2024 Atlas Cross Sport main header

Whether it’s a first-drive feature from the sun-soaked California coast, a quick news story about an off-road pickup that may (or may not) be coming to your local dealership or a review of a hot new sports sedan, somewhere Lee Bailie is writing about cars and car culture, something he’s been doing for almost a decade. A car guy to the core, he went on his first automotive plant tour at age seven.

SAUGERTIES, N.Y. – Volkswagen, the German auto giant that was car-centric as recently as 2013, is now firmly focused on SUVs, and there’s no better example of this sea change than the Atlas.

A three-row, seven-seater built at Volkswagen’s sprawling plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Atlas has become the company’s standard-bearer in North America

Since arriving in the summer of 2017, the Atlas and its five-seat Atlas Cross Sport sibling introduced in 2020, have sold a staggering 564,000 units across North America to date, including 62,000 in Canada. It is now one of the best-selling three-row SUVs, so these updated models are important to say the least.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177114" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E0971-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Volkswagen Atlas" width="2560" height="1440" />

To reset, both Atlases are built on Volkswagen’s MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform, which underpins all gas-powered models. While both 2024s are virtually the same size as their predecessors, there’s a significant powertrain change. The VR6 (3.6-litre V6) has been dropped, leaving just the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, which is an updated version of the same engine found in the Golf GTI, as the only Atlas powerplant available.

As for output, the 2.0-litre turbo four produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. For reference, the outgoing VR6 produced slightly more horsepower (276), but less torque (266). The remainder of the powertrain is unchanged: 8-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive.

Regarding exterior design, Volkswagen is throwing a lot at the ’24 Atlas. Up front, both cars receive new front-end styling which includes a wide chrome four-bar grille, and new LED headlights with an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). LED daytime running lights wrap around the headlights and connect to an illuminated light bar above a lit VW logo.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177115" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E0987-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Volkswagen Atlas" width="2560" height="1440" />

A new front fascia with redesigned air intakes is further differentiated on the Cross Sport, which receives gloss black trim and a black X design element like the one on its compact Taos sibling.

At the rear, both cars receive a longer roof spoiler, an illuminated light bar and VW logo, while the Cross Sport has a redesigned diffuser insert as a means of differentiating it from the Atlas. New wheel designs, ranging in size from 18 to 20 inches are also on tap, with 21-inch alloys standard on Execline R-Line trims.

As significant as the updates are on the outside, the overhauling the Atlas cabin receives is even more extensive.

Long viewed as a weakness for the outgoing models, even among Volkswagen reps I’ve spoken to, the 2024 cars have been designed specifically to address concerns that the Atlas interior, while spacious, is too plain, uses too many cheap trim materials and isn’t an inviting place to inhabit.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177110" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E0929-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Volkswagen Atlas" width="2560" height="1440" />

From the base Comfortline up, the 2024 Atlas is replete with premium materials, soft-touch plastics, and fabrics covering just about every high-touch surface imaginable. From the stitching on the console bin cover to softer door panel inserts, to the dashboard, which has been redesigned and backlit with 30 ambient lighting colours, the Atlas cabin ups the premium ante in nearly every conceivable way.

On the tech front, all 2024 models come standard with a 12-inch floating infotainment touchscreen display and a 10.25-inch configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster. A head-up display is available, as is a 45-watt fast smartphone charger, and dash-cam USB-C port mounted in the A-pillar.

Volkswagen Canada has re-ordered the lineup for 2024, by dropping the Trendline and adding the Atlas Peak Edition, an appearance-package grade based on the Basecamp Concept revealed in 2019. The Peak Edition comes outfitted with 18-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, black and silver body cladding, black trim and two unique exterior colours, Avocado Green, and Pure Grey.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177105" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E0870-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport" width="2560" height="1440" />

Volkswagen organized a scenic drive route through the Catskill Mountain region of New York. The weather was hot and sunny, ideal conditions to test the new Atlases on the two-lane roads that winding their way through some of the most picturesque areas in the state.

The 2.0-litre turbo four offers impressively snappy acceleration, both from rest and at speed, and can be quite spit snarly when one mashes the throttle. Dialling the drive mode selector to sport, really livens things up, with a much sharper throttle response and delayed upshifting from the eight-speed automatic.

The combination of higher torque delivery from lower in the powerband (28 percent higher Volkswagen says), delivers multiple benefits, including better fuel efficiency, 0.8 second faster 0-97 km/h (60 mph) time, and the same towing capacity (5,000 pounds) as the outgoing model.

