Volkswagen Revamps Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport
For the 2024 model year, Volkswagen is rolling out a number of changes to its two biggest crossovers. In addition to the revised look, there are a number of material and technical improvements in the cabin.
Oh yes – and it includes an all-new engine.
Engineers ditched the old four-cylinder and V6 options in favor of a new turbocharged four-cylinder. This direct-injected unit displaces 2.0 liters and makes a total of 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, all of which is sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on trim level, via an eight-speed automatic. Those numbers are 7 fewer and 7 more, respectively, than last year’s 3.6-litre V6 engine, although it’s likely that peak power will arrive on the rev counter much sooner thanks to the blower. The old four-banger made 235 hp/258 lb-ft if you’re wondering. Probably not.
VW insists there’s now more differentiation between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport on their front fascias, just in case your neighbors overlook the totally obvious styling variances behind the C-pillar. Hey, complaining to the HOA is a full-time job, so they might need those extra visual cues. As usual with a refresh of this kind, revised bezels and new light signatures are a sure sign that this is a 2024. Key changes include daytime running lights, which wrap around the headlights and fade into an illuminated bar of light above an illuminated VW logo. Any reference to a Mercury Sable light bar can be included in the comments. At least it doesn’t fade to yellow in five or six years. Perhaps.
The cabin is said to feature far better materials, including a few new soft-touch finishes that should spice up the place nicely. A heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, ventilated front seats and a height-adjustable passenger seat are now standard. This center console makes better use of interior space with a new storage space, while segment-typical features like backlit dash decor and ambient lighting are now part of the deal on some trims.
Buyers can look forward to a 12-inch infotainment display, while drivers of any trim level will benefit from a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which Volkswagen prefers to call the Digital Cockpit Pro. Give yourself a gold star if you remember a suspiciously similar name at Audi. Up to eight USB ports are scattered around the cabin, ditching some common VW crap, and other niceties like wireless device charging also make an appearance.
More details and pricing will be announced ahead of the launch, which is planned for early third quarter of this year.
[Images: VW, © 2023 Chris Tonn/TTAC ]
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