giving the Atlas a classy makeover for 2024 atop a number of brand-new normal gear. The obvious change is the Atlas’ new look. A revised entrance fascia with new headlights is on for trim ranges above SE. There are new wheel designs throughout your complete lineup, together with 21-inch wheels for the R-Line fashions. Volkswagen ditches the beforehand accessible 276-hp V-6, and as a substitute affords the Atlas with solely a 269-hp turbocharged inline-four powertrain. Regardless of the distinction in powerplants, the max towing capability stays 5000 kilos, and an eight-speed transmission with front-wheel drive remains to be normal. All-wheel drive stays an choice. For the cockpit, the refreshed Atlas will get a bunch of recent, extra upscale trim thrown into its in any other case plastic basket. For 2024, Volkswagen additionally makes a heated steering wheel and ventilated entrance seats normal gear. A 12.0-inch infotainment display screen can be new, which is a giant improve from the earlier 8.0-inch unit. VW has additionally added the Atlas Peak Version look bundle, provided with unique Avocado Inexperienced and Pure Grey paint colours and a extra rugged and outdoorsy look.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
We’d suggest including 4Motion all-wheel drive to the Atlas SE with Expertise. This brings distant begin and consists of USB charging ports for the third row. To that, we would spec the second-row captain’s chairs and the tow hitch, which unlocks the Atlas’s most towing capability of 5000 kilos.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
Each Atlas comes with the identical engine now: a 269-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with 273 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with eight-speed automated transmission and both front- or all-wheel drive. We have not pushed an Atlas with this new engine but, so we do not know if it makes the large SUV really feel peppier than the earlier turbo-four did. We’ll replace this story with our impressions and check outcomes from our intensive testing routine once we do get behind the wheel. Our earlier expertise with the Atlas makes us consider it would once more reply obediently to steering inputs and by no means really feel clumsy. It ought to stay composed on the freeway and fairly nimble within the metropolis with a trip that is typically clean over all however the harshest potholes. However since there aren’t any apparent chassis modifications for 2024 we doubt the Atlas can be as enjoyable to drive because the aging-but-still-athletic Mazda CX-9.
Towing and Payload Capability
Each Volkswagen Atlas can tow as a lot as 5000 kilos. That is nearly as good because the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Ascent.
Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG
The EPA estimates that front-wheel drive Atlases ought to be good for 20 mpg metropolis and 27 mpg freeway. Choosing all-wheel drive drops these estimates to 19 mpg metropolis and 26 mpg freeway for many fashions. The Peak Version trims are rated for 18 mpg metropolis and 24 mpg freeway. As soon as we have skilled the brand new powertrain, we’ll additionally get gas financial system information from 75-mph real-world route, which is a part of our intensive testing routine. For extra details about the Atlas’s gas financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Household-friendly inside house, a simple management format, and an overabundance of cupholders make the Atlas a sensible selection, even amongst different extremely sensible rivals. Plus, a 3rd row of seats that may comfortably accommodate full-size adults is a particular win. The inside design of the Atlas is uncomplicated and utilitarian—excellent for households however much less so for fashion experts—although there’s a particular enchancment the cabin supplies for 2024. The Atlas ought to accommodate absolutely anything a suburban household can throw at it, and there are many thoughtfully positioned storage nooks to stash small gadgets. In our baggage testing, the Atlas impressed us by becoming 4 carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 38 behind the primary, identical because the monumental Honda Pilot.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Irrespective of which trim you select, the Atlas comes well-connected and able to entertain. A 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is normal and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a six-speaker sound system, a wi-fi telephone charging, and 6 USB-C ports with 45 watts of charging energy. Sadly it lacks the quantity and tuning knobs that make working the radio system simpler.
Security and Driver-Help Options
The Atlas comes with a bevy of normal and elective driver-assistance expertise. For extra details about the Atlas’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:
- Customary forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Customary blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Accessible adaptive cruise management with a lane-centering characteristic
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Volkswagen supplies an above-average restricted guarantee, however its powertrain protection falls in need of most rivals’. VW does sweeten the take care of complimentary scheduled upkeep that’s just like what Toyota affords.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary upkeep is roofed for 2 years or 20,000 miles
Extra Options and Specs