Atlases are big SUVs, but their crisp handling belies their size and weight. They are responsive, with direct steering and a comfortable ride.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177116" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E1009-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Volkswagen Atlas" width="2560" height="1440" />

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-177104" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_E0834-scaled.jpg" alt="2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport" width="2560" height="1440" />

Beyond snappy performance, what also impresses is an overhauled cabin that looks and feels premium. The two grades I drove were U.S.-spec SEL Premium R-Line models (Execline R-Line equivalent), so they were fully loaded, but the most impressive changes filter down to the base trims, such as big digital screens, higher quality trim materials, ambient lighting, and better seats.

The only thing the ’24 Atlas gets wrong is the lack of hard buttons and knobs for climate controls and stereo volume and tuning. Fortunately, the GTI I drove to the event, which uses the same multimedia touchscreen, allowed time for adjusting but it could be quite challenging for those unfamiliar.

The shortcut buttons located below the screen are handy, sort of, but touch-sensitive sliders for warming and cooling and raising and lowering fan speed are distracting and fussy to use. A global redesign is coming for future Volkswagens, but it’s unknown when these changes will impact the Atlas family.

Despite a needlessly fussy touchscreen, the depth and breadth of the updates the ’24 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport receive should make them compelling options for consumers. They’re more handsome on the outside, more premium on the inside, but still have loads of space and a more spirited driving character.

Seems like a winning formula.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas pricing

Comfortline – $49,995
Peak Edition – $53,995
Highline – $56,995
Execline R-Line – $59,995

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport pricing

Comfortline – $48,895
Highline – $55,895
Execline R-Line – $58,895

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport go on sale this summer. 

2024 Volkswagen Atlas

BODY STYLE: mid-size SUV
DRIVE METHOD: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, 8-speed automatic transmission
ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (269 hp / 273 lb-ft.)
FUEL ECONOMY: (Regular 87) 12.2 / 9.2 / 10.8 L / 100 km (city / highway / combined)
CARGO VOLUME: Atlas – 2,735 / 1,572 / 583 litres (96.6 / 55.5 / 20.6 cu ft.) (behind first / second / third row)
MAXIMUM TOWING: 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg)
PRICE: $49,995 base, excl. freight, taxes, and fees
WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.vw.ca">www.vw.ca</a>

2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport First Drive Review

Pro Trailer Hitch Assist

Evan is an East Coast based automotive journalist and a Certified Engineering Technologist. He is an avid autocrosser, hack mechanic, and a member of AJAC. If you don't find him driving or writing about cars, you'll probably find him in the garage breaking one.

AI Hitch Assist

Ford's new Pro Trailer Hitch Assist function uses AI and machine learning to help back the truck to the trailer for you. The system is offered on all F-Series trucks including the Super Duty pickups and Lightning EV. It uses the truck's rear sensors and cameras to "see" where your trailer hitch ball and connector are. Then the AI backs up the truck, controlling speed and steering, to stop you in just the perfect place. We know that you don't need it, but it's nice to know it's there. Just in case.

Atlas Peak

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175621" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/news-4-9-7.jpg" alt="VW Atlas Peak" width="2500" height="1666" />

This is peak Volkswagen Atlas. Sorry, no, that's the Volkswagen Atlas Peak. VW's new rugged trimline is one of the latest to climb on the latest trend bandwagon. The Atlas' rugged edition joins the rest of the refreshed for 2024 Atlas lineup. It will get a dark lower fascia and a black-out grill to help make it look tough. Plus the 18-inch alloys wear all-terrain tires, and the plastic side sills are larger. Of course, the wheel arch trim is also blacked out. Inside, Atlas Peak has black faux leather with orange stitching. You know, outdoorsy stuff. The VW Atlas Peak arrives this summer.

AT4X getting diesel option

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175620" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/news-4-9-6.jpg" alt="2022 GMC Sierra AT4X Diesel" width="2500" height="1666" />

GMC is adding the Duramax diesel engine to the 2024 Sierra AT4X trim. That's the Sierra with a lifted suspension and Multimatic DSSC dampers, making it the one that can go almost anywhere. The updated 3.0L Duramax diesel inline-six makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque and it will come with a 10-speed automatic transmission. GMC says around 1 in 5 Sierra 1500s come with the diesel and it expects this to help boost that figure. Other 2024 Sierra changes include power-retracting steps on top trims and an available active exhaust.

