The demand for more capable — or more capable looking — utility vehicles has taken hold at Volkswagen, showing up in the form of the 2024 VW Atlas Peak Edition.
More and more automakers are adding off-road functionality to their pickups and sport-utility vehicles. The new Peak Edition is based off the Basecamp Concept revealed in 2019, with new body cladding elements aimed at creating a tougher, more capable look for potential buyers.
Peak Edition models immediately stand out from the crowd due its “rugged” front fascia and underbody cladding in silver. Competitors from General Motors, Ford, Kia, Hyundai and more have all introduced similar vehicles that have been beefed up — in capability, looks or both.
A gloss-black “X” design element stretches across the lower fascia, borrowed from Atlas Cross Sport, officials noted. Additionally, two chrome strips pop on an otherwise blacked-out grille, streaming to both sides of the illuminated logo.
Wait! There’s more!
On the side of the vehicle sits a large gloss-black badge on the front quarter panel with the Peak Edition logo in orange and chrome.
If you want to look the part, adding 18-inch black alloy wheels equipped with 255/60 all-terrain tires not only makes it look more capable it actually bolsters the versatility of the Atlas. The overall look is supported with rugged side sills in black and silver, plus black mirror caps, window surround, wheel arches and roof rails complete the black-out look in profile.
In the back of the special edition beast is a black tailgate strip that meets a rugged black and silver diffuser with chrome exhaust bezels. New exterior colors for the Atlas family, and exclusive to Peak Edition models, are Avocado Green and Pure Grey, according to VW officials.
Moving inside
While exterior style is important, VW’s design team created a signature look derived from the color in the logo. Titan Black leatherette is paired with light grey accents and orange contrast stitching.
Dash and door inserts in a black metallic check pattern further set the look apart from the rest of the Atlas family. A steering wheel clip bears the same logo as the exterior badging and ambient lighting with 30 color choices pairs with innovative backlit dash décor reading “Peak Edition.”
The all-new Peak Edition trimline joins the 2024 Atlas line-up in time for summer. Pricing information was not revealed.