The Volkswagen Atlas is refreshed for 2024, and it’s big, bold and agile

The Volkswagen
VOW,
-2.44%
Atlas is a favorite among families who want minivan-like functionality from a midsize SUV. It has 3-row seating with one of the roomiest and most accessible third rows in its class, plus generous cargo space to boot. The Atlas gets a nice mid-cycle refresh for 2024, including a new turbocharged engine, updated styling, and many desirable standard features like a 12-inch infotainment system, 3-zone climate control, wireless charging, and more safety tech. Top rivals include the Chevrolet Traverse, Kia
000270,
-2.36%
Telluride, and Honda
HMC,
-0.22%
Pilot.

See: The new 2023 Honda Pilot is bigger, more powerful and now has a rugged off-road model, too

2024 Volkswagen Atlas pricing

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas starts at $37,725. The new Atlas Peak Edition SEL begins at $50,435, while the top model, the Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, starts at $52,455.

Before buying an Atlas, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Volkswagen Atlas resale value is about average for the segment.

What’s new?

Now entering its sixth model year, the first-generation Volkswagen Atlas gets its second mid-cycle refresh for the 2024 model year. The exterior styling is refreshed, and the interior receives many updates, including premium materials plus more and better standard features.

New standard features in the Atlas include a 12-inch infotainment system, the Digital Cockpit Pro digital gauge cluster, IQ.DRIVE driver assistance tech features, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, 3-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel.

A new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine replaces the old 4-cylinder and V6 in the Atlas. On paper, the new engine delivers performance similar to the outgoing V6 but will likely be more efficient.

There’s also a new Peak Edition joining the Atlas lineup. It’s primarily an appearance package with distinct front and rear fascias, unique body cladding, black trim, and 18-inch black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. It also has unique interior touches like a “Peak Edition” badge on the steering wheel and orange accent stitching.

When does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas come out?

The refreshed Atlas goes on sale in the third quarter of 2023. It was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

Driving the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

Even though it’s one of the largest vehicles in its class, the Atlas still manages to deliver some of the same qualities that have long made Volkswagen vehicles so uniquely satisfying to drive. We expect the new 4-cylinder turbo engine to be more competitive with the segment’s top powertrains and deliver improved refinement and power.

The Atlas isn’t as easy to wheel around a tight parking lot as the smaller Toyota
TM,
-0.33%
Highlander, for instance, but that’s the unavoidable tradeoff for more passenger and cargo room. We’ve found highway ride comfort and cabin noise to be about typical for the segment.

See: The all-new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: This 3-row midsize SUV offers expanded cabin space and a broad choice of trims

Modern interior

The interior of the Volkswagen Atlas gets a welcome update for 2024, boasting a more premium look and feel compared to earlier Atlas models. It’s also packed with desirable standard features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and a digital gauge cluster. This updated interior helps keep the Atlas competitive with the upscale players in this class, like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

Interior space is one of the biggest strengths of the Atlas. This is a 3-row SUV for families who will actually use the third row regularly. It’s still no minivan, but the way-back seats in the Atlas have generous legroom and are easy to access. Cargo space is also above-average for this class.

Distinctive exterior

Already among the bigger and bolder entries in the 3-row midsize SUV segment, the Atlas gets a contemporary makeover for 2024 that includes a modernized light signature, revised front and rear fascias, and new wheel designs. The R-line models add a sportier look with a gloss black grille and 21-inch wheels. A new Peak Edition adds a more rugged look that includes blacked-out exterior trim, 18-inch black alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, and unique body cladding. As for size, only the Chevrolet Traverse is longer.

You might like: The new 2024 Lexus GX is updated with more power, a bold exterior and a rugged new off-road model

Our favorite features and tech

Turbo engine
You no longer have to choose between a turbo 4-cylinder or a V6 in the Atlas. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with performance similar to the outgoing V6 powers every 2024 Volkswagen Atlas.

12-inch infotainment system
A new 12-inch screen is the centerpiece of the updated interior of the Atlas. It has wireless smartphone connectivity, and six USB-C ports come standard (up to eight are available).

Digital Cockpit Pro
The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro is one of our favorite digital gauge clusters. The Atlas has a 10.25-inch fully configurable display that can show everything you want to see and nothing you don’t.

Standard comfort features
The Atlas has an impressive new list of standard features, including 3-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and more.

IQ.Drive
The Atlas comes standard with IQ.Drive driver assistance technology. It bundles features like lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Additional optional IQ.Drive features include adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

Roomy 3-row seating
The Volkswagen Atlas is among the best in its class regarding third-row legroom and headroom. Not all 3-row SUVs are created equal, but the roomy Atlas is an excellent choice if you regularly haul many passengers.

Plus: The cars, trucks and SUVs with the best resale value

Engine and transmission

The new standard engine in the Volkswagen Atlas is a turbocharged 4-cylinder mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes more torque than both of the discontinued Atlas engines and almost as much horsepower as the outgoing V6. Volkswagen also expects it to be more fuel-efficient than the old V6.

The Atlas still boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Like most of its rivals, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
269 horsepower
273 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBD

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4-year/50,000-mile warranty

The Atlas is backed by 4-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain coverage. That’s a longer basic warranty than most competitors, but a shorter powertrain warranty. Given Volkswagen’s middling track record when it comes to reliability, warranty protection should be an important consideration. Volkswagen includes complimentary maintenance for two years or up to 20,000 miles.

KBB’s car review methodology.

This story originally ran on KBB.com.