First Look: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport

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The Chicago Auto Show has a reputation as a place where trucks go to flex. But absent any major announcements from the local makers of pickups, it was Volkswagen that held one of the biggest debuts. It’s not a truck, but the Atlas is the largest SUV offered by VW, and it and the Atlas Cross Sport have been refreshed for the 2024 model year. 

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Upgrades have been made to the powertrain, interior, and technology, but the underpinnings (the brand’s well-used MQB platform) remain the same. VW is simplifying things in the power department, replacing the outgoing four-cylinder and V6 with a 2.0-litre turbocharged, direct-injection engine making 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This places output right around where it was last year in the V6 model, only now with a little more torque available over more revs and improved fuel economy. The 2024 Atlas will also tow the same 5,000 lbs max, and all models will use an eight-speed automatic transmission and feature all-wheel-drive. 

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It seems much of the focus for the refresh was put into the interior, where you notice the use of more premium materials like “soft-touch” imitation leather on the dash — itself now focused around a 12-inch display screen — and the redesigned floating centre console. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel with paddle shifters now come standard, as does wireless charging. There are six to eight USB-C ports present, depending on the build-out. Other optional interior niceties include quilted leather seats available in upper trims and ambient lighting with a palette of 30 colours.

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Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive is a standard set this year, allowing for lane-centering, a semi-autonomous readjustment, and obstacle alerts. Further predictive cruise control features and a head-up display are available for a little extra, but every model will use a 10.25-inch configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro screen. 

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Refreshing the exterior began down low with the addition of new wheel designs available with machined alloy or black finishes for all trims and ranging from 18 to 20 inches. An R-line trim will be available with special badging, a gloss-black grille, and 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. 

The front end has been modified with changes to the fascia, integrated air intake, and grille, which now a four-bar chrome affair bookended by LEDs and overlined by a lightbar in all models except the base. The wing on the rear end is also slightly larger. 

VW wanted to add a little more variance between the Atlas and Cross Sport for the 2024 model year. To that end, the Cross now displays black grille accents, a black “X” on the lower fascia, and a sharper rear diffuser.  

Volkswagen says it plans to share trim details, pricing, performance and economy figures closer to the launch date sometime late summer or early fall. We’ll have more coverage on the refreshed 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport soon on Driving.ca. 

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