What’s New With the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas?

The Volkswagen Atlas is one of the company’s most popular sport utility vehicles ever produced. The 2023 version was incredibly well received, and the 2024 version is set to be even better. Let’s compare the two model years and zoom in on the new additions and alterations featured on the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas.

Trim Levels, Engine Options, Transmissions, and Drive Systems

There is a great deal to go over in terms of the main driving systems of the 2023 and 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUVs. We’ll cover all the known details and the available trim levels here.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2023 version of the Volkswagen Atlas is available in the SE, SE with Tech, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trim levels. It has one of two potent yet efficient engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V-6. The first engine gets 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the second provides 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Every 2023 Atlas, regardless of trim level, comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard at the first trim level, and all-wheel drive is available at all higher ones.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 iteration of the Volkswagen Atlas comes in the SE, SE with Tech, Peak Edition SE with Tech, SEL, Peak Edition SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line trims. Only one engine is available to power the 2024 Atlas, as the 3.6-liter V-6 has been discontinued. That isn’t a loss, given the remaining engine option. 

Like the 2023 version, it is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it features an array of improvements that grant it more torque than the old four-cylinder option or the discontinued V-6. This advanced engine pushes out 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is still an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is set to be available at every trim level.

Interior Styling, Features, and Options Comparison

Now, let’s take a look at the passenger cabins of each Atlas and find out what is new for the 2024 model year.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is a seven-seater SUV featuring a wide range of comfort, convenience, and entertainment features. Its standard entertainment features include a composition color 6.5-inch infotainment system, 4G LTE Wi-Fi access, Volkswagen Car-Net services, Bluetooth programming, and wired App-Connect smart device integration. 

Steering wheel audio controls and speed-compensated volume control are also standard, as is a window grid diversity antenna. The window grid variety provides greater signal fidelity than old-school antenna variants. You can upgrade the infotainment system to 8 inches, and navigation capability can also be added. SiriusXM satellite radio is optional, as is a 12-speaker upgrade to the six-speaker standard system and an amplifier.

The standard comfort and convenience features available on the 2023 Atlas include three 12-volt DC power outlets, remote keyless entry, manual air conditioning, a compass, fade-to-off interior lighting, leatherette interior trim, perforated V-Tex leatherette upholstery, leatherette seat backs, a manually tilting and telescoping steering column, a leatherette steering wheel, and heated power-adjustable bucket seats with lumbar support. 

The options in those categories include grand Vienna perforated leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a stand-alone rear heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system with independent controls, a leather and metal-look gear shifter, distance-pacing cruise control, and a heated leather steering wheel. Simulated carbon fiber interior trim and actively ventilated comfort sports versions of the bucket seats are also available.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

The upgraded entertainment systems in the 2024 Atlas include a 12-inch voice command-capable infotainment system, triple-zone climate control, a digital instrument cluster to replace the old school version in the 2023 Atlas, ventilated seats, wireless charging units, and a heated steering wheel, all as standard features for all trim levels. 

The passenger cabin’s materials have been improved considerably with the addition of faux-leather-wrapped center and main consoles and a beautiful wood and plastic interior trim. The optional interior lighting system has also seen a significant upgrade for the Atlas’ 2024 model year, featuring an impressive backlit dashboard. Six USB-C ports will be standard, but the head-up display is optional. The smart device integration tech in this SUV is wireless.

Safety Feature and Rating Comparison

The 2023 and 2024 versions of the Volkswagen Atlas scored five stars in terms of their safety ratings, but the 2024 version has many more standard safety features. Let’s take a look at what safety features each model year has to offer.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas comes with standard safety features like a tire-specific low-pressure warning system, powered rear child safety locks, forward and rear collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, Volkswagen Car-Net Safe & Secure Emergency SOS, a backup camera, and an impressive array of air bags. Its optional safety features include an Aerial View 360-degree camera system, semi-automated driving assistance, and many of the features from the IQ.DRIVE safety feature cluster.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has every standard safety feature listed for the 2023 version, and the full IQ.DRIVE cluster of safety features is standard. These IQ.DRIVE features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with automatic lane centering, emergency braking, and Travel Assist.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition Trim Levels

Two trim levels for the 2024 Volkswagen Altas include the new Peak Edition designation. One of the main observations of industry personnel and drivers related to the 2023 Atlas was its lack of off-road capability. This flaw has been entirely negated through the new Peak Edition trims. This more powerful and tougher version of the Atlas comes with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, sturdy side sills, blackened exterior accenting, and silvery underside cladding. The trim type’s interior upgrades include orange-stitched gray and black leatherette upholstery and signature backlit dash décor that says “Peak Edition.”

Ready To Test Out the Atlas Yourself?

Find out more about what is coming with the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas by reaching out to us here at Capistrano Volkswagen of San Juan Capistrano, California. You’re sure to be impressed with it and the rest of our expansive inventory.