In a whirlwind 24-hour trip to the picturesque Catskills in New York, a select group of journalists and social media influencers were given an exclusive opportunity to experience the highly anticipated refreshed Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. As a participant in this remarkable first drive event, the excitement was palpable as we embarked on a journey to discover the impressive updates and improvements made to these mid-sized SUVs.
For me, this trip was more than just a chance to test drive two remarkable vehicles; it was an opportunity to check off a bucket list item. Spending the night in an Airstream trailer at Auto Camp Catskills, a stunning campsite, added a sense of adventure to the already exhilarating experience.
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are manufactured in America in Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant. The Atlas has always been designed with American buyers in mind, and their popularity speaks volumes. Serving as Volkswagen of America's biggest seller and most profitable vehicle, these models have captivated drivers across the nation. With a substantial $1.24 billion investment in the Chattanooga plant, the refreshed models represent Volkswagen's unwavering commitment to delivering quality and innovation to its customers.
The 2024 refresh of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport builds on the already successful blend of spaciousness, practicality, and stylish design that has made them beloved by families and adventure seekers alike. The exterior upgrades are immediately noticeable, with new LED headlights featuring the standard Adaptive Front-lighting System, illuminated logos, and a front light bar now available on the majority of trims. The rear lighting also boasts a new light strip design, further enhancing the vehicles' striking presence on the road.
Stepping inside the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, it becomes evident that no detail has been overlooked. The interior upgrades feature high-end materials and design, with soft-touch surfaces and available quilted leather seats adorned with a diamond pattern. The cockpit design exudes an upscale aesthetic, with a floating infotainment screen and a seamless flow of trims and decors from the doors to the dash. The addition of available 30-color ambient lighting and an innovative backlit dash creates an inviting atmosphere that sets these vehicles apart.
Comfort has been taken to new heights in the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, with a range of standard features that ensure every journey is a pleasant one. Climatronic®, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, height-adjustable passenger seat, voice control, and a redesigned center console storage are now included as standard. Even rear passengers are treated to the utmost comfort, with available leather seating surfaces and heated rear seats in a trim line lower than previous models.
For those of you with large families, one of the key advantages of the 3-row version of the Volkswagen Atlas is its exceptional accessibility. Unlike many other SUVs, the Atlas allows easy access to the third row without the need to remove car seats from the second row. This feature is a game-changer for families and individuals who frequently transport passengers in all three rows. It saves time and effort, making it effortless to accommodate extra passengers or access the back row for additional cargo space. The convenient design of the Atlas ensures that everyone can comfortably get in and out of the vehicle, enhancing the overall practicality and versatility of the Atlas.
Enhanced technology is a hallmark of the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, offering a more connected driving experience than ever before. New screens are present on every trim, with a 12-inch center display and a 10.25-inch fully configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro. Standard wireless App-Connect and wireless charging, along with available head-up display, cater to the modern driver's needs. Furthermore, the inclusion of a 45-watt fast charging capability and a new dash-cam USB-C port ensures that connectivity remains seamless throughout the journey. Whether traveling with a full load of passengers or a smaller group, ample USB-C ports are available to keep everyone powered and connected. If there were any drawbacks to the new infotainment system, it would be the lack of knobs and manual switches to control some of the more frequently used accessories like A/C controls, heated and cooled seats and radio controls. Also, the shiny, piano black surface on the face of the center screen is difficult to read in direct sunlight.
Under the hood, the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport boast a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that replaces the previous four-cylinder and VR6® options. With 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, this engine offers similar performance to the outgoing VR6 but with improvements in drivability and acceleration. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers a driving experience that is both powerful and refined, a very familiar and welcomed German engineering affect.
Improved fuel economy is another key enhancement in the refreshed models, without sacrificing capability. The front-wheel-drive variants offer an impressive 20 city/27 highway/23 combined MPG for both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. For those seeking all-weather confidence, the 4Motion® all-wheel drive system is available, maintaining a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs while still delivering enhanced fuel efficiency.
Safety has always been a priority for Volkswagen, and the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport come equipped with IQ.DRIVE as standard. This suite of advanced driver assistance features includes Travel Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Emergency Assist, Front Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. These technologies work in harmony to ensure a safe and secure driving experience, providing peace of mind on every journey.
Although we were unable to drive the Atlas Peak Edition during the event, it was on display, showcasing its rugged trimline inspired by the Atlas Basecamp Concept unveiled in 2019. With 18-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, black and silver body cladding, black-out exterior details, and unique colors such as Avocado Green and Pure Gray, the Peak Edition exudes a bold and adventurous spirit that is sure to attract outdoor enthusiasts. The signature interior design further enhances its distinct character.
In summary, the major refresh of the Atlas family marks a significant milestone in the evolution of these mid-sized SUVs. The interior upgrades, featuring premium materials and standard high-end comfort features, elevate the overall driving experience. Enhanced technology across the lineup ensures a more connected journey, while the new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy. With the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, Volkswagen continues to deliver on its promise of creating vehicles that combine spaciousness, practicality, and stylish design, making them an enticing option for families and adventure seekers alike.
