The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a significant refresh, boasting updated styling, a revamped interior, and a sole engine option: a turbocharged four-cylinder. While promising on paper, the Atlas falls short of expectations in several key areas. This review delves into the highs and lows of the refreshed Atlas, examining its performance, features, and overall value proposition.
The exterior refresh includes a new front fascia, larger grille, and revised taillights. While handsome, the Atlas’s design lacks the distinctive flair of competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Grand Highlander.
Inside, the Atlas boasts a more premium look with wood trim and an uncluttered center console. However, the new touchscreen infotainment system, borrowed from the Golf and ID.4, proves frustratingly complex and unintuitive. Touch-sensitive controls for essential functions like volume and temperature further exacerbate the user experience. Bizarrely placed climate controls, such as the rear defroster by the driver’s left knee, add to the ergonomic woes.
The sole engine option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, delivers a respectable 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Atlas achieves a 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds. While adequately powered, the overly aggressive fake engine sound in Sport mode feels disingenuous.
The Atlas’s driving dynamics disappoint. The steering lacks feel and responsiveness, feeling light and slow. While a comfortable ride is expected in an SUV, the Atlas’s handling feels overly soft and lacks the engaging character found in rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90.
On the positive side, the Atlas offers a spacious three-row cabin with ample storage, excellent outward visibility, and effective driver-assistance features like automatic braking and rear cross-traffic alert.
Starting at $39,420, the Atlas offers competitive pricing and standard features like heated and ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control, and leatherette seating. However, all-wheel drive is a $1,900 option. Fuel economy is unremarkable, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
The 2024 Atlas presents a mixed bag. While offering comfort, space, and a decent powertrain, its subpar infotainment system, lackluster driving dynamics, and unremarkable fuel economy prevent it from truly excelling in a competitive segment. The Atlas is a satisfactory SUV, but several rivals offer a more compelling overall package.
