“The Atlas was Volkswagen’s initial venture into creating a tailored model for American consumers, marking its position in the U.S. market,” stated Pablo Di Si, CEO of Volkswagen of America. “The updated Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport maintain the success of their predecessors, with an upgraded interior and a turbocharged engine to enhance performance and driving experience.”
While the updated Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport retain the foundation of the previous models, the interior of both vehicles receives a significant overhaul for the 2024 model year. The inclusion of premium materials, such as leatherette-trimmed soft-touch surfaces, elevates the interior ambiance. The front-row door trim seamlessly integrates with the dash panel, creating a luxurious cockpit design that extends to the second row as well. Ambient lighting with various color options complements the backlit dash décor, contributing to the refined aesthetic. High-end models boast quilted leather seats with a diamond pattern for added sophistication.
Comfort features have also been enhanced, with standard amenities like a heated steering wheel with shift paddles, ventilated front seats, and a height-adjustable passenger seat. Additionally, the center console has been redesigned to include a storage compartment underneath. Leather seating surfaces and heated rear seats are now available in a trim level lower than in previous iterations.
The technology in the updated Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offers a more connected driving experience. A 12-inch floating infotainment display serves as the focal point of the redesigned cockpit, while all trim levels benefit from the 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro. Wireless connectivity features, including wireless App-Connect, wireless charging, and multiple USB-C ports with fast charging capabilities, make device integration seamless.
- Advertisement -
The IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology, which includes semi-automatic capabilities, is now standard on both models. This technology assists with lane centering, obstacle detection, and adaptive cruise control for a safer driving experience. A head-up display and predictive Adaptive Cruise Control are also available to further enhance safety.
Externally, the 2024 models showcase a fresh front end design and improved differentiation between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The wide chrome grille is complemented by LED headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). The Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) wrap around the headlights and continue into an illuminated lightbar above the VW logo, giving the vehicles a premium appearance. The Atlas Cross Sport features unique gloss-black elements for a distinctive look.
At the rear, both models feature a larger spoiler that elongates the roofline and enhances the overall profile. Additionally, new wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches, with various finishes, are available across all trims. R-line® trims offer exclusive features like a gloss-black grille, 21-inch wheels, and R-line badging.
Powering the 2024 Atlas models is a four-cylinder turbocharged TSI® engine generating 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers similar power to the previous VR6 engine but with increased torque across a wider rev range, improving overall performance and fuel efficiency. Towing capacity remains unchanged at 5,000 pounds, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard.
More details, specifications, and pricing will be disclosed closer to the launch in early Q3.