2024 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T SE Review

This week I bring you the refreshed 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The three-row SUV is one of VW's most popular vehicles in America -  it was the #2 seller behind the TIguan in 2023.  For 2024, I'm delighted to report that VW's given it some much-needed updates that include a nicer, more upscale cabin with more premium materials and comfort features along with a new engine and safety updates.

Exterior

My model is the base SE trim.  All Atlas grades receive a wide chrome four-bar grille that further differentiates it from the Atlas Cross Sport.  LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail lights are standard, as is a newly standard Adaptive Front-lighting System.   Rain sensing wipers are also newly standard across the lineup.

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All trims get new wheel designs - the SE rides on 18-inch machined aluminum-alloys.  

A chrome “Atlas” name strip  stretches across the tail end and a larger spoiler is new for 2024. Black roof rails sit on top of the SE trim.

Powertrain

The VW Atlas gets a big update to its powertrain for 2024. As in a new engine that replaces both the previous four-cylinder and VR6 options. The new 2.0 Turbo 4-cylinder engine delivers 269-horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque with regular fuel.  VW says that's an increase of 34 horsepower and 15 lb.-ft. over the previous generation four-cylinder engine.  It's mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.    VW says the new turbo engine is also more fuel efficient than the previous VR6.  The engine features stop/start tech but you can disable it.

My vehicle is front-wheel drive but 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available across the lineup. In terms of capability, the SE will two 2,000 pounds, but the lineup offers up to 5,000 pounds towing capacity.

Interior 

The 2024 Atlas's major upgrade nets a redesigned cabin with much nicer materials and less plastic. I'm impressed with the changes VW's made to make the interior more upscale, even on my base model. It's a smart move by VW to keep its three-row SUV competitive.  Updates include a leatherette-trimmed soft-touch dash and center console.  

My two-tone Shetland Beige/Black titan interior really looks great. V-Tex leatherette patterned seats are heated and ventilated. The driver's seat is 10-way power adjustable.

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The trim that wraps around the Digital Cockpit really adds a premium element.  The leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with silver trim looks great minus the small black paddle shifters which a) are too small and b) could use some jazzing up.

I love the redesigned, much sleeker, and minimalistic center console. What a difference it makes to the vehicle's interior vibe.  It hosts a very short gear shifter along with your engine stop/start button and various other controls along with two cup holders. In front of the console you'll find two USB C ports and a wireless charger. There's a storage cubby underneath.

Three-zone climate is now standard across the lineup. But sorry, there's no panoramic sunroof on the SE or any sunroof for that matter.

The SE comes with a comfortable 2nd-row bench seat with a drop down center armrest. Passengers get their own A/C vents and digital controls. It is also easy to access the third row.

The Atlas is without a doubt roomy. Even in the third row which actually fits adults even though you lose a little head room.  The 50/50 split third row seats are comfortable too.  You don't get power-folding 3rd-row seats but they are easy to fold flat using a lever.

There is plenty of cargo space in the Atlas, along with a 12 volt, with or without the 3rd-row down - though be forewarned you'll need a higher trim for the easy open/close tailgate feature.   

Standard lineup features include three-zone Climatronic automatic climate control, wireless charging, USB-C charging ports, and rain sensing wipers.

Technology

The Atlas lineup comes standard with VW's 10.25 Digital Pro Cockpit driver display. The graphics are really amazing, plus it's bright and easy to read.  If you have a vehicle with navigation it will display it full screen.

 

 

 

A 12-inch touchscreen runs VW's latest multimedia system which I think it's fantastic. It's responsive, the graphics are great and it's user friendly.   It's also where you'll control some of the vehicles climate functions.  Voice control works great, too. My SE model only has a 6-speaker sound system, (pass me some tissues please).

Ride and Drive

The Atlas is a larger SUV with a comfortable ride and drive.  Steering, like with most VW models outside the Golf, is on the looser side.  So it's not terribly engaging if you are looking for sportier driving dynamics.   The new engine delivers nice acceleration and the Atlas delivers a confident ride in city and highway traffic.  It's pretty quiet, too.  The front-wheel drive model features five drive modes for front-wheel drive: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow.

Safety 

For 2024, all Atlas models are equipped with IQ Drive that comes with a lengthy list of driver assistance features including Travel Assist, an impressive semi-autonomous feature that works well.  It also comes with a rear view camera system, a seatbelt reminder system for all three rows and an exit warning system.

What You'll Pay

You'll pay just shy of $40,000 for this upgraded three-row SUV which is a great price point especially given all the newly standard upgrades and new powertrain.

Verdict

VW makes all the right moves with the updated Atlas giving it a fresh, more premium feel and more standard features, all things it needed to stay competitive.  It's much nicer cabin is worth a look if you're looking for a third-row SUV.