2024 Vw Atlas And Atlas Cross Sport Review: A Refreshed Pair Of Family Suvs

Volkswagen has given its Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs a major makeover for the 2024 model year. The two models, which share the same platform and powertrain, have received updated exterior and interior designs, enhanced technology features, and a more powerful base engine. The refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport aim to compete in the crowded and competitive midsize SUV segment, where rivals such as the Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Honda Passport offer strong value, performance, and style.

What’s New for 2024?

The most noticeable changes for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are on the outside. Both models have revised front and rear fascias, with new headlights and taillights that feature LED technology and dynamic turn signals. The grille is also larger and more prominent, giving the SUVs a more aggressive and confident look. The Atlas Cross Sport, which is the sportier and sleeker version of the Atlas, also gets a new rear spoiler and a more sculpted tailgate. Both models offer new wheel designs, ranging from 18 to 21 inches in size, and new exterior colors, such as Aurora Red and Racing Green.

The interior of the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport has also been upgraded with more premium materials and features. The dashboard and center console have been redesigned, with a new 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging. The instrument cluster is also digital, with a 10.25-inch display that can be customized to show different information. The seats are now heated and ventilated in the front, and heated in the second row. The steering wheel is also heated, and has paddle shifters for manual control of the transmission. The cabin also has six USB-C ports with fast charging capability, and a new ambient lighting system with 30 color options.

The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport also benefit from more standard and available safety and driver-assistance features, thanks to the IQ.DRIVE system. This system includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The SUVs also have a new Travel Assist feature, which can semi-automate the driving on highways and roads with clear lane markings, by combining the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist functions. The driver still has to keep their hands on the steering wheel and pay attention to the road, but the system can help reduce fatigue and stress on long trips.

The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport also have a more powerful base engine, which is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 245 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 20 horsepower and 23 pound-feet over the previous model. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The optional engine is still a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, and also comes with an eight-speed automatic and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The fuel economy ratings for the 2024 models have not been announced yet, but the 2023 models with the four-cylinder engine achieved 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive, according to the EPA. The V6 engine, on the other hand, delivered 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.

How Do They Drive?

We had the chance to drive the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport on a variety of roads and conditions, and we came away impressed by their comfort, refinement, and versatility. The four-cylinder engine, which is expected to be the more popular choice among buyers, provided adequate power and smooth acceleration, while the transmission shifted smoothly and responsively. The V6 engine, which is only available on the higher trim levels, offered more punch and a more satisfying sound, but also consumed more fuel and added more weight to the front end. The steering was light and precise, and the suspension was well-tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, without compromising stability and handling. The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport felt composed and confident on twisty roads, but they were not particularly engaging or fun to drive. They were more suited for cruising and relaxing, which is what most buyers in this segment are looking for.

The main difference between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport was in their size and space. The Atlas is a three-row, seven-seat SUV that can accommodate adults in all rows, while the Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row, five-seat SUV that offers more cargo space and a more stylish appearance. The Atlas has 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 96.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, has 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 77.6 cubic feet behind the first row. Both models have plenty of headroom and legroom in the front and second rows, but the Atlas Cross Sport has a more sloping roofline that reduces the rear visibility and headroom. The Atlas also has a more upright and boxy shape that makes it easier to park and maneuver, while the Atlas Cross Sport has a more aerodynamic and sleek shape that makes it more attractive and sporty.

How Much Do They Cost?

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are available in six trim levels: S, SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. The prices for the Atlas start at $36,985 for the S model with the four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, and go up to $52,795 for the SEL Premium R-Line model with the V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The prices for the Atlas Cross Sport start at $38,065 for the S model with the four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, and go up to $54,895 for the SEL Premium R-Line model with the V6 engine and all-wheel drive. All prices include a $1,195 destination charge.

The S model comes with standard features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, roof rails, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, six USB-C ports, a digital instrument cluster, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, a rearview camera, and the IQ.DRIVE system. The SE model adds features such as 20-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, keyless entry and start, tri-zone automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery, a power driver’s seat, and a blind-spot monitor. The SE with Technology model adds features such as 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a remote start, a hands-free liftgate, a navigation system, a 12-speaker Fender sound system, and front and rear parking sensors. The SEL model adds features such as a power passenger seat, a heated second row, a memory function for the driver’s seat and mirrors, a 360-degree camera, and the Travel Assist feature. The SEL R-Line model adds features such as a sporty body kit, black exterior accents, and R-Line badges. The SEL Premium R-Line model adds features such as all-wheel drive, the V6 engine, leather upholstery, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, ventilated second-row seats, a head-up display, and a wireless smartphone mirroring system.

Should You Buy One?

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are well-rounded and well-equipped midsize SUVs that offer a lot of value, space, and technology for the money. They are not the most exciting or dynamic SUVs in their class, but they are comfortable, refined, and versatile. They are also backed by a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and a two-year/20,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance program. If you are looking for a family-friendly SUV that can handle your daily needs and occasional adventures, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are worth considering. However, suppose you are looking for a more engaging and fun-to-drive SUV. In that case, you might want to check out some of their competitors, such as the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Honda Passport, which offer more personality, performance, and style.