The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas places a Germanic flavor on the 3-row family SUV, combining the company’s talents for driving performance, technology, and comfort.
The Atlas gets a significant overhaul this year. The V6 model has been dropped, which means all 2024 VW Atlas models will use a 269-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Atlas also gets a facelift, pays more attention to interior design, and adds more content without a huge jump in price. This year there are more trims to choose from, including a new off-road Peak Edition trim intended for light off-roading.
On the base SE trims, the Atlas gets pulled by its front wheels, with the option for 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). Peak Edition and SEL trims come standard with 4Motion.
Challenging the Atlas for your attention are equally worthy SUVs like the Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Nissan Pathfinder. As the Atlas doesn’t yet offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option, those seeking an alternative powertrain should look to the Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer.
What’s New
For 2024, the Atlas gets a freshened exterior, upgraded interior, more standard features, and a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. A new Peak Edition option is added for the SE and SEL trims, designed for buyers needing a modicum of off-road ability.
Our Recommendation
We feel the Volkswagen Atlas SE is all the SUV that most families will need. Technically a base model, the SE is nicely equipped yet fits below the $40,000 price threshold.
Prices are current at the time of publishing.
Atlas SE
Starting at $37,725 | See listings
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless charge pad
- Adaptive cruise control
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- Digital Cockpit Pro
- 12-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- See more
Atlas SE with Technology
Starting at $41,665 | See listings
- Proximity keyless entry
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Rear window sunshades
- Front and rear lightbar
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- See more
Atlas Peak Edition SE with Technology
Starting at $46,555 | See listings
- 18-inch black alloy wheels
- All-terrain tires
- Silver body cladding
- V-Tex upholstery
- 30-color ambient interior lighting
- 3-zone automatic climate control
- See more
Atlas SEL
Starting at $48,445 | See listings
- Dual projector LED headlights
- 8-way power passenger seat
- Panoramic sunroof
- Driver’s seat memory
- Leather upholstery
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- See more
Atlas Peak Edition SEL
Starting at $50,435 | See listings
- 18-inch black alloy wheel
- All-terrain tires
- Head-up display
- Navigation
- Predictive adaptive cruise control
- Heated second-row seats
- Passenger side tilt-down in reverse mirror
- See more
Atlas SEL Premium R-Line
Starting at $52,455 | See listings
- Harman Kardon audio
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Auto-folding side mirrors
- Overhead camera
- Park Assist
- Diamond-pattern leather upholstery
- Front sport seats
- See more
2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE: $37,725 (FWD), $39,625 (AWD)
The base SE trim may surprise you with its standard content this year. It did us. VW has pulled out all the stops to make the Atlas attractive to buyers looking for value, features, technology, and efficiency.
Because the Atlas is a family vehicle, safety and reliability are generally the first things customers want to know about. To this end, Volkswagen equips the Atlas with a host of safety equipment, including its IQ.Drive driver-assist suite.
IQ.Drive consists of forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. It also includes a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume travel once traffic begins to move.
Travel Assist is a semiautonomous driving partner that works with adaptive cruise control to keep the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead.
Additional safety equipment includes systems to remind the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle, advise rear occupants to buckle up, and warn the driver of hazards before opening their door.
Rounding out the SE’s content is a rear backup camera, a tire pressure monitor, a hill holder (which holds the car in place after you take your foot off the brake), and complete airbag coverage for all three rows.
Opting for 4Motion AWD brings hill descent control.
Moving to the SE’s exterior reveals a sophisticated lighting system, with adaptive LED headlights that point in the direction of the steering wheel. The setup includes Poor Weather Lights, which improve visibility when driving in inclement weather. The Atlas headlights also have a “coming home/leaving home” feature that activates the headlights for 30 seconds after you leave or as you approach the vehicle.
The SE rolls on stylish 18-inch alloy wheels with heated power side mirrors, roof rails, rain-sensing variable intermittent front wipers, and VW’s KESSY remote keyless access. With the KESSY system, you only need the key fob on your person to unlock the doors and start the car.
Now for the surprising part. The SE’s interior. Keeping in mind this is a base trim, you may be surprised to find such standard equipment as a heated, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with paddle shifters, heated and ventilated front seats, 3-zone automatic climate control with vents in all three rows, and a wireless charging pad, but they’re all included at no extra charge.
The SE features perforated V-Tex synthetic leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, a manual height-adjustable front passenger seat, a 60/40-split folding second-row seat, a 50/50-split folding third-row seat, and 45W fast-charging USB-C ports in all three rows (six total).
VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro comes standard and includes a 10.25-inch configurable digital instrument cluster with multiple screen themes. Right next door is a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen giving access to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, and VW Car-Net apps. It’s connected to an AM/FM/HD Radio head unit with six speakers.
With the $1,350 delivery charge, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE costs $39,075. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $737. See 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE models for sale near you
2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE includes:
- Ventilated front seats – The SE’s ventilated front seats pump cool air through the perforated upholstery, helping keep the occupant’s backside cool and dry.
- Heated steering wheel – The SE’s heated steering wheel makes it easier to grip after a night of chilly temperatures.
- Adaptive cruise control – This advanced system maintains a safe distance from the car ahead, with the ability to slow, stop, and resume without driver interaction.
2024 Volkswagen SE with Technology: $41,665 (FWD), $43,565 (AWD)
Building off the base SE, the Technology trim adds more luxury and technology features and a few optional upgrade packages.
Opt for the SE with Technology trim, and you’ll get 20-inch alloy wheels, remote start, front and rear parking sensors, a hands-free power liftgate, integrated front and rear light bars, lighted VW logos, and a factory-installed trailer hitch with 5,000-pound towing capacity.
The cabin gains a second-row 115-volt outlet and manual roll-up sunshades, additional floor lighting, front-door mounted Active Entry lights, and additional USB-C ports in the storage console and behind the rearview mirror (for use with a dashcam).
Optional equipment includes second-row captain’s chair seating, a panoramic sunroof, and 20-inch black alloy wheels.
With the $1,350 delivery charge, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology costs $43,015. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $812. See 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology models for sale near you
2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology includes:
- Hands-free power liftgate – Kicking your foot under the back bumper activates the power liftgate, an ideal solution when approaching with arms full.
- Front and rear parking sensors – Parking sensors in the front and rear bumpers alert you when you’re getting too close to a stationary object.
- Remote start – Remotely starting the Atlas allows the climate control to heat or cool the cabin so it’s comfortable when you’re ready to roll.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition SE with Technology: $46,555
The Peak Edition brings a rugged, outdoor theme to the SE with Technology trim. Unfortunately, the upgrade is more show than go, lacking any real off-road upgrades such as skid plates, a locking center differential, or additional off-road drive modes.
AWD comes standard, along with 18-inch black alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, blackout exterior trim, and silver cladding on the sides and bumpers.
The interior features black V-Tex upholstery, contrasting orange stitching, gray accents, and 30-color, adjustable ambient interior lighting.
With the $1,350 delivery charge, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition SE with Technology costs $47,905. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $904. See 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition SE with Technology models for sale near you
2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL: $48,445
The SEL trim sees a big price jump over the SE but may be justified for those who insist on a more luxurious ride.
Building off the SE with Technology 4Motion trim, the SEL brings dual projector LED headlights, a tilt-down-in-reverse passenger side mirror, an 8-way power passenger seat, a panoramic sunroof, and memory for the driver’s seat and side mirrors.
The SEL adds heated washer nozzles, heated second-row seats, 30-color adjustable ambient interior lighting, and perforated Vienna leather upholstery covering the first two rows. It also features navigation, a head-up display, and illuminated door pockets.
Additional driver assists include traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beam headlights, and predictive adaptive cruise control, which uses navigation to anticipate upcoming road features and adjust speed accordingly.
With the $1,350 delivery charge, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL costs $49,795. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $940. See 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL models for sale near you
2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL includes:
- Panoramic sunroof – The SEL’s massive glass roof lets in more light and fresh air, making the cabin feel more spacious and inviting.
- Head-up display – This feature projects vital information onto the windshield where drivers can see it without taking their eyes off the road.
- 30-color ambient lighting – The SEL’s adjustable ambient lighting lets you customize the cabin’s nighttime appearance.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition SEL: $50,435
The Peak Edition SEL adds the same Peak Edition upgrades found on the SE version, combined with all but one SEL standard feature. The Vienna leather upholstery is replaced with easy-to-clean V-Tex, which makes sense for an SUV with off-road intentions.
With the $1,350 delivery charge, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition SEL costs $51,785. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $977. See 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition SEL models for sale near you
2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line: $52,455
The SEL Premium R-Line is the top-of-the-line trim and the only way for music lovers to get the excellent Harman Kardon audio system. We think that’s unfortunate, as many rivals offer similar premium audio systems as options on lesser trims.
Building off the SEL, the R-Line adds 21-inch alloy wheels, power auto-folding side mirrors with puddle lights, R-Line exterior treatment, an R-Line leather-wrapped steering wheel, front sport seats, diamond-pattern seat inserts, and stainless steel pedals.
Technology perks include a 360-degree Overhead View Camera and Park Assist parallel and perpendicular self-parking assistant.
With the $1,350 delivery charge, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line costs $53,805. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $1,015. See 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line models for sale near you
2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line includes:
- Park Assist – The Park Assist system can determine if a parking space is viable and then do all the hard work required to occupy it.
- Harman Kardon audio – The Harman Kardon audio system features vastly better speakers than the stock system, plus a power amplifier and separate subwoofer.
- Overhead View Camera – The R-Line’s Overhead camera shows 360 degrees around the outside of the vehicle.
