The refreshed 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport were revealed a the Chicago Auto Show, and these two- and three-row SUVs get a significant update. In addition to front and rear fascia updates, you’re going to see a lot more tech on the inside. Here are the four biggest changes.
The VR6 is gone
The original Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport were available with both a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V-6. They are replaced by a single 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Lest you bemoan the demise of the VR6 too much, it’s worth nothing the new turbo has just 7 horsepower less and has 3 pound-feet more of torque.
The heated steering wheel is standard
As a part of the refresh, the 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Sport Cross now get a lot of standard up-level amenities such as the heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control and a height-adjustable passenger seat. Lane keep assist and steering assist are also now standard. Adaptive cruise control is an option.
New lighting signatures
Both vehicles have adopted the ID.4 lighting signature with the lighted crossbar and VW badge, and they both get the adaptive front lighting system. Differentiating the two vehicles, Atlas Sport Cross now has a gloss black grille and a more aggressive rear diffuser.
More tech
The 2024 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have a completely redesigned cockpit with a 12-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch configurable digital cockpit. VW’s wireless App-Connect is now standard as are six USB-C ports (eight available) and wireless charging.
The bottom line
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but the current Atlas starts at $36,445 and the Atlas Cross Sport starts at $35,755. With added tech and standard features, you can probably expect about a $1k bump over both of those bases.
The Atlas line is solid for VW, and most of these changes will only make this SUV better. The questionable piece will be the new turbo engine, which we won’t be able to judge until we drive it. But it looks good on paper, so stay tuned.
