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Volkswagen Launches Refreshed Atlas And Atlas Cross Sport SUVs But Drops VR6 Engine
Volkswagen unveiled the updated 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport at the Chicago Auto Show. Both models benefit from a redesigned face, an overhauled interior with more kit and improved materials, plus a livelier 2.0 TSI engine with increased power and torque figures, though they lose the VR6 option.
The new styling starts up front. Larger LED headlights wrap around a mesh grille that sheds most of last year’s faux chrome accents for black instead. A fancy light bar now stretches across the hood just above the illuminated VW logo, connecting to the headlights. All of it is new for 2024.
A slightly bigger roof spoiler just out from the backside of both models and a sizeable rear light bar stretches across the trunk lid. Almost every version of the Atlas and Atlas Cross features the new lighting fixture except the base trim, which makes do with standard taillights at each corner.
More significant changes await in the cabins of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. In what VW says is a major upgrade, the interior benefits from premium materials throughout, including a dash and center console trimmed in leatherette. A redesigned center console with a lower storage cubby, a new design for the ventilation outlets, and door trim that flows more seamlessly into the dash are all visible.
A larger 12.0-inch infotainment display is standard across the lineup, and all models also come with a 10.3-inch digital gauge display; a head-up display is optional. The infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and all Atlases feature a wireless smartphone charging pad and at least six fast-charging USB-C ports.
With the end of the VR6 narrow-angle V-6, every 2024 Atlas will be powered by a new 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. That puts the updated Atlas down 7 hp but up 7 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing VR6, though that engine wasn’t standard. The new turbo-4 is up 34 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing turbo-4. Volkswagen of America senior VP Hein Schafer told Motor Authority the updated Atlas will be a half-second quicker from 0-60 mph, with a fuel economy boost of 5% to 10% versus the current VR6, and efficiency comparable to today’s less powerful turbo-4.
An eight-speed automatic is the lone transmission and front-wheel drive comes standard while 4Motion all-wheel drive is available as an option.
