2024 VW Atlas & Atlas Cross Sport to Arrive With New Styling, Turbo Engine & Updated Safety Features
The 2024 VW Atlas seven-seat crossover and its five-seat sibling, the Atlas Cross Sport, debut with significant updates inside and out. First introduced by Volkswagen in 2018 in SUV-crazy America, the Atlas won the hearts of crossover buyers for its spaciousness and refined driving style. VW introduced the five-seat Atlas Cross Sport in 2020 as a sportier alternative for buyers.
Prepare the stage
However, since the Atlas debuted, the competition has increased with equally brilliant and more enticing offerings. Kia has the Telluride while Jeep has the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L to name a few. That’s why VW saw fit to revive the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport to better keep up with its fast-moving counterparts.
“The Atlas was the first modern Volkswagen designed, engineered and produced specifically for American buyers, and since its debut it has grown into a major player in the US market,” said Pablo Di Si, Volkswagen President and CEO of America. “The refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport continue to build on that success, with a sleek new interior and a sophisticated turbocharged engine that enhances both performance and the driving experience.”
2024 VW Atlas & Atlas Cross Sport: What’s new?
Aside from the significant exterior and interior changes, the 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will arrive at dealerships minus the V6 engine option. But then again, there’s a really potent turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder under the hood, a powerplant that VW claims to be all-new without disclosing the internal changes.
Still 269 hp and 273 lb-ft. of torque aren’t anything to scoff at, especially considering the blow-four has comparable power and torque figures to the outgoing 3.6-liter V6. In addition, VW expects the four-pot to gulp less fuel than the V6 (despite similar performance figures) and promise a broader torque curve. The new engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters to turn the front or all four wheels.
2024 VW Atlas & Atlas Cross Sport styling
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport’s conservative styling cues are a blessing or a curse depending on who you ask, but they don’t look their best in our book. VW intends to change that with a new four-bar chrome grille, new LED headlights with adaptive front lighting, funky daytime running lights on all but the base trim, and an illuminated lightbar with illuminated VW logo front and rear.
Other changes include new LED taillights, a redesigned rear roof spoiler, updated 18- to 21-inch wheel designs, and a new Atlas Cross Sport rear diffuser.
Technology and material updates
The VW Atlas has never been about refinement, but the German automaker has taken the necessary steps to make the interior more luxurious to look at and feel. It starts with premium materials and more soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard, center console and door panels. In addition, the cabin now features standard interior lighting, while higher-end variants get quilted cowhide upholstery with diamond-shaped patterns like in a lounge sofa.
The standard equipment list also gets a boost. Standard equipment includes Climatronic automatic air conditioning, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and voice control. Front and center is a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the driver has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while passengers can charge their devices via wireless charging or up to eight USB ports.
Extended security functions from IQ.Drive
The IQ.Drive package from Volkswagen is standard on the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The package includes lane centering, emergency assist, front collision assist and more. Additional safety nets like adaptive cruise control, heads-up display and blind-spot monitoring are available across the lineup.
Prices for VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport 2024
The 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will arrive at US VW dealerships from mid-2023. Official MSRP numbers are yet to come, but we expect the Atlas SE to stay under $40,000 and the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line to start at around $56,000.
Our free and easy search tools* narrow down which dealers near you offer the best prices for a new Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport.
Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog columnist and expert on sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics and accounting at a young age and is still very much in love with his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also enjoys fried chicken, music and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
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