- The Volkswagen Atlas is refreshed for 2024
- Pricing starts at $37,725 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Volkswagen Atlas models for sale near you
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offers a polished German driving character and one of the most spacious interiors among 3-row midsize SUVs. The Atlas comes with a 269-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional. Power, fuel economy, and towing capacity are all typical for the class. Competitors include the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Mazda CX-90.
The VW Atlas — designed for and built in the U.S. — has been around since 2018, and 2024 marks this generation’s second refresh. In addition to a new engine, updates include styling tweaks inside and out, new tech features, and more interior creature comforts. There’s also a new Peak Edition trim with all-terrain tires, unique paint colors, and an outdoorsy appearance package.
Let’s take a look inside the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas.
Passenger Room and Comfort
The VW Atlas is quite a roomy SUV, especially in third-row legroom. It seats up to seven with a 60/40-split second row, but if space for six passengers is all that’s needed, captain’s chairs can be ordered for $695 in all but the base SE model. The second row has a slightly below-average 37.6 inches of legroom, but that makes way for a generous 33.7 inches in the third row. That’s 2.3 inches more than the Kia Telluride’s back row. It’s enough to hold full-size adults comfortably and one of the easiest to climb into. Headroom isn’t a problem, either.
Standard leatherette front seats are heated and ventilated, the driver gets 8-way power seat adjustments with lumbar, and the passenger gets 6-way manual adjustments. The driver also gets a heated, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters. The midgrade Atlas SEL adds leather upholstery for the first two rows, driver’s seat memory, and heated outboard second-row seats. Only the top grade gets more upscale perforated leather and a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel. All but the base SE get rear sunshades.
Features and Technology
The full Atlas lineup has a nifty 10.25-inch digital instrument panel that we like a lot. It offers multiple configurable layouts and can show driving directions on a map if you opt for an onboard navigation system.
Volkswagen isn’t scrimping on screen size and puts a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration in every Atlas, including wireless charging and six USB-C ports to charge passengers’ devices. There’s a head-up display to help the driver keep eyes on the road, but a complete lack of physical knobs and buttons means you’ll have to look over at the touchscreen anyway to control things like the temperature and heated seats.
Standard 3-zone climate control, which can be operated via voice commands, keeps most of the crew happy. Most Atlas trims have a 6-speaker stereo, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system comes only on the top grade, the SEL Premium R-Line.
Materials and Design
The wide Atlas cabin is utilitarian with smart looks, especially with updated premium accents, bringing it closer to par with upscale competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Wood-grain details, contrast stitching, and quilted leather seats on some of the higher trims add extra flair. Ambient lighting in 30 colors is also available if you like to change things up.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
Holding a ton of stuff is where the Volkswagen Atlas shines brightest. Storage cubbies and nets can be found throughout the cabin, exactly what a busy family with kids needs.
Behind the third row is an average 20.6 cubic feet of cargo room. Fold that row down flat, though, and you’ll find an impressive 55.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Fold both rear rows flat for a voluminous 96.8 cubic feet of hauling space, an amount befitting the Atlas name. Those latter two figures are among the roomiest in the class.
Build and price your version of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Atlas models for sale near you.
