The Volkswagen Atlas has consistently been ranked as one of the tops midsize three-row Sorts Utility Vehicles (SUVs) since its debut for the 2018 model year.
In particular, its roomy cabin and comfortable ride make it an ideal family hauler. Now for 2024 the Atlas gets a variety of updates that should increase its appeal.
There are styling tweaks — including front and rear LED light bars, illuminated VW logos and a new off-road-themed Peak Edition model — that make the Atlas even more eye-catching than before, but the most significant changes are inside.
More features and new controls
The refreshed 2024 Volkswagen Atlas stands out on value. The entry-level SE trim comes absolutely stacked with features, including ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and adaptive cruise control — all of which were optional on last year’s model.
Unfortunately, VW has replaced many of the Atlas’ traditional control buttons for touch-sensitive ones.
These touch-sensitive buttons look sleek, but they’re more distracting to use while driving because you need to devote more attention to make sure you press them correctly.
The 2024 Atlas also lacks a traditional volume knob.
Performance
The Atlas’ four-cylinder engine is underwhelming. Power delivery feels uneven, especially at low speeds where it’s hard to get the big SUV to accelerate smoothly while driving around town.
There is enough grunt to get you into the highway without too much trouble, but you can tell the engine is working hard to deliver that speed.
The Atlas is otherwise a decent performer. The brakes work well for smooth stops, and the steering is surprisingly precise.
The automatic transmission is also well-tuned and shifts quickly and smoothly.
The Atlas also displays admirable grip in tight corners, though the significant amounts of body roll will probably discourage most drivers from probing those limits.
Comfort
An SUV in this class has to be comfortable, and the Atlas abides.
The cushy ride strikes a deft balance between comfort and on-road feel, soaking up bumps easily, but without the floaty feeling you notice in some rivals.
The front seats are quite nice, with long seat bottoms perfect for long-legged drivers. The second-row seats are a little too flat, and the tall headrests hit third-row passengers in the upper back.
Outside noise is subdued. You will hear the engine when you mash the gas, but it’s a pleasing sonorous snarl.
A powerful three-zone climate control system, along with vents throughout the cabin, ensures passengers in all three rows remain comfortable. It is also blessed with standard heated and ventilated front seats.
Interior
A seriously roomy interior gives the Atlas an edge over rivals.
Most in the class have fairly limited third-row room, but the Atlas has enough space for adults in the very back.
Climbing into the rear is quite easy, too, because the second-row seats slide and tilt far forward to reveal a sizable entryway.
Up front, the driver’s seat offers surprisingly few adjustments, but an agreeable position is easy to find, thanks to the seat’s pleasant shape.
The view outward is pretty good all around, and the third-row headrests do not interfere with rear visibility.
Where the Atlas struggles is its ease of use.
Specifically, the touch-sensitive sliders for volume and climate temperature that rest below the touchscreen are not illuminated at night and can be distracting to use while driving.
Technology
The Atlas comes with plenty of USB-C ports so you can charge a litany of devices. And there’s also wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a standard wireless charging pad.
The 12-inch centre touchscreen is big and has easy-to-find menus, though the graphics look a little dated and the onboard navigation system doesn’t work as well as smartphone-based nav apps.
The Atlas’ advanced driver aids work well overall and are easy to switch on and off.
Adaptive cruise maintains tight gaps and doesn’t overreact to changing traffic conditions, for instance, and the lane keeping system keeps the Atlas in the middle of your lane without bouncing between the lane markers.
Storage
The Atlas has 20.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third-row seat and a whopping 96.6 cubes with both second and third rows folded.
The second and third rows are not power-folding, but they lie completely flat to give the Atlas van-like amounts of storage.
In-cabin storage is good too, with lots of places up front and in the third row to stash your stuff. Cubbies are in short supply in the second row, but the doors have lots of pockets.
Installing child safety seats is straightforward. The Atlas’ sizable second row and large door openings help if you need to load a bulky rear-facing seat.
The Atlas is rated to tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is an average amount for this class of SUV.
Fuel Economy
The EPA estimates that the Atlas gets between 20 to 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving, depending on the trim and configuration.
These are average figures for a midsize three-row SUV.
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