Volkswagen’s two- and three-row SUV siblings will now be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine only.
February 9, 2023 17:15
Volkswagen has unveiled the updated 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport at the Chicago Auto Show. Both models get a redesigned exterior, a completely overhauled interior with more kit and improved materials, and a more powerful 2.0 TSI engine with more power and torque, though they don’t have a V6 option.
This is the second facelift for the seven-seat Atlas, which was originally launched in 2017 and updated for 2020, but the first for its five-seat Cross Sport sibling, which came to the U.S. in 2020.
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The visual changes to the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are focused on the front end. They both feature a pair of larger headlights connected by an LED light bar above an illuminated VW logo (standard on all but the base model), with the shape of the light clusters giving off some Ford Expedition vibes. These new lighting units, along with an enlarged grille and interconnected bumper air intakes, differentiate the U.S.-spec SUVs from the related Chinese Volkswagen Terramont and Terramont X.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas
The shape carries over from the previous model, but the new wheel design is different and measures between 18 and 21 inches, depending on the trim level. At the rear, the taillights are now connected to each other above a chrome strip, which makes more sense from a visual point of view. Likewise, all trims except the base trim feature an LED light bar and illuminated logo. In the Atlas Cross Sport, the rear diffuser is more pronounced as an additional means of differentiation, while both SUVs feature a larger rear spoiler. Volkswagen only showed the flagship R-Line trim, which comes with 21-inch alloy wheels, R badges and sporty touches such as simulated quad chrome tailpipes.
Redesigned dashboard and new technology features
Aside from the exterior updates, the interior is where VW has put the most effort for the 2024 model, with a focus on more premium materials and additional standard features. The dashboard has been redesigned, with the air vents relocated below a new free-standing 12-inch infotainment touchscreen that combines with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, leatherette upholstery, and illuminated Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport lettering on the passenger side, which matches the 30-color ambient lighting.
All 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models come standard with a suite of advanced features, including a digital cockpit, three-zone Climatronic, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, six USB-C ports, and voice control. High-end models also feature premium quilted leather upholstery with a diamond pattern. In terms of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the standard IQ.DRIVE suite offers semi-autonomous driving, and optional adaptive cruise control and a head-up display enhance the driving experience.
No more V6
The 2024 Atlas range is only available with a single four-cylinder powertrain, as VW has ditched the six-cylinder option. The new turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI produces 269 hp (198 kW / 273 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. The power figures are up 34 hp (25 kW / 34 PS) compared to the outgoing 2.0 TSI four-cylinder, which means it’s just 7 hp (5 kW / 7 PS) less than the 3.6 VR6. On the other hand, with more torque than both previous engines and across a wider rev range, VW expects both performance and fuel economy to improve.
The new 2.0 TSI is available only with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to the front or all four wheels via the 4Motion AWD system available across the range. Finally, towing is rated at 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms).
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are scheduled to arrive in U.S. showrooms in early Q3 2023, with pricing to be announced closer to that date.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
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