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2024 VW Atlas: Review, Price & Release Date – If you are looking for a large Volkswagen, the largest one they make is the Atlas, which has seating for seven people. It makes a return with updated features in 2024, which is excellent news considering that the three-row SUV was first introduced for the year 2018. Within the following several years, we could see the release of a completely reimagined second-generation model.
Review
A substantial update was released for the 2024 model year on the Volkswagen Atlas just as it was beginning to exhibit signs of its advanced age. The SUV with seven seats has been upgraded with a new turbo-four engine that takes the place of the two engines that were previously available, a revised front and back external style, and a redesigned interior. The inside of the Atlas should feel more luxurious as a result of the use of new materials, an expanded infotainment display, and an abundance of standard amenities.
However, despite our concerns over the way the Atlas drives, we do not believe the modifications will address these issues. The new engine is more powerful than the previous entry-level 2.0-liter turbo unit, but it does not provide any more power than the six-cylinder alternative that is being phased out. To our great relief, it generates a greater amount of torque. The modifications in the mechanical components end there; Volkswagen is not modifying anything that will improve the Atlas’ clumsy handling or sloppy body control.
The modifications that were made for the 2024 model year give the impression that they will result in a major improvement; nevertheless, we will reserve our final judgment until we get the opportunity to run the large Volkswagen through our instrumented testing routine. In the end, the Atlas will continue to excel at what it does best, which is serving as an exceptionally roomy three-row SUV.
Interior
The NHTSA awarded the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas with a perfect score of five stars for its overall safety, and we anticipate that the 2024 model will also get this grade. With the latest iteration of its IQ Drive suite of driver assistance technologies, Volkswagen has made more functions available as standard equipment than ever before. These include adaptive cruise control with lane centering, emergency braking, front collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, and travel assist. In addition, there is the option of a head-up display as well as predictive adaptive cruise control.
The 2024 VW Atlas retains the same amount of cargo space as its predecessor. The cabin is competitive within the market for three-row SUVs, particularly in the area devoted to the expansive third row. The Kia Telluride and the Ford Explorer both come in second and third, respectively, in terms of overall volume.
Every single Volkswagen Atlas produced in 2024 will come standard with a dual display configuration. The completely digital instrument cluster is 10.3 inches in size, while the touchscreen for the information and entertainment system spans 12.0 inches. Every model is equipped with the following features as standard equipment: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, six USB-C ports, automated temperature management, and voice command controls. There is supplemental lighting as well as two more USB-C connectors accessible.
Engine
There is currently just one engine option for the Volkswagen Atlas 2024, and that is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The new engine has 235 more horsepower and 258 more pounds-feet of torque than the previous four-cylinder unit. However, the older 3.6-liter V-6 engine generated 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque.
Every model comes included with an automatic gearbox that has eight gears. Drivetrains with front-wheel drive come as standard, while all-wheel drive is a viable option across the board. According to Volkswagen, the new V-6 should have better fuel efficiency than the previous V-6, thus we anticipate it will yield about 21/25 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive and 20/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Release Date and Price
If past experience is any indication, it is possible that pricing for the 2024 Atlas may rise by around $800 in comparison to the previous model year. As a result, the basic model of the FWD vehicle would begin at a price that is little more than $37,000. It is anticipated that sales of the 2024 VW Atlas would begin during the third quarter of the year 2023.