The biggest news at Volkswagen for the 2024 model year is the makeover of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport crossover SUVs. The 7-passenger Atlas and 5-passenger Atlas Cross Sport get new interiors and a new base engine. The Atlas model also adds a new off-road-oriented trim level. Volkswagen also makes its hands-on-the-wheel semi-automated IQ.Drive system standard on all models with automatic transmissions.
For the 2024 model year, the highly styled Arteon 4-door sedan offers buyers the choice of two trims—SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line—both with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The two trims get minor cosmetic changes.
The most substantive change to the 7-passenger Atlas crossover SUV for model year 2024 is the addition of the all-terrain-oriented Atlas Peak Edition. Its exterior makes clear its off-road aspirations with body cladding, unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and blacked-out details. Inside, it offers trim that carries the same theme. It's available exclusively with AWD.
In addition, Volkswagen gives the entire Atlas lineup a serious interior makeover and equips the midsize crossover with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. While the new engine offers similar horsepower to the VR6 engine it replaces, it delivers added torque available over a broader rev range for better drivability. An 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, with the 4Motion AWD system available across the lineup.
The interior redesign includes upgraded materials like the leatherette-trimmed soft-touch dash and center console. Top-of-the-line trims feature quilted leather seats with a diamond stitching pattern. The upgraded standard features include a heated steering wheel with shift paddles, ventilated front seats, and automatic climate control.
The 5-passenger Atlas Cross Sport, which shares its underpinnings and mechanicals with the 7-passenger Atlas, benefits from the Atlas' interior upgrades described above. Volkswagen has made a concerted attempt to improve the interior look and feel of both Atlas models. In addition to the changes outlined earlier, the Atlas Cross Sport gets a redesigned center console with a storage cubby underneath. Heated second-row seats are now more widely available on both Atlas models.
The sporty Golf GTI gets subtle changes for the new year. Volkswagen adds power-folding exterior mirrors as standard on all three GTI trims. The GTI SE also gets a new wheel design. VW also introduces a new special equipment set, dubbed GTI 380, available on all GTI trims.
The high-performance Golf R shares the big change the GTI gets for 2024. Both hot hatches now offer their customers the convenience of power-folding exterior mirrors. The Golf R also gets a new 19-inch wheel design as a mid-model-year update.
The VW ID.4 electric compact SUV gets a significant upgrade in 2024. Volkswagen equips its 82-kWh battery models with a new drive unit that promises greater performance plus an expected improvement to its EPA-estimated range. The rear-wheel-drive model now produces 282 horsepower, while the AWD version makes an estimated 335 hp. The 82-kWh ID.4 models also get an enhanced 12.9-inch center-dash infotainment display with backlit sliders, a more intuitive climate control interface, and a revised infotainment menu. Changes also include a new shifter position and a revamped steering wheel layout.
Elsewhere, 2024 ID.4 S models with the 82-kWh battery now feature ventilated front-row seats, and the S Plus now offers a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with a 16-channel amplifier. Outside, VW fits 2024 ID.4 Standard AWD models with larger, 20-inch alloy wheels and equips S Plus ID4s with 21-inch machined alloy wheels.
The big news for the VW Jetta for the 2024 model year is the introduction of a limited-production GLI model dubbed the 40th Anniversary Edition. Offered in three exterior colors—gray, white, and blue—the special trim will feature blackout details contrasting with the GLI's typical red trim. Unique 18-inch wheels, plus a black grille, mirror caps, door handles, and spoiler, are also standard. VW will limit the production run to 1,984 vehicles.
In addition to the new limited model, other trims get minor changes. The S trim adds a faux-leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather gearshift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Sport trims add heated front seats and a space-saving spare tire. Finally, the GLI Autobahn adds a heated steering wheel.
For the 2024 model year, the Taos small crossover utility gets several changes at the trim level. The S trim adds light assistance, rain-sensing wipers, and a heated leatherette-trimmed steering wheel. The SE gets dual-zone automatic climate control. A Black package on the SE trim has a black roof, wheels, and additional blackout exterior design elements.
Like the Taos, the Tiguan crossover utility treats its customers to trim-level upgrades. All Tiguan S trims add an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, and a leatherette-trimmed steering wheel. A mid-model-year update will bring the new MIB3 Composition Media infotainment system with wireless charging and application connections.
Volkswagen is the source of information in this article. It was accurate on October 13, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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