It’s hard to predict the American car market, but one thing is undoubtedly true for automakers: Build an excellent 3-row SUV, and people will buy it. Volkswagen finally figured that out in 2018, when the first Atlas SUV went on sale. The Chattanooga, TN-built family hauler is a hot seller for VW, and for 2024 it and its 2-row counterpart—the Atlas Cross Sport—get a makeover.
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport enter 2024 with a simplified powertrain lineup. VW nixed the V6 option for the new model year, opting for a turbocharged 4-cylinder with 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The new turbo engine is far more potent than the previously standard 4-cylinder and comes close to the V6’s output, which keeps the Atlas’ towing capacity at 5,000 pounds. Like the 2023 model, the engine will pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen updates the Atlas duo’s exterior with a new front end that brings an updated LED lighting system and standard adaptive headlights. Most trim levels get an LED lightbar across the grille, and the lower fascia picks up air intakes. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches for all but the R-Line trim, which gets gloss-black 21-inch wheels.
The interior gets upgraded with a standard heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a height-adjustable passenger seat, and shift paddles. A new center console comes with a lower storage cubby, and leather upholstery is available in lower trim levels than before. A 12-inch floating infotainment screen comes standard, and VW equips its excellent configurable digital gauge cluster on every trim. The Digital Cockpit Pro system offers map views, vehicle information, and other displays directly in front of the driver.
The previous Atlas missed an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award, but VW subsequently updated its IQ.Drive safety package for the new model year, which may help. The system now offers standard hands-on semi-autonomous driving features, which work on the highway with lane-centering assistance and adaptive cruise control systems.
No pricing or specific release dates are available, but VW says the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will launch early in the third quarter of 2023. The new model will likely be slightly more expensive than its predecessor’s mid-$30,000 starting price due to the upgraded engine, tech, and, of course, inflation.
Volkswagen is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 9, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Autoweek, and others.
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