Volkswagen often points out that the Atlas, and later the Atlas Cross Sport, were the company’s first SUVs built with Americans in mind. For 2024, the automaker’s added more of the features that Americans like.
“The Atlas was the first modern Volkswagen designed, engineered and produced specifically for American buyers, and since its debut, it has become a major player in the U.S. market,” said Pablo Di Si, president and CEO, Volkswagen of America.
“The refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport continue to build on that success, with an elegant new interior and a sophisticated turbocharged engine that improves both performance and the driving experience.”
Sounds like they’re hitting the right buttons: more power, more comfort and more technology for the five- and seven-seat offerings VW builds at its sprawling complex near Chattanooga, Tennessee.
More power
One of the criticisms of the utes is that they could use a little more under the hood. VW is making that happen. Both models will be powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder with direct injection. The outgoing models had two options. The new powerplant puts out 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. That’s a substantial bump over the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder offered last year that put out 235 hp.
The other option last year was a 3.6-liter VR6 that put out 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. While giving up a very minor amount of ponies, the new engine adds little torque, which is nice when you’re trying to win the Traffic Light Grand Prix. It’s also designed to improve fuel economy, although no estimates were provided.
Towing capacity remains the same, at 5,000 pounds. An 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard; Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available across the model line-up.
More comfort
The incoming offerings ride on the same underpinnings as their predecessors, according to VW, but the interiors have been redesigned to a more comfortable and more upscale looking place to be. The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport get some higher end materials, rather than the hard plastic that dominated their older siblings — without breaking bank.
The company gives buyers a premium feel off the bat with leatherette-trimmed soft-touch dashboard and center console. Front-row door trim and décor flow seamlessly into the dash panel, creating an upscale cockpit; the door treatment is also mirrored in the second row. Available ambient lighting with 30 color choices pairs with innovative backlit dash décor featuring the model name to elevate the new design. Top-of- range models feature quilted leather seats with a diamond pattern.
It was once popular to espouse — courtesy of Bill Crystal — it is better to look good than to feel good, but VW allows for both in the new utes with heated steering wheels with shift paddles, ventilated front seats and height-adjustable seats for the back rows are now standard. Climatronic automatic climate control and Voice Control. The center console is redesigned with a storage cubby underneath. Leather seating surfaces and heated rear seats are now available a trim line lower than previous models.
More technology
While technology can often be the source of consumer complaints about vehicles, buyers continue to demand more and more technology in their vehicles to improve the driver’s abilities and entertain their passengers.
The new models get 12-inch floating infotainment display is an elegant focal point in the redesigned cockpit, and drivers of every trim level benefit from the 10.25-inch fully configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro. Connecting devices is easier than ever with standard wireless App-Connect, wireless charging, and six USB-C ports (eight available) with 45-watt fast charging.
The company’s new IQ.Drive driver assistance technology features semi-autonomous driving capabilities — which require the driver to have a hand on the steering wheel at all times.
On the highway, IQ.Drive offers lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to make driving easier, and while navigating city streets it will alert you to surprise obstacles in front of you. A head-up display and predictive Adaptive Cruise Control are also available.