2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUV

　　

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　, rating written byCameron RogersSenior Reviews Editor

　　Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.

　　The Volkswagen Atlas has consistently been ranked one of our test team's top 5 midsize three-row 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 you'll find the most significant changes inside.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$165/mo  for Atlas SE

　　Atlas SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,995 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $39,895 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $42,100 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $44,000 MSRPPeak Edition SE w/Technology 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $46,990 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $48,880 MSRPPeak Edition SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $50,870 MSRPSEL Premium R-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $52,890 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: 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.

　　

Competitors to consider

Our current top pick in the midsize three-row class is the Kia Telluride. It's also spacious and outranks the the Atlas for overall comfort and interior design. The new Mazda CX-90 is also worth a look. While it's not as roomy as the Telluride or Atlas, we think its fun-to-drive character and powerful engine make up for its shortcomings. Read our test team's Expert Rating below to get our full report on this year's updated Atlas.

　　

What’s it like to live with?

To get a more in-depth ownership experience, zzdcar evaluated a Volkswagen Atlas over the course of a year while logging over 20,000 miles. See all of the hits and misses as documented by our staff in the zzdcar' VW Atlas long-term road test review. This test was based on a 2018 model, but the 2024 Atlas is of the same generation and most of our observations still apply.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Atlas drive? 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's enough grunt to get you onto the highway without too much trouble, but you can tell the engine is working hard to deliver that speed. We didn't get to tow with it, but we'd imagine the strain being even worse with a trailer or even a fully loaded cabin.

　　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

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Atlas? 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'll 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. We also like the standard heated and ventilated front seats.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below