Volkswagen Listens and Delivers: The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport
In a nation marked by polarization and a lack of service, the Art of Listening has taken a backseat. However, Volkswagen has learned from past mistakes and is now reaping the benefits with the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. These vehicles serve as evidence of what happens when automakers genuinely listen to customer complaints and media feedback, opting for comprehensive improvements rather than superficial changes. With significant upgrades to the interior, body design, powertrain, and standard features, the Atlas and Cross Sport stand out among their competitors in the big-box family SUV category.</p>
The Shift in Customer Demand
The Atlas, designed and engineered specifically for the American market, has played a vital role in Volkswagen’s shift in focus. A decade ago, passenger cars constituted 91% of VW’s U.S. sales. Today, SUVs dominate with an 83% market share. Leading the charge is the Tennessee-built Atlas, including the Cross Sport variant, which has seen nearly 500,000 buyers since its introduction in 2018 and has become a profitable asset for the brand.
A Refreshed Interior and Exterior
We had the opportunity to test drive the top-of-the-line Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, priced at $53,085 (including $1,350 destination). The interior of the new Atlas models showcases a significant improvement, abandoning the previous subpar materials in favor of high-quality soft-touch surfaces, new color palettes, and refined seat trims. Options like “Precious Walnut,” “Nord Mystery,” and coppery faux carbon fiber add a touch of sophistication. While the quilted, diamond-pattern leather seats may seem like a design cliché, they are a welcome addition. However, the front seatbacks could benefit from more cushioning and support. The Atlas also offers enhanced value with standard leather and heated rear seats on SEL models starting from $48,785. The optional 30-color ambient lighting further elevates the cabin atmosphere, meeting the long-standing expectation of VW interiors reflecting the brand’s German heritage and offering a premium experience.
Infotainment and Technology
Spacious Interior and Enhanced Performance
The three-row Atlas boasts generous interior space, accommodating normal-sized adults even in the rear-most seats. It offers nearly 21 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, making it one of the most versatile SUVs in this regard. With all seats folded, the cargo capacity expands to a class-leading 96.8 cubic feet. The second row provides ample legroom, offering 7.7 inches of fore-and-aft sliding and 14 degrees of rear recline. Furthermore, the Atlas features a clever folding mechanism that allows for a larger pass-through to the third row, accommodating multiple child seats even when in use.</p> <p>The previous engine lineup, including the narrow-angle VR6 and the 2.0-liter turbo inline-four, didn’t provide sufficient power for the heavy SUV. However, the 2024 Atlas introduces a modernized 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, derived from the Golf R and Arteon. With 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, the Atlas gains a noticeable boost in performance. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds in AWD configuration, a significant improvement over the previous VR6 models’ 8.3 seconds. The torque output is 28% higher than the departed six-cylinder engine, resulting in a more responsive and enjoyable driving experience. The eight-speed automatic transmission now features by-wire shifting, replacing the previous console lever with a sleek piano-black toggle. Paddle shifters are standard, and the Atlas achieves improved fuel efficiency, with front-wheel-drive models offering 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive models achieve 19/26/22 mpg for SE trims, 19/25/21 mpg for Atlas SEL trims, and 18/24/20 mpg for the Peak Edition with all-terrain tires. The towing capacity remains unchanged at 5,000 pounds.
Driving Dynamics and Safety Features
While the Atlas doesn’t possess the agility of a GTI or a Mazda CX-90, it offers light and responsive steering, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride preferred by American SUV enthusiasts. Both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport provide a reliable and predictable driving experience, with no unexpected surprises. The brake pedal offers a soft initial application, ideal for maintaining passenger comfort, but delivers short and confident stops when necessary.<br>Despite its infotainment system shortcomings, the Atlas has much to offer in terms of looks, performance, features, and cabin quality. Volkswagen has finally tuned into the needs and desires of American customers, redeeming itself after past missteps. So, if you listen closely, you’ll hear a Volkswagen brand that is finally in sync with the American market.
