Volkswagen has unveiled the updated 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport at the Chicago Auto Show. Both models benefit from a redesigned face, an overhauled interior with more kit and improved materials, plus a livelier 2.0 TSI engine with increased power and torque figures, though they lose the V6 option.
This is the second facelift for the seven-seater Atlas that was originally introduced in 2017 and was updated in 2020, but the first one for its five-seater Cross Sport sibling that entered the US market in 2020.
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The visual changes on the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are concentrated on the front end. They both feature a pair of larger headlights connected by an LED bar above the illuminated VW emblem (standard on all models except the base trims), with the outer shape of the clusters sending some Ford Expedition vibes. These new lighting units, along with the enlarged grille and interconnected bumper intakes, distinguish the US-spec SUVs from the related Chinese VW Terramont and Terramont X.
2024 VW Atlas
The profile is carried over from their predecessors, with the exception of the new wheel designs measuring between 18 and 21 inches, depending on the trim level. At the back, the taillights are now connected to each other above the chrome bar which makes more sense from a visual standpoint. Again, all but the base trim get the LED bar and illuminated logo. In the Atlas Cross Sport, the rear diffuser is more pronounced as an extra means of differentiation, while both SUVs got larger rear spoilers. VW only showed the flagship R-Line trims, featuring 21-inch alloy wheels, R badges, and sporty trim touches like the faux quad chrome tailpipes.
Redesigned Dash And New Tech Features
Setting aside the exterior updates, the interior is where VW invested most of the work for the 2024 MY, focusing on more premium materials and extra standard features. The dashboard has been redesigned with the air vents being relocated below the new free-standing 12-inch infotainment touchscreen that is combined with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, leatherette upholstery, and illuminated Atlas / Atlas Cross Sport lettering on the passenger side in line with the 30-color ambient lighting.
All trims of the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport come standard with a suite of advanced features including the digital cockpit, tri-zone Climatronic, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, six USB-C ports, and voice control. Higher-end models also get a premium quilted leather upholstery with a diamond pattern. In terms of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the standard IQ.DRIVE package provides semi-autonomous driving, with the optional Adaptive Cruise Control and head-up display for enhanced driving experience.
No More V6
The 2024 Atlas family is exclusively available with a single four-cylinder powertrain, as Volkswagen dropped the six-cylinder option. The new turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI produces 269 hp (198 kW / 273 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. The power figure represents an increase of 34 hp (25 kW / 34 PS) compared to the outgoing 2.0 TSI four-pot, meaning it is only 7 hp (5 kW / 7 PS) weaker than the 3.6 VR6. On the other hand, torque is higher than both of the previous engines and across a wider rev range, with VW expecting improvements in both performance and fuel economy.
The new 2.0 TSI is exclusively mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Power is transmitted to the front wheels, or to all four wheels through the 4Motion AWD system that is optionally available across the range. Finally, the towing capacity rating of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) is carried over.
The 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are scheduled to arrive in US showrooms at the beginning of the third quarter of 2023, with pricing to be announced closer to that date.
2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport
