The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport obtain their first main replace since being launched in 2017 and 2020, respectively. Volkswagen hopes the refreshed Atlas will compete within the crowded three-row, mid-size phase with the likes of the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, whereas the Cross Sport contends with two-row fashions just like the Chevrolet Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. To take action, each fashions obtain updates that embrace contemporary styling, tech enhancements, extra customary function content material, and a simplified engine lineup.

The legendary VR6 engine is formally useless within the US, with the Atlas household now utilizing a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the one powertrain possibility. That four-pot is extremely improved from final 12 months, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, which is up from 235 hp and 258 lb-ft beforehand.

To search out out if the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport ship sturdy worth within the mid-size crossover phase, DrivingOnRoad flew out to upstate New York to drive each.

Exterior: The Svelte Brute

Each the three-row Atlas and its smaller, two-row Cross Sport variant have been at all times fairly enticing in a brutish type of approach. The underpinnings stay the identical on each fashions, however new fascias and lighting parts make each look extra svelte than earlier than. A large grille is flanked by LED headlights as customary, with LED operating lights on all however the base fashions. All however the base fashions additionally get a cool full-length mild bar above the grille with an illuminated VW emblem within the grille. This look is mirrored within the again the place all fashions besides the bottom embrace a linked taillight bar with a VW emblem that lights up.

Each get a spoiler on the again, but when VW needed to create extra separation between the Atlas and the Cross Sport, the automaker did not make it apparent. Up entrance, they give the impression of being the identical: We stared at each side-by-side and could not spot the distinction from the entrance, as each get the identical nostril design with x-theme within the decrease bumper. The principle distinction may be seen within the facet profile and on the rear – there is a extra tapered, coupe-like again finish, and the Cross Sport is about 5 inches shorter because of this.

18-inch wheels come customary, whereas gloss black 21-inch wheels can be found on R-Line trims. We significantly just like the look of the rugged Peak Version, which provides all-terrain tires, physique cladding, and extra. Kingfisher Blue (Cross Sport solely) and Avocado Inexperienced (Peak Version solely) make fascinating additions to the in any other case tame coloration palette.

Inside: Extra Options, Fewer Knobs

Inside, the Atlas feels prefer it took two steps ahead however three steps again. A 12-inch infotainment system now comes customary, practically doubling the bottom display dimension. Nonetheless, the person interface comprises far too many menus and submenus, making it difficult to search out necessary capabilities shortly. You’ll be able to discuss to the system by saying “Hey Volkswagen,” which works fairly properly, however we would want some form of break up display choice to keep away from getting buried within the infotainment.

Just like the ID.4, the Atlas additionally lacks bodily buttons for capabilities like radio quantity, temperature management, and fan velocity. You both want to make use of the annoying contact sliders – which, frustratingly, do not mild up at evening – or push the contact capacitive clima (local weather) button to tug up a local weather menu on the display. Mercifully, the steering wheel has bodily buttons, not the capacitive ones from the ID.4 and Golf GTI. The ten.25-inch Digital Cockpit Professional is nice, providing a number of design modes for the gauges and full customization of what is proven within the heart, left, and proper parts of the show.

VW solely introduced alongside fully-loaded SEL Premium R-Line trims for us to drive, giving us a style of the priciest inside. This trim will get full leather-based with diamond stitching, mimicking what’s seen larger up within the VW Group in Audi and even Bentley merchandise. As a slight differentiation, the Atlas Cross Sports activities will get just a few distinctive inside coloration and trim choices, together with Titan (black) leather-based with blue underlays (pictured under).

The highest trims really feel fairly luxurious, however even the bottom Atlas SE trim is very well-equipped. All Atlas trims now embrace heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, energy passenger seat, and computerized local weather management. Usually, these are options which might be locked to all however the prime trim ranges on competitor SUVs.

