More from the Chicago Auto Show
2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport
From the outside, the Atlas line receives a new grille with standard adaptive front lighting. The Cross Sport’s look is a bit more aggressive thanks to more gloss-black details and a more pronounced rear diffuser.
The interior and under the hood are where these SUVs see the most changes for 2024. The dashboard and center console gain soft-touch leatherette surfaces. Available ambient interior lighting can be customized with the driver’s choice of 30 colors. While VW hasn’t finalized the trim-level structure, they did say flagship versions will come standard with diamond-quilted leather upholstery.
A heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, and VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster become standard across the board. The infotainment screen moves to a tablet-like design atop the center of the dashboard. It also gets a size increase to 12 inches. Wireless device charging and six USB Type-C connectors that can each deliver up to 45W of power are included.
The Atlas and Cross Sport’s previously available V6 engine has been discontinued. All grades will now use a single 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque delivered via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front- and all-wheel drive configurations will remain available for both body styles. VW’s IQ.DRIVE semi-autonomous system is standard, along with the usual complement of other driver assists.
The 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will continue to be built at the company’s facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They are slated to go on sale early in the third quarter of 2023. Full pricing, specifications, and features will be available closer to that time.
Volkswagen Launches New Scout EV Brand
CG Says:
With rival SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride selling like crazy, it’s logical for Volkswagen to want to take its offerings more up-market. Hence we’re seeing features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats joining the list of standard equipment. We understand the fuel-economy considerations behind the move to four-cylinder-only power, but we’re still a bit sad to see that the smooth and powerful V6 engine will no longer be available.
Test Drive Gallery: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium
Listen to the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport Gallery
(Click below for enlarged images)
