Volkswagen Revamps Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport

For the 2024 model year, Volkswagen is rolling out a raft of changes for its two largest crossovers. In addition to revised looks, there are a number of material and tech improvements inside its cabin.

Oh yeah – and it packs an entirely new engine.

Engineers have binned the old four-cylinder and V6 options in favor of a new turbocharged four-banger. This direct-injected unit displaces 2.0 liters and makes a total of 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, all funneled through an eight-speed automatic to either the front or all four wheels depending on trim. These numbers are 7 less and 7 more, respectively, than last year’s 3.6-liter V6 engine, though it is likely that peak power will arrive much sooner on the tachometer thanks to the blower. The old four-banger made 235 hp/258 lb-ft if you’re wondering. You’re probably not.

VW insists there is now more differentiation between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport on their front fascias, just in case yer neighbors miss the totally obvious styling variances rear of the C-pillar. Hey, complaining to the HOA is a full-time job, so they just might need these extra visual cues. As usual for a refresh of this type, revised fascias and new lighting signatures are a dead giveaway that this is a 2024. Chief amongst these changes are daytime running lights which wrap around the headlights and continue into an illuminated lightbar sitting atop an illuminated VW logo. Any reference to a Mercury Sable light bar can go in the comments. At least this one won’t fade into yellow nothingness within five or six years. Maybe.

The cabin is said to feature far better materials including a new smattering of soft-touch surfaces which should jazz up the place nicely. A heated steering wheel with shift paddles, ventilated front seats, and a height-adjustable passenger seat are now standard fare. That center console makes better use of interior space with a new storage area, while segment-typical features like backlit dash décor and ambient lighting are now part of the deal on some trims.

Shoppers may enjoy a 12-inch infotainment display, while drivers of every trim level benefit from a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster which Volkswagen prefers to call Digital Cockpit Pro. Give yourself a gold star if you recall a suspiciously similar name at Audi. Up to eight USB ports are scattered around the cabin, quelling a common VW gripe, and other niceties like wireless device charging also appear.

Further details and pricing will be announced ahead of the launch, which is scheduled for early in the third quarter of this year.

[Images: VW, © 2023 Chris Tonn/TTAC ]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.