Volkswagen has refreshed its midsize SUVs, the Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport, for the 2024 model year. The updated models feature new styling, more power, enhanced technology, and improved safety. Here’s what you need to know about these spacious and versatile vehicles.
New Look, Same Space
The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have a new front end that gives them a more aggressive and modern appearance. The grille, headlights, and bumper have been redesigned to create a wider and lower stance. The LED headlights and taillights have also been updated with a new signature look. The R-Line trims add sporty touches such as a gloss black grille, body-color side skirts, and 20- or 21-inch wheels.
The interior of the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport has also been refined with higher-quality materials, new steering wheel, and new stitching patterns on the seats and door panels. The dashboard features a standard 12-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless charging, and six USB-C ports. The digital cockpit displays a 10.25-inch customizable instrument cluster that can show various information such as navigation, media, and driver assistance features.
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport retain their generous dimensions that make them stand out in the crowded midsize SUV segment. The Atlas offers three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, with 153.7 cubic feet of passenger volume and 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. The Atlas Cross Sport has two rows of seating for up to five passengers, with 112 cubic feet of passenger volume and 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Both models have foldable rear seats that can expand the cargo capacity to 96.8 cubic feet for the Atlas and 77.8 cubic feet for the Atlas Cross Sport.
More Power, More Efficiency
The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have a new engine option that boosts their performance and efficiency. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been upgraded to produce 245 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 20 horsepower and 15 lb-ft from the previous model. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The fuel economy ratings for the 2.0-liter engine are 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive models, and 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for the all-wheel drive models.
The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport also offer a 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine is also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The fuel economy ratings for the V6 engine are 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive models, and 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined for the all-wheel drive models.
The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the V6 engine and the towing package. The 2.0-liter engine can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Enhanced Technology, Improved Safety
The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have a new infotainment system that offers more features and convenience. The MIB3 system has a faster processor, better graphics, and enhanced voice recognition. The system also supports over-the-air updates and personalization through the Volkswagen ID feature. The Volkswagen Car-Net app allows the users to access various functions such as remote start, lock and unlock, vehicle status, and parking location from their smartphones. The app also offers Wi-Fi hotspot, roadside assistance, emergency call, and family guardian features.
The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have also improved their safety and driver assistance features. The IQ.DRIVE system is now standard on all models and includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and travel assist. The travel assist feature can semi-automatically steer, accelerate, and brake the vehicle at speeds up to 95 mph. The park assist feature, which can automatically steer the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces, is optional on the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.
Pricing and Availability
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are available in six trim levels: S, SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. The starting prices for the 2024 Atlas are $36,715 for the S, $38,065 for the SE, $42,005 for the SE with Technology, $48,785 for the SEL, $49,885 for the SEL R-Line, and $52,795 for the SEL Premium R-Line. The starting prices for the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport are $36,315 for the S, $37,665 for the SE, $41,605 for the SE with Technology, $48,385 for the SEL, $49,485 for the SEL R-Line, and $52,395 for the SEL Premium R-Line.
The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are expected to launch at the start of the third quarter of 2023. They will be built at the Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant in Tennessee, along with the Passat sedan and the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV.
How They Compare
The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport face tough competition in the midsize SUV segment, which is one of the most popular and diverse categories in the US market. Here are some of the key rivals and how they compare to the Volkswagen models:
| Model | Base Price | Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel Economy | Passenger Volume | Cargo Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Volkswagen Atlas | $36,715 | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 245 hp | 273 lb-ft | 25 mpg | 153.7 cu ft | 96.8 cu ft |
| 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | $36,315 | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 245 hp | 273 lb-ft | 25 mpg | 112 cu ft | 77.8 cu ft |
| 2024 Kia Telluride | $37,355 | 3.8L V6 | 291 hp | 262 lb-ft | 23 mpg | 178.1 cu ft | 87 cu ft |
| 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander | $44,465 | 3.5L V6 + Electric Motor | 306 hp | N/A | 34 mpg | 141.3 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft |
| 2024 Mazda CX-90 | $40,970 | 2.5L Turbo I4 | 250 hp | 320 lb-ft | 24 mpg | 135.1 cu ft | 71.2 cu ft |
| 2024 Mazda CX-90 Hybrid | $48,820 | 2.5L Turbo I4 + Electric Motor | 227 hp | 310 lb-ft | 30 mpg | 135.1 cu ft | 71.2 cu ft |
| 2024 Ford Bronco | $41,025 | 2.3L Turbo I4 | 300 hp | 325 lb-ft | 21 mpg | 108.2 cu ft | 83 cu ft |
As you can see, the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offer competitive performance, efficiency, and space in their class. They also have advantages such as standard driver assistance features, wireless connectivity, and over-the-air updates. However, they also face challenges such as higher prices, lower reliability ratings, and less brand loyalty than some of their rivals.
Conclusion
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are bigger, bolder, and better than before. They have new styling, more power, enhanced technology, and improved safety that make them more attractive and appealing to midsize SUV.
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