Practicality: The Greatest Folks’s Automobile

Although it is not essentially the most spacious automobile in its class (the Chevy Traverse and Toyota Grand Highlander outmatch it), the Atlas continues to be thought-about one of the crucial sensible mid-size SUVs cash can purchase. Even with the third row up, it provides 20.6 cubic ft of area within the trunk. That goes as much as 55 cubic ft with the third row tucked away. With the second row folded, the Atlas is positively cavernous with 96.8 cubic ft. Legroom is equally beneficiant with 41.7 inches within the entrance row, 37.6 inches within the second row, and 33.7 inches within the third row.

As for the Cross Sport, it additionally exists on the bigger facet of the two-row, mid-size phase. There are 40.4 cubes behind the seats, which is barely marginally lower than the spectacular cargo maintain within the Honda Passport. With the second row folded, the Cross Sport really beats the Passport with 77.8 cubes. And since there isn’t any third row to cram within the Cross Sport, second-row legroom is stretched to a whopping 40.4 inches.

Engine: Bye Bye VR6

After a number of many years and numerous generations, the venerable VR6 engine has been retired within the US market. Do not mourn it for too lengthy, although, as a result of it is changed by a superior engine. The two.0-liter turbocharged EA888 takes its place as the one engine out there in each Atlas fashions, now producing 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. That is barely much less energy than the VR6 produced, however extra on the torque determine. Plus, that torque hits low within the rev vary, making the EA888 really feel gutsier than its naturally aspirated predecessor.

Gasoline financial system is improved too, rated at 20/27/23 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed with front-wheel-drive on each fashions. These numbers drop with the addition of 4Motion all-wheel-drive, which comes customary on most higher trims, and additional nonetheless on the Peak Version due to its all-terrain tires. Energy is distributed out by a easy eight-speed computerized transmission.

Driving Impressions: A Massive Ol’ Softy

Out on the highway, there’s not a considerable distinction between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The latter is a bit shorter and lighter, giving it a slight increase in agility, however not everybody will discover it. Each are tuned softly to soak up highway imperfections and nonetheless ship a cushty experience, even on 21-inch wheels. There’s some secondary rebound impact when going over undulations, however the Atlas isn’t what we would name sloppy.

Steering effort is mild no matter driving mode, with a little bit of play within the heart of the rack. It is actually not the sharpest three-row SUV on the market, however it handles simply positive. The Atlas feels each little bit of its dimension on the highway; it is not a type of automobiles that shrink round you. Drivers who prefer to really feel in command on the highway could want this sensation.

Highway noise is minimal, although there’s a tender roar that comes from the 21-inch tires on the SEL Premium R-Line. We think about the smaller wheels shall be quieter. As for the four-cylinder engine, there are not any worries there. It quietly goes about its job, by no means emitting a howl just like the outdated VR6 used to do. That is the engine the Atlas at all times deserved.

Pricing & Verdict: A Massive Folks’s Automobile

Volkswagen has struggled for an identification because it shifts from being a passenger automobile model to an SUV model within the US; with the 2024 Atlas household, the German automaker could have lastly discovered its place out there. Beginning at $37,725 for the SE trim with FWD, the Atlas is way from the most affordable possibility in its phase. Nonetheless, its sturdy checklist of normal options provides patrons all the things they want on the base stage with out having to climb to the highest of the trim ladder.

We expect the SE w/ Tech brings the strongest worth for $41,665 ($43,565 with AWD), including 20-inch wheels, an influence liftgate, distant begin, rear sunshades, further USB ports, and parking sensors. Going all-in on an Atlas SEL Premium R-Line with customary AWD brings the worth to $52,455, which places it on par with the higher stage of rivals just like the Telluride and Palisade.

As for the Cross Sport, it is a bit cheaper beginning at $36,715 for the SE FWD, and going as much as $51,445 for the SEL Premium R-Line. In comparison with the Honda Passport, it is cheaper on the low finish however costlier on the prime finish of the vary. However it’s newer and way more premium inside, so definitely worth the improve in value.

The 2024 Atlas is probably not excellent, however it proves that high-end options do not should value over $50 grand, and households on a funds need to be pampered. If that is not a folks’s automobile, we do not know what’s.