**2024 Volkswagen Atlas Review: An SUV for Families that Delivers Fahrvergnügen – The Torque Report**
Since its introduction in 2018, the Volkswagen Atlas has established itself as a leading option in the midsize SUV market, providing families with a roomy, comfortable, and adaptable vehicle. For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas receives a comprehensive update that enhances its appeal as a family-oriented SUV infused with German engineering finesse. In this evaluation, we’ll explore the main updates for the 2024 Atlas, including its performance, interior features, technology, and the reasons it continues to embody the renowned “Fahrvergnügen” (driving enjoyment) that Volkswagen represents.
### Exterior Design: Striking and Elegant
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has experienced a discreet yet significant design evolution, imparting a more contemporary and polished look. The front grille has been elevated, accompanied by sleeker LED headlights that now come standard with all configurations. The revamped bumper and enlarged air intakes lend a sportier presence, while the rear showcases updated taillights and a redesigned bumper for a more streamlined and unified appearance.
New wheel styles have also been introduced, spanning from 18 to 21 inches, depending on the specific trim. The Atlas maintains its robust, boxy profile, which not only ensures a commanding presence on the road but also maximizes cabin space.
### Interior: Roomy and Technology-Enhanced
The Atlas has always excelled in offering a spacious cabin, and the 2024 variant upholds this reputation. With accommodations for up to seven passengers, it provides generous space across all three rows, making it perfect for larger families or those often on carpool duties. The second-row seating can be adjusted to feature either a bench or captain’s chairs, depending on the trim, granting buyers versatility in configurations.
Interior materials have been upgraded for 2024, featuring soft-touch elements, optional leather seating, and an overall enhanced premium ambiance. Volkswagen has also boosted sound insulation, resulting in a quieter and more tranquil cabin, even at highway speeds.
Technology stands out in the 2024 Atlas, with a standard 12-inch digital cockpit that offers customizable interfaces for navigation, media, and vehicle data. The infotainment system, displayed on a 10.25-inch touchscreen, is user-friendly and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher-end trims include features like a head-up display, wireless charging, and a top-notch Fender audio system.
### Performance: Turbocharged Strength and Smooth Handling
Beneath the hood, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has introduced a notable enhancement by adopting a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the standard power unit across all trims. This engine produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, delivering sufficient power for daily commutes, highway travel, and light towing up to 5,000 pounds. Although the prior V6 engine option has been phased out, the new turbocharged engine offers greater fuel efficiency without compromising performance.
The Atlas comes with front-wheel drive as standard, while Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available for those requiring additional grip in adverse weather or off-road situations. The eight-speed automatic transmission provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, enhancing the Atlas’s sophisticated driving dynamics.
The Atlas may not be categorized as a sporty SUV, yet it delivers comfort and stability, with a well-calibrated suspension that easily handles bumps and uneven surfaces. The steering is light but precise, facilitating easy maneuverability in confined areas despite its sizable dimensions. Overall, the driving experience surpasses mere performance, focusing on comfort while still embodying that iconic “Fahrvergnügen” appreciated by Volkswagen aficionados.
### Safety: Comprehensive Driver Assistance Technologies
Safety remains a top priority for Volkswagen in the 2024 Atlas, which is outfitted with an array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard across all trims. This includes:
– **Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking**
– **Blind-Spot Monitoring**
– **Rear Cross-Traffic Alert**
– **Adaptive Cruise Control**
– **Lane-Keeping Assist**
– **Parking Sensors**
Higher-tier trims can be equipped with additional features like a 360-degree camera system, Traffic Jam Assist, and Park Assist, which aids in parking the Atlas in tight spots.
While the 2024 Atlas has not yet received ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), prior models have scored highly in crash assessments, and the addition of more standard safety technologies is likely to enhance its safety profile.
### Fuel Efficiency: Enhanced Figures
With the introduction of the new turbocharged engine, the 2024 Atlas experiences a modest increase in fuel economy over the outgoing V6 version. The front-wheel-drive model is anticipated to achieve approximately 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
