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2024 VW Atlas Price, Interior, Redesign – There has already been a facelift for Volkswagen’s three-row Atlas SUV. It was first introduced for the 2018 model year and had a minor facelift in 2021 in order to bring its design in line with that of the two-row Atlas Cross Sport, which was first introduced for the 2020 model year. However, this time around, the designers at VW have taken a considerably more aggressive approach to modernizing the company’s biggest SUV.
Redesign
Both the Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport have been upgraded with new grilles, headlights in the form of a C, and taillamps that span the whole width of the vehicle. An illuminated front VW emblem and a light strip that spans over the top of the grille are standard on all models with the exception of the basic trim level. The SUV now rides on redesigned wheels measuring anything from 18 to 21 inches in diameter at each of its four corners. Additionally, a wider rear spoiler has been added to assist give the Atlas a more swept-back roofline.
But the biggest improvements are on the inside, where Volkswagen has upgraded the interior materials to be more aesthetically pleasing and added a greater number of practical functions. The dashboard and the center console are upholstered in imitation leather, and large sweeps of ornate plastic or wood trim reach all the way onto the door panels. The list of available customizations has been updated to include a brand-new ambient lighting system, which comes with a unique backlit section of the dashboard.
The whole series is equipped with a digital gauge display measuring 10.3 inches and a bigger infotainment display measuring 12.0 inches as standard; a head-up display can be purchased as an option. All Atlases come standard with a wireless smartphone charging pad and at least six USB-C connections that provide quick charging, and the infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Now, as part of the standard equipment, there is a passenger seat that can be adjusted for height, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. And the voice-activated automated temperature control system is a feature that makes for wonderful Super Bowl ad fodder, but in other cars with comparable capabilities has proved to be temperamental and cringe-inducing.
Even though it has a new exterior design, the Atlas has kept its most significant updates for the inside. A redesigned dashboard now has a screen measuring 12 inches diagonally. In addition to the typical inclusion of six USB-C connections, the infotainment system of the Atlas is equipped as standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and compatibility with Android Auto. A digital instrument cluster measuring 10.3 inches in diameter is also framed by the steering wheel.
Additionally, VW included a plethora of standard luxury amenities. Every model now comes standard with air conditioning in the front seats, a heated steering wheel, and voice control. However, in contrast to several of its competitors, such as the Toyota Highlander and the Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen will impose an additional cost for its adaptive cruise control feature.
Engine
The previous generation of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport could be had with either a 235-horsepower turbo four or a 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6. However, the current generation of both vehicles can only be obtained with one engine, a new 269-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four. All of the trim levels come standard with front-wheel drive, and the option to upgrade to an all-wheel drive is available.
Volkswagen claims that the fuel economy of the new turbo four should be better than that of the model it is replacing, but the EPA has not yet commented on the matter. The Atlas has the same maximum towing capability as before, which is rated at 5,000 pounds.
Price
Volkswagen claims that the beautiful 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will go on sale in the third quarter of 2023, but the automaker has not yet disclosed price information for the vehicles. Given the enhancements, we anticipate a little higher starting price in comparison to the $35,755 cost of entry for the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport. The same holds true for the three-row Atlas, which ought to begin at a price that is somewhat more than $36,455 for the model year 2023.