First Look: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport

  • The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show.
  • The refresh includes minor exterior changes, decent interior upgrades, and slightly improved performance.
  • Equipment details and prices were not published.

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The Chicago Auto Show has a reputation for being a place where trucks move. But with no big announcements from local pickup truck makers, it was Volkswagen that made one of the biggest debuts. It’s not a truck, but the Atlas is the largest SUV offered by VW, and it and the Atlas Cross Sport have been refreshed for the 2024 model year.

Improvements have been made to the powertrain, interior and technology, but the fundamentals (the brand’s much-used MQB platform) remain the same. VW simplifies things in the performance department, replacing the outgoing four-cylinder and V6 with a direct-injected 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This takes performance just as far as last year’s V6 model, only now with slightly more torque over more revs and improved fuel economy. The 2024 Atlas will also tow the same 5,000lbs maximum, and all models will use an eight-speed automatic transmission and have all-wheel drive.

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It seems that much of the focus for the refresh has been on the interior, where you’ll notice the use of more premium materials like “soft-touch” leatherette on the dashboard – which now focuses on a 12-inch screen – and that redesigned floating center console. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel with paddle shifters are now standard, as is wireless charging. Depending on the expansion level, there are six to eight USB-C ports. Other optional interior appointments include quilted leather seats, available in upper trims, and ambient lighting with a palette of 30 colors.

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Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive is a standard set this year, enabling lane centering, semi-autonomous readjustment and obstacle warnings. More predictive cruise control features and a head-up display are available for a small additional cost, but each model will use a configurable 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro screen.

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The exterior refresh started at the bottom with the addition of new wheel designs, available in machined aluminum or black finishes on all trims and from 18 to 20 inches. An R-Line trim will be available with a special badge, a gloss black grille and 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

The front end has been modified with changes to the fascia, integrated air intake and grille, which are now a chromed four-bar affair framed by LEDs and swept by a light bar on all but the base models. The wing at the rear is also slightly larger.

VW wanted to create a little more variety between Atlas and Cross Sport for the 2024 model year. To that end, the Cross now sports black grille accents, a black “X” on the lower bezel, and a sharper rear diffuser.

Volkswagen says it plans to share trim details, pricing, performance and economic numbers closer to the launch date sometime in late summer or early fall. We’ll have more to say about the refreshed 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport soon driving.approx.

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