The VW Atlas receives a significant refresh for 2024, marking a major update for this enduring first-generation SUV. The enhancements include interior upgrades, design tweaks, new standard features, and performance improvements.

Our test drive

During our test drive, we experienced the pinnacle of Volkswagen's Atlas lineup—the SEL Premium R-Line, a three-row mid-size SUV priced at $54,200. The only additional cost was $395 for the Aurora Red Metallic paint job.

As the largest SUV in Volkswagen's lineup, the Atlas remains built on its original platform, with our model representing VW's top-tier offering despite its base trim starting at $37,995.

Improvements to the Atlas

Improvements for the entire Atlas lineup this year encompass a more potent 2.0-liter turbo engine with improved fuel economy, a revamped interior boasting premium materials, external modifications, and newly added standard comfort and driving features.

The 2024 Atlas lineup also introduces two new appearance trims, the Peak Edition SE and SEL, showcasing a blacked-out theme and unique all-terrain tires suited for light off-road adventures.

VW Atlas exterior

Externally, our Atlas featured a gloss-black grille, LED headlights with encircling running lights, and an illuminated light bar extending from fender to fender, crowned by an illuminated VW logo, mirroring the new full-length rear light bar.

Other exterior highlights included black roof rails, an extended panoramic sunroof for the spacious cabin, and 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels equipped with all-season tires.

Performance-wise, the turbo four-cylinder engine delivered enhanced torque at the expense of horsepower. The new engine reportedly increases fuel efficiency by an additional mile or two per gallon.

Utilizing manual paddles in Sport mode provided spirited acceleration and respectable handling, albeit with noticeable lean during tight turns.

The Atlas comes equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission featuring Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, Snow, and Off-road driving modes. However, due to its 6.3 inches of ground clearance, rough off-roading is somewhat limited.

Safety features

Safety features are robust, encompassing top-tier government crash ratings, IQ Drive capabilities like rear traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, park assist, traffic sign display, seatbelt warnings, high beam control, and vehicle exit warning.

Inside, the redesigned seven-seat cabin boasts Shetland Beige-colored Vienna Semi Aniline diamond-quilted leather seats with contrast stitching, heated/ventilated front seats, and heated outboard second-row seats, each with its own climate control panel.

The cabin also includes soft-touch materials, ergonomic controls, a 10.25-inch configurable digital dashboard, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with voice control, and 30-color ambient lighting.

Other amenities comprise a heads-up display (HUD), 12-speaker Harmon-Kardon audio system, wireless charging, USB ports in all three rows, and a VW Car-Net subscription for five years via the MyVW app, which includes remote start, maintenance monitoring, vehicle location, phone app integration, and automatic crash notification.

Volkswagen additionally offers various subscription-based services for alerts related to boundaries, speed, valet usage, and curfew infractions.

The 2024 VW Atlas SEL Premium R-Line excels for families seeking versatility, ample cargo space, and a blend of safety and comfort features, with a notable resale value after five years or 60,000 miles estimated at approximately 72%.

LIKES: Updated appearance, enhanced handling and fuel efficiency, spacious interior and cargo areas, comprehensive safety features, versatile amenities, spare tire, two-year complimentary maintenance, and Car-Net connectivity.

DISLIKES: Noticeable noise during acceleration, occasionally distracting climate controls, modest lean during tight turns, and a somewhat clunky start/stop feature that can be deactivated. The HUD can be challenging to read while wearing sunglasses.

BOTTOM LINE: Ideal for growing families, those managing active schedules, and travelers needing substantial cargo capacity, with the added benefit of strong resale value.

Car fact file