Is the Volkswagen Atlas a Good Car? A Deep Dive into the 2024 Model

Stepping into the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, my expectations were high. As a devoted owner of a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, a compact SUV that consistently impresses with its nimble handling and family-friendly design, I anticipated a similar, albeit larger, charm in its three-row sibling. My Tiguan is a daily driver loved by my wife, but I relish every opportunity behind its wheel, appreciating its balanced steering and overall driving dynamics. Therefore, approaching the Atlas, confidence was in abundance – until the first turn of the steering wheel. The sensation was jarring, a stark contrast to the VW driving experience I knew and appreciated, leaving an initial impression as unpleasant as encountering the smell of moldy garbage.

Volkswagen has presented a significantly refreshed Atlas for 2024, stopping short of a complete model overhaul but implementing substantial revisions. Beyond a redesigned front fascia and updated taillights, the interior has undergone a dramatic transformation. Departing from the pre-refresh Atlas, which shared interior design cues with models like my Tiguan, the 2024 version adopts a cabin aesthetic akin to the Mk8 GTI and the all-electric ID.4. Regrettably, this interior evolution feels like a step backward.

However, the cabin’s shortcomings are not the sole source of disappointment. The Atlas, in my experience, ranks as one of the least engaging and enjoyable Volkswagens I’ve ever driven. This is particularly disheartening considering its inherent potential as a spacious family SUV. Compounding this issue is the emergence of compelling new SUVs in its class, many of which surpass the Volkswagen in crucial aspects. My initial optimism was strong; I genuinely expected to embrace the Atlas, given my positive history with the Volkswagen brand. While it boasts attributes desirable in a full-size family SUV, critical flaws prevent it from earning a wholehearted recommendation.

Volkswagen Atlas 2024: Core Features and Updates

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas emerges with a refreshed aesthetic, both inside and out, accompanied by revisions to its powertrain offerings. The previous engine lineup, which included a 2.0-liter turbo-four and a naturally aspirated V6, has been streamlined. The 2024 Atlas now exclusively features the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Technological enhancements are also part of the update, incorporating Volkswagen’s latest touchscreen infotainment system and an expanded list of standard equipment.

Image Credits: Nico DeMattia

While instantly recognizable as an Atlas, the 2024 model year presents notable visual alterations. The front fascia is entirely new, showcasing redesigned headlights, a more prominent grille, and a revised front bumper. These changes collectively contribute to a larger, wider stance, though not necessarily an improved aesthetic. The rear taillight bar is a pleasant addition, offering visual interest compared to the simpler taillights of the previous generation. However, the overall design lacks a distinctive edge. The updated Atlas is arguably handsome, yet in a market segment populated by more visually striking competitors—such as the Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Grand Highlander—the Volkswagen risks fading into the background.

Image Credits: Nico DeMattia

The interior of the Atlas has been drastically reimagined for 2024, representing a step or two down from its prior iteration. While aesthetically pleasing at first glance, with an open, airy ambiance, abundant premium-looking wood trim, and a clean center console design, the user experience is significantly hampered. Volkswagen has replaced its previously intuitive touchscreen system with the same unit found in the current Golf and ID.4. This system is, regrettably, among the most frustrating and unintuitive infotainment interfaces encountered. Basic operations require excessive swiping and navigating through convoluted submenus. Furthermore, the physical controls, intended as redundancies, are touch-sensitive, eliminating the tactile satisfaction of buttons or knobs for essential functions like volume and temperature adjustment. Even if these touch controls were responsive, their inconsistent operation renders each interaction a potentially exasperating ordeal. Adding to the ergonomic challenges, certain climate controls, such as the rear defroster, are inexplicably located near the driver’s left knee, below the headlight controls, requiring days to locate.

Spending a week with the Atlas, it’s difficult to comprehend how this interior layout received approval from any design team. It would be almost comical if it weren’t so genuinely irritating. The frustration is amplified by the near-perfection of Volkswagen’s previous “Mk7” generation interiors, known for their user-friendliness and logical design.

Image Credits: Nico DeMattia

On a brighter note, Volkswagen has maintained its expertise in powertrain engineering. While the discontinuation of the V6 engine, previously the more engaging Atlas engine option, might disappoint some, the four-cylinder engine has received a power boost for 2024. It now produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, up from 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. It remains paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The enhanced 2.0-liter engine proves surprisingly potent, propelling the substantial Atlas from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds. At no point did the engine feel underpowered, nor did it exhibit coarseness or lack of refinement. The eight-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth gear changes. However, a notable drawback is the overly artificial engine sound in Sport mode. Its exaggerated aggressiveness verges on the absurd – it’s unlikely to convince anyone that this four-cylinder engine genuinely emulates a rally-bred V6. The first encounter with this simulated engine note may elicit laughter at its sheer audacity.

