2024 Volkswagen Atlas, VR6 discontinued, turbo four only.
Time to say goodbye to the VW VR6 engine, RIP.
On Thursday, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas made its debut with only turbo four power, a larger touchscreen, and more standard comfort features.
Volkswagen said the refreshed 2024 Atlas will go on sale in the third quarter, with pricing, fuel economy, and trim details to be announced closer to launch.
Turbo 4 for all
With the end of the VR6 narrow-angle V-6, all 2024 Atlas will be powered by a new 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine was not standard, but is down 7 hp and up 7 lb-ft of torque from the current VR6. The new Turbo 4 has 34 hp and 15 lb-ft more torque than the current Turbo 4. Hein Schaefer, senior vice president of Volkswagen of America, told Motor Authority that the improved Atlas will be 0-60 mph 0.5 seconds faster, fuel economy will be 5% to 10% better than the current VR6, and efficiency will be on par with the current less powerful Turbo 4. [8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive will remain standard, while all-wheel drive will remain an option across the lineup; VW said the Turbo 4 Atlas will have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Larger screens and more features
All 2024 Atlas will feature a 10.3-inch digital meter cluster and a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with touch-activated volume and temperature controls. These sliders will not be backlit like other VW products such as the ID.4.
Interior materials have been upgraded with a soft-touch dashboard and a center console trimmed in leather-like material. Higher trim models will have quilted leather seat upholstery with a diamond pattern. Heated steering wheel, heated front seats, front passenger seat height adjustment, and three-zone automatic climate control are standard on all lineups. Leather seats and heated seats are also available. To increase storage space, the center has been redesigned to provide an open space under the center with enough room for a purse or small bag, thanks to an electronic shift-by-wire gear selector similar in design to the one found in the latest GTI.
More LED lighting
The Atlas' exterior has been redesigned with a new four-bar grille and revised LED adaptive headlights are standard. These headlights are framed by LED daytime running lights, full-width LED light bars, and illuminated VW badges on all models except the base trim. The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are equipped with an integrated rear spoiler that extends the roofline, plus an illuminated rear light bar and VW logo on all but the base trim.
Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models are fitted with 18- to 20-inch wheels, with R-Design models increasing in size to 21 inches.
All Atlas models will come standard with active lane control, but heads-up display and adaptive cruise control will be available only on higher trims.
