Refreshed 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport Say auf Wiedersehen to the VR6

• An upgraded 2.0L turbocharged engine will be standard for all Atlas versions.

• The list of standard features will now include a 12-inch touchscreen, heated steering wheel, and more.

Volkswagen has unveiled a considerable refresh of the Atlas family. The interiors have been upgraded, the exteriors are snazzier, and a revised 2.0L turbocharged takes over for all versions. This is sad news in a way mostly because the venerable VR6 engine is now officially dead.

For 2024, both the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are now covered with premium materials, while high-end comfort features such as three-zone Climatronic, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel now comes standard. Quilted leather and ambient lighting with 30 colour choices are available. The new middle console has a unique, elevated look, accompanied by a large storage area beneath. Technology is also at the forefront with an impressive 12-inch centre display fitted as standard along with 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro, IQ. DRIVE driver assistance system and more.

The exterior of the two Atlas SUVs has also seen some upgrades in this refresh – most notably in the lighting department. Front and rear treatments now benefit from improved lighting on most trims for added visibility and style. Each SUV gets an iconic wide four-bar chrome grille surrounded by LED headlights coupled with AFS, which is now a standard feature. The back of both vehicles feature a larger spoiler, which extends their rooflines and creates a sleeker side profile. Furthermore, all variants adopt the same lighting signature in the rear, with an illuminated lightbar and VW logo situated between the LED taillights. The