Wrangler refresh

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175618" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/news-4-9-4.jpg" alt="New Jeep Wrangler" width="2500" height="1666" />

Jeep is giving the Wrangler two of its biggest updates ever for 2024. Top trims including High Altitude and the new Rubicon X get power seats! Plus the Rubicon trim gets a full-float Dana rear axle that boosts both towing and off-road capability. The power seats are a first for Wrangler, and they are designed and tested to be just fine with water fording. The new rear axle is a Dana 44 HD that uses bearings to suspend the axle shafts instead of putting the load on them. All rear tire loads and Jeep weight go on the axle tube instead, so it is stronger. The change boosts towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs. It also means the Wrangler can fit taller tires. The upgrade is one customers were often doing themselves after purchase. Also for 2024, the Wrangler gets a tweaked new grille and a new entry-level 4xe PHEV model trim.

Tacoma teasers

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-175615" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/news-4-9-1.jpg" alt="Toyota Tacoma Hybrid" width="1200" height="840" />

Toyota teased the new Tacoma once again. This time the last remaining full-line auto brand showed off the tailgate of the next Tacoma in TRD Pro guise. What's extra new? It is wearing an iForce Max tailgate badge. That's what Toyota is calling the more powerful versions of its hybrid models, telling us very clearly that the next Taco will be a hybrid. We're expecting to see the whole truck next month, and it's a big deal.

Mercedes updates full-size GLS-Class

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-175616 size-full" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/news-4-9-2.jpg" alt="2023 Mercedes GLS" width="2500" height="1665" />

Mercedes-Benz is freshening the GLS-Class for 2024. Benz, AMG, and Maybach models all get the same basic changes that include a light facelift and the latest version of the company's MBUX infotainment software. The cosmetic changes are most noticeable on the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 and 580, where the grille gets four very prominent horizontal bars. Maybach 600 models have vertical bars but fewer than last year. MBUX gets updated voice commands with some no longer needing a "Hey Mercedes" cue. The GLS gets a new steering wheel, too, with new gadgets and controls, bringing it inline with the other latest Mercs.

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23VW01_Atlas_Exterior_1205

Living in rural Nova Scotia, Matthew Guy has immersed himself in car culture for over 30 years and relishes the thought of a good road trip. A certified gearhead, he enjoys professionally writing about cars and is very pleased to contribute for wheels.ca.

His work has also appeared on Car Throttle, The Truth About Cars, and in CAA Magazine. Find him on Twitter @matthewkguy

A majorly refreshed version of VW's largest SUVs will grace showrooms in the 2024 model year. On tap for the Volkswagen Atlas and <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2023-volkswagen-atlas-cross-sport-review">Atlas Cross Sport</a> are significant upgrades to their interiors, massaged fascias, and – most notably – a snazzy new powertrain.

We’ll start with the latter. Gone are the old four-banger and V6 options, replaced by a 2.0L turbocharged mill across the board. This direct injection mill makes 269 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. This is slightly off the outgoing V6’s 276 ponies but a tad better than that engine in terms of torque. Being turbocharged, maximum grunt will probably appear lower down the rev range – great for towing. Speaking of, these 2024 models will be able to haul 5,000 pounds, just like their predecessors.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174613" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/23VW01_Atlas_Running_0636-scaled.jpg" alt="Volkswagen Atlas" width="2560" height="1707" />

A new front design for 2024 will be easy to spy in traffic, and there will be more points of diversity between Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for those who use these two in a game of spot-the-difference. LED headlamps bookend a four-bar grille in both cars, but Cross Sport features extra gloss-black details and an ‘X’ design element stretching across its lower fascia. On all but base trims, daytime running lamps wrap around the headlights and continue into an illuminated lightbar which sits atop an illuminated VW logo.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174616" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/23VW01_Atlas_Interior_0003-scaled.jpg" alt="Volkswagen Atlas" width="2560" height="1709" />

Open the doors and you’ll find a revamped interior for ’24 with more soft-touch materials than last year and trim which flows nicely from door to dash. An available 12-inch infotainment display is a cabin focal point in the redesigned cockpit, while every trim level gets the trick 10.25-inch gauge cluster the brand likes to call Digital Cockpit Pro. There will be up to 8 USB ports (thank you, VW) and all manner of wireless connectivity. Techies are going to enjoy the now-standard IQ.DRIVE, a driver assistance technology featuring hands-on driver aids like lane centring and alerts

For readers caught napping, the Atlas is VW’s largest SUV, offering three rows of seats and a bluff-like face which competes well with stern offerings from other brands. Meanwhile, the Cross Sport is a two-row affair with a more aggressively sloped rear window that also changes the shape of its cargo area compared to its upright brother. In other words, it’s built for customers who want an SUV with more sport and less utility.

Further details, such as specifications and pricing will be announced ahead of the launch in early Q3 this year.

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