The Struggling 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Gets More Standard Features
The Volkswagen Atlas had a rough go last year with falling sales. The three-row Volkswagen had seen only slight updates since its debut five years ago. But the struggling Volkswagen Atlas might get the boost it needs from the arrival of its 2024 redesign with more standard features.
Updates arrive after the three-row Volkswagen saw a sales dip
It has never been a sales leader in its segment, but 2022 was a particularly tough year for the Atlas. The three-row Volkswagen SUV had its worst full year of sales yet. According to GoodCarBadCar, the Volkswagen Atlas fell from over 72,000 sales in 2021 to just under 44,000 sales in 2022. One of its main competitors, the Toyota Highlander, sold over 200,000 units in the U.S. market by comparison.
It’s clear the Atlas needs a helping hand. Volkswagen appears to be extending that hand with a 2024 refresh that includes new looks, an updated powertrain, and a host of interior features that will become standard equipment on all trims.
Subtle styling refresh helps the 2024 Atlas catch up to competition
The updated looks of the 2024 Atlas imply a subtle refresh rather than a ground-up redesign. While the three-row Volkswagen keeps its general shape, the front grille and headlights will be slightly different from before. Meanwhile, the rear end looks virtually the same as the 2023 model. It isn’t a total redesign, but it should be enough of a shakeup to bring the Atlas back onto drivers’ radar.
VW ditches the V6 engine, adds a turbo-four to the 2024 Atlas
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas departs from its original powertrains to add a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. It’s the latest SUV to follow the trend of dropping V6 options for smaller, forced induction engines. According to Motor Trend, the engine will develop more power than the previous model’s base four-cylinder and more torque than the outgoing V6 option – though we still don’t know the exact numbers.
Several interior features are now standard in the three-row Volkswagen
The most significant changes to the 2024 Atlas are inside the cabin. Volkswagen has made several previously optional features into standard equipment across the board. Here’s the list of now-standard features according to Motor Trend:
- 12-inch infotainment display
- Digital instrument cluster
- Three-zone climate control
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless Charging
- IQ Drive safety technology package
These additions to the lower trims may coax more drivers into trying out the 2024 Atlas.
Is the Atlas the biggest Volkswagen SUV?
The Atlas has been Volkswagen’s biggest SUV since its debut in 2018. While the Volkswagen Tiguan is also a three-row Volkswagen, the Atlas is larger in every dimension. Its exterior stature translates to a spacious interior with room for up to seven passengers.
The Atlas is great for hauling cargo, too. According to Motor Trend, the 2023 Atlas offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space with its rear seats folded down. Properly equipped models could also tow up to 5,000 pounds – quite a number for a family crossover.
Whether these ratings will improve with the 2024 model refresh remains to be seen.