Driving Dynamics: Behind the Wheel of the Volkswagen Atlas

Despite a commendable powertrain, the driving experience of the Atlas is where it most profoundly underwhelmed. Drawing again from the positive example of my wife’s Tiguan, which boasts Mk7 Golf-esque steering with ideal weighting, excellent on-center feel, and sharp responsiveness, the Atlas presents a stark contrast. The Tiguan’s brakes feel confident, its ride is adequately comfortable (though slightly firm), and its handling surpasses most crossovers. The Atlas, conversely, feels ponderous and somewhat ungainly. Its steering is excessively light and slow to react, arguably offering less feedback than some Logitech gaming wheels. While acknowledging that the Atlas is a large SUV, not a sports car, it’s important to note that size and family-orientation do not necessitate a dull driving experience. The Toyota Grand Highlander, for example, while not sporty, offers pleasant cornering, and vehicles like the Mazda CX-90 demonstrate genuine driving engagement in this segment. Volkswagen appears to have missed this point.

Image Credits: Nico DeMattia

Fortunately, the Atlas compensates to some extent with a plush ride quality that avoids excessive floatiness. It maintains the composed feel expected of a German SUV while effectively absorbing bumps, rivaling the best in its class for ride comfort. The cabin also benefits from good noise isolation. For buyers prioritizing a comfortable and quiet ride for daily commutes, the Atlas may suffice. However, competitors like the Grand Highlander and CX-90 demonstrate that it is possible to achieve both a comfortable ride and engaging steering dynamics.

Volkswagen Atlas: Pros and Cons Summarized

The Atlas is not without its merits. Positive aspects include its generously sized three-row cabin, replete with storage cubbies, creating a mobile living room atmosphere. Large windows contribute to excellent outward visibility, a significant advantage in a vehicle of this size. Furthermore, Volkswagen’s automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert systems performed admirably in testing, preventing a potential collision incident.

Image Credits: Nico DeMattia

However, the drawbacks appear to outweigh the positives. Beyond the frustrating infotainment system and lackluster steering, the digital instrument gauges are uninspired and cluttered, the base SE trim seats lack sufficient support for longer journeys, and the overly tight cupholder tabs can cause spills due to their excessive grip on beverage containers.

Features, Trim Levels, and Market Competition

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas starts at a base price of $39,420 and includes desirable standard features such as heated and ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, and the 12-inch infotainment system. However, front-wheel drive is standard; Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is an additional $1,900.

The test vehicle was equipped with the Technology Package, adding 20-inch wheels, illuminated front and rear “VW” badges, park distance control, a tow hitch, manual sunshades, and remote start, increasing the price to $43,015. Notably, even with this package, a sunroof was not included, which was a disappointment.

Image Credits: Nico DeMattia

Considered in isolation, the Atlas is an adequate SUV. However, when compared to its competition, its weaknesses become more apparent. Vehicles like the Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and, at a slightly higher price point, the Toyota Grand Highlander, offer not only more contemporary designs but also a richer array of standard features. Many competitors, including the Toyota and Jeep Grand Cherokee, also provide more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain options.

Fuel Efficiency: Atlas MPG Ratings

Despite utilizing a smaller four-cylinder engine, the Atlas does not achieve significantly better fuel economy than its V6-powered rivals, such as the Palisade and Pilot. Its city fuel economy of 19 mpg is comparable, and its highway mpg of 22, resulting in a combined 22 mpg, is only marginally better. The Grand Highlander, in comparison, surpasses the Atlas on the highway by 1 mpg while matching its city mpg, achieving a combined 23 mpg.

Image Credits: EPA

Overall Value and Final Verdict

In terms of pure dollar value, the Volkswagen Atlas is competitively positioned. Its pricing, standard equipment, engine performance, and fuel economy align with its segment rivals. However, its cabin technology and design feel somewhat outdated, understandable given that the Atlas’s fundamental platform is among the older ones in this class, dating back to its 2017 debut.

Ultimately, the Atlas falters in its execution. It possesses the foundational elements of a good SUV – spaciousness, comfort, a three-row configuration, an airy cabin, and a capable powertrain. However, the deeply flawed infotainment system, imprecise steering, and frustrating cabin ergonomics detract significantly from the overall user experience, making the Atlas less enjoyable than many competitors. Adding to its challenges, the Atlas lacks a standout feature that distinguishes it from the crowded segment. It’s difficult to identify any area where the Atlas clearly outperforms its rivals, positioning it as one of the less compelling options in the three-row SUV market.

Image Credits: Nico DeMattia