Photo: Volkswagen
Volkswagen has stripped the covers of its two biggest crossovers: the 2024 Atlas And Atlas cross sport. The German automaker says in addition to a new face, the Atlas now has a host of new technical features and an improved and livelier interior. Since it’s 2023, VW added a front light bar to sister vehicles to keep up with the rest of the industry.
The 2024 Atlas exterior
Photo: Volkswagen
While this isn’t a major makeover for the Atlases, Volkswagen has updated the exterior to clearly differentiate the two cars. Both share similarities, including a wider four-bar grille framed by standard adaptive LED headlights. DRLs wrap around the headlights and transition into the aforementioned light bar with an illuminated VW logo underneath on all trims except the base.
A fairly complete new front fascia with better integrated air intakes completes the look for the two crossovers. However, Cross Sports will feature gloss black grille detailing as well as a gloss black “X” design element above the lower bezel.
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Photo: Volkswagen
At the rear, both crossovers get a larger spoiler that lengthens the roofline. Like the fascia, the fascias above the base have a light bar on the trunk lid – to mirror the front one. The Cross Sport differs from the regular Atlas by having a more aggressive rear diffuser than the previous model.
Both Atlas and Atlas Cross have a choice of 18- to 21-inch wheels depending on the trim level chosen.
In Atlas 2024
Photo: Volkswagen
The German automaker says there are some key tweaks and upgrades to the interior of both vehicles for the 2024 model year. As with all not-quite-luxury mid-range vehicles, there’s a lot of faux leather on the seats, center console, and dashboard. However, if you opt for the top trim, you get genuine leather seats with a quilted diamond pattern. Leather seats and heated rear seats are also available as an option in the rear.
The ambient lighting is available in 30 different colors, which can be changed Volkswagen says is “innovative backlit dash decor”. In addition to heated and ventilated front seats, owners also get a heated steering wheel with paddle shifters.
The automaker also says the center console has been completely redesigned to house a storage compartment underneath. Above, customers will find the new proprietary VW stub gearshift. I kind of like it, even if it’s a bit strange.
The 2024 Atlas Tech and Engine
Photo: Volkswagen
As we’re seeing more of the same on recently launched vehicles, the Atlases now feature a 12-inch “floating” infotainment display paired with a 10.25-inch fully configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro display. Accompanying these two screens is a heads-up display. Buyers also get standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If that’s not your mood, there are also six to eight USB-C ports available to add things to, depending on trim choices. Another hands-free feature is the ability for drivers to access climate controls via VW’s voice control system.
Standard on both atlases is Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE driver assistance suite, which includes semi-automatic driving, lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel. Like other semi-autonomous driving systems, IQ.DRIVE informs you if there is a surprising obstacle in front of you.
Photo: Volkswagen
Gone is the VR6 under the hoodSo whether you choose the five-seat Atlas Cross Sport or the seven-seat Atlas, you’re getting a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both numbers are comparable to the outgoing model.
There is no information on pricing at the time of writing, but Volkswagen says it will announce those numbers at some point before the vehicles actually launch in the third quarter of this year.
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