2024 Volkswagen Atlas And Atlas Cross Sport First Drive Review: Big On Size, Big On Value

Inside, the Atlas feels like it took two steps forward but three steps back. A 12-inch infotainment system now comes standard, nearly doubling the base screen size. However, the user interface contains far too many menus and submenus, making it tricky to find important functions quickly. You can talk to the system by saying "Hey Volkswagen," which works pretty well, but we'd prefer some sort of split screen option to avoid getting buried in the infotainment.

Like the ID.4, the Atlas also lacks physical buttons for functions like radio volume, temperature control, and fan speed. You either need to use the annoying touch sliders - which, frustratingly, don't light up at night - or push the touch capacitive clima (climate) button to pull up a climate menu on the screen. Mercifully, the steering wheel has physical buttons, not the capacitive ones from the ID.4 and Golf GTI. The 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro is great, offering several design modes for the gauges and full customization of what's shown in the center, left, and right portions of the display.

大众只带来了满载选取优质rline trims for us to drive, giving us a taste of the priciest interior. This trim gets full leather with diamond stitching, mimicking what is seen higher up in the VW Group in Audi and even Bentley products. As a slight differentiation, the Atlas Cross Sports gets a few unique interior color and trim options, including Titan (black) leather with blue underlays (pictured below).

The top trims feel quite luxurious, but even the base Atlas SE trim is extraordinarily well-equipped. All Atlas trims now include heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, and automatic climate control. Typically, these are features that are locked to all but the top trim levels on competitor SUVs.

Though it's not the most spacious vehicle in its class (the Chevy Traverse and Toyota Grand Highlander outmatch it), the Atlas is still considered one of the most practical mid-size SUVs money can buy. Even with the third row up, it offers 20.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk. That goes up to 55 cubic feet with the third row tucked away. With the second row folded, the Atlas is positively cavernous with 96.8 cubic feet. Legroom is equally generous with 41.7 inches in the front row, 37.6 inches in the second row, and 33.7 inches in the third row.

As for the Cross Sport, it also exists on the larger side of the two-row, mid-size segment. There are 40.4 cubes behind the seats, which is only marginally less than the impressive cargo hold in the Honda Passport. With the second row folded, the Cross Sport actually beats the Passport with 77.8 cubes. And since there is no third row to cram in the Cross Sport, second-row legroom is stretched to a whopping 40.4 inches.

After several decades and various generations, the venerable VR6 engine has been retired in the US market. Don't mourn it for too long, though, because it's replaced by a superior engine. The 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 takes its place as the only engine available in both Atlas models, now producing 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. That's barely less power than the VR6 produced, but more on the torque figure. Plus, that torque hits low in the rev range, making the EA888 feel gutsier than its naturally aspirated predecessor.

Fuel economy is improved too, rated at 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel-drive on both models. These numbers drop with the addition of 4Motion all-wheel-drive, which comes standard on most upper trims, and further still on the Peak Edition because of its all-terrain tires. Power is sent out through a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.

Out on the road, there's not a substantial difference between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The latter is a bit shorter and lighter, giving it a slight boost in agility, but not everyone will notice it. Both are tuned softly to absorb road imperfections and still deliver a comfortable ride, even on 21-inch wheels. There is some secondary rebound effect when going over undulations, but the Atlas is not what we'd call sloppy.

Steering effort is light regardless of driving mode, with a bit of play in the center of the rack. It's certainly not the sharpest three-row SUV out there, but it handles just fine. The Atlas feels every bit of its size on the road; it's not one of those vehicles that shrink around you. Drivers who like to feel in command on the road may prefer this sensation.

Road noise is minimal, though there is a soft roar that comes from the 21-inch tires on the SEL Premium R-Line. We imagine the smaller wheels will be quieter. As for the four-cylinder engine, there are no worries there. It quietly goes about its job, never emitting a howl like the old VR6 used to do. This is the engine the Atlas always deserved.

Volkswagen has struggled for an identity as it shifts from being a passenger car brand to an SUV brand in the US; with the 2024 Atlas family, the German automaker may have finally found its place in the market. Starting at $37,725 for the SE trim with FWD, the Atlas isfar from the cheapest option in its segment. However, its strong list of standard features gives buyers everything they need at the base level without having to climb to the top of the trim ladder.

We think the SE w/ Tech brings the strongest value for $41,665 ($43,565 with AWD), adding 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, remote start, rear sunshades, additional USB ports, and parking sensors. Going all-in on an Atlas SEL Premium R-Line with standard AWD brings the price to $52,455, which puts it on par with the upper level of competitors like the Telluride and Palisade.

As for the Cross Sport, it's a bit cheaper starting at $36,715 for the SE FWD, and going up to $51,445 for the SEL Premium R-Line. Compared to the Honda Passport, it's less expensive on the low end but more expensive at the top end of the range. But it's newer and far more premium inside, so worth the increase in price.

The 2024 Atlas may not be perfect, but it proves that high-end features don't have to cost over $50 grand, and families on a budget deserve to be pampered. If that's not a people's car, we don't know what is.