2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line AWD: The Brand’s Flagship Three-Row Vehicle

Highlight: The Atlas is being assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 54, 315 (Base SE Model): $39,420

Seating Capacity: 6 or 7 (depending on trim)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; daytime running lights; a stability control system; rear camera; a forward collision braking system; an emergency braking system for pedestrian and cyclist; a lane changing assist system; a rear traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (SE): 18-inch wheels; front wheel drive; adaptive front headlights; a rain sensing windshield wiper system; black roof rails; leather wrapped steering wheel; a power driver’s seat; leather-like seating; heated and ventilated front seats; a three-zone automatic climate control system; 60/40 second row seats; 50/50 third-row seats; keyless access; a 12-inch infotainment screen; an auto dimming rearview mirror; a radar cruise control system; and wireless charging

Standard Equipment (R-Line): 21-inch alloy wheels; AWD; 5,000 towing capacity a gloss black grille; daytime running lights; front grille with integrated light bar; illuminated front and rear  VW logos; rear fascia with integrated red light bar; heated washer nozzles; panoramic power sunroof; side mirrors with position memory and activation; chrome trim on lower door panels and rear bumper; power auto folding mirrors with puddle lights; chrome upper surrounds on side windows; a 360-degree camera; a navigation system; a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system; manual operated sunshades for second-row windows; 30-color ambient lighting; front footwell lights; entry lights in front row; front row metal door still scuff plates; driver’s seat position memory; a three zone automatic climate control system; power front seats; heated second row seats;  perforated leather seats (front and second row); a leather steering wheel; front and rear parking distant controls; hill descent control; a remote power liftgate; a handsfree rear lift gate; a remote engine start feature; an radar activated cruise control system; an automatic high beam light system; heater front wash nozzles; and a parking assist steering system

Options: none

Trims:

SE Edition

Peak Edition

SEL

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Standard Horsepower: a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/269-horsepower

City/Hwy MPG: 20/27 (front wheel drive)

Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded

Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs (SE trim)

What’s New: The 2024 VW Atlas has received a midcycle update.

Why:

Front wheel drive or AWD availability

21-inch seats available

SE-R provides an updated and stylish contemporary exterior design

Lightbar integrated into front headlights of SEL R-Line trim

Affordable

A variety of price points and trims

A powerful new turbocharged engine

Well-thought-out instrument design layout and center stack with storage

Comfortable seating

Easy to access third row

Second row provides sliding and partially reclining seats

Heated and ventilated seats front and second row seats standard

A variety of trims

A new Peak edition offers off roading capabilities.

An automatic parking assist system available

An extensive list of safety features available

Towing capacity up to 5,000-lbs

An upgraded 12 speaker audio system

Second row captain chairs available

But:

One powertrain

No plug-in model available

Rear cargo room limited, when third row is occupied.

 

Verdict: For the 2024 model year, the brand’s flagship crossover gets a much-needed mid-cycle update. The Americanized three-row car-based vehicle, which is being built by a German automaker, receives an exterior and interior update that makes the Atlas look fresh, stylish and modern.

The roomy Atlas is available in a variety of trims and price points. The features available range from leather seats to a power moonroof to an automatic steering parking assist feature. Also each model is now outfitted with standard ventilated and heated front seats and a three-zone climate control system.  

Moreover, at a price point just a hare under $40,000, the updated Atlas is powered by an all-new turbocharged gasoline powertrain. The 4-cylinder powertrain, which is the only powertrain available this model year, spews out 269-horsepower.

For those looking for a great road vehicle, the Atlas should be at the top of one's shopping list.

Competition:  Chevy Traverse; Ford Explorer; GMC Acadia; Honda Pilot; Hyundai Palisade; Kia Telluride; Mazda CX-9; Subaru Ascent; and Toyota Highlander