2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | Manufacturer image
Competes with: Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Honda Passport, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander
Looks like: The current Atlas with a fresh face
Powertrains: 269-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; eight speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Summer 2023
The Volkswagen Atlas and its smaller sibling, the Atlas Cross Sport, attract a wide range of shoppers as they compete in a crowded field of three-row family haulers and sporty two-row mid-size SUVs. For 2024, the duo sees a significant refresh with a new engine and an elevated interior that brings more standard creature comforts, safety features and bigger tech. Exterior changes are subtle, but a closer look reveals a handful of unique elements that set the updated SUVs apart.
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Exterior Spotlights the Differences
Both Atlas models get updated front-end styling with a new grille that’s framed by LED headlights with standard adaptive front lighting. All trims besides the base get wraparound daytime running lights that flow into a light bar above the grille, which dons an illuminated VW badge. The theme carries over to the rear with a light bar and illuminated logo situated between the LED taillights.
A few styling tweaks are added to set the 2024 Cross Sport apart from its three-row counterpart. The two-row SUV gets gloss-black grille accents, a gloss-black “X” design in front and a more pronounced rear diffuser. Both SUVs see new integrated air intakes, larger rear spoilers and new wheel designs ranging in size from 18 to 21 inches with machined-alloy or black finishes.
Creature Comforts Trickle Down
The outgoing Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport already offered a generous amount of amenities and space, but the 2024 models take the interior appointments up a notch. All trims get soft-touch materials added to the dash and center console, plus new door trim in the first two rows; the center console is also redesigned with an open area and added storage space underneath. The base trims gain more standard features that include a heated steering wheel, automatic climate and voice control, and ventilated front seats. Meanwhile, leather-trimmed seats and heated second-row seats have been extended beyond the range-topping SEL Premium.
A Powertrain for All
Currently, the 2023 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport share two powertrain options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or an available 3.6-liter V-6, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both variants are available with front- or all-wheel drive. For 2024, VW drops the V-6, offering just one engine across all variants: an updated turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 269 hp and 273 pounds-feet of torque, up from 235 hp and 258 pounds-feet in the previous four-cylinder. According to VW, the same 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity will be achieved with the new four-cylinder.
For 2023, four-cylinder Atlas models get an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined with FWD and a slightly lower 22 mpg combined with AWD; the automaker claims the new engine brings improved fuel economy but has not yet provided estimates.
Tech and Safety Expand
One of the most prominent updates inside the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport is a new 12-inch floating center touchscreen, which is standard across all trims and replaces the outgoing SUV’s standard 6.5-inch or available 8-inch display. Although the screen grows larger in size, the new system — shared with the all-electric ID.4 — is dominated by touch-sensitive controls, which Cars.com editors found to be a drawback. In addition to the aforementioned comfort and convenience features, the base SE trim also gains standard wireless charging and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster that was previously standard only on higher trims.
On the safety front, VW’s IQ.Drive driver-assist suite was optional for the 2023 Atlas, but it now comes standard for both models and across all trim levels. The suite bundles advanced driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering. A head-up display is another newly available feature for the 2024 Atlas.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are expected to arrive in the summer, and VW says more details on its specs and pricing will be announced at a later date. Currently, the three-row 2023 Atlas starts at $36,445 (including destination), and the two-row Cross Sport starts at $35,755.
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