The facelifted 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are coming to a dealer near you soon. In preparation for that, VW invited Carscoops to come out and test each before they reach customers. What do you want to know about each one?
It’s worth noting that there isn’t too much difference between these SUV siblings. Both utilize the same simplified powertrain lineup that consists of one simple package. It consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic.
That combo feeds power to the front wheel or all four depending on specification. At the flywheel, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport make 269 hp (198 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. Towing capacity remains at a maximum of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
More: Updated Four-Cylinder-Only 2024 VW Atlas Lineup Starts At $38,065
Aside from the drivetrain, the big changes for the Atlas family come in the form of interior and exterior updates. Outside, these SUVs get new lighting, new paint colors, and slightly redesigned styling cues. Inside the cabin, things are dramatically different.
The dash is completely changed and now includes a larger 12-inch touchscreen along with capacitive touch controls only. That’s right, the physical volume knobs and climate control buttons are long gone. A 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster is present too with top-notch configurability.
The center console is updated as well and now features a large storage cubby under the main deck. VW says that’s because it’s moved to shift-by-wire. It’s not the only clever storage space though because there are more in each row on the door cards. The three-row Atlas benefits from kid-sized cupholders in that back row too.
The big difference between the two is simply that extra seating and consequently a bit of the exterior styling. While the Atlas Cross Sport benefits from a little less curb weight and a bit more standard cargo room, the Atlas can easily fit five adults and a few kids in the back. The Atlas family starts at $38,065.
All of that being said, what do you want to know about these two SUVs? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll dig up the answers for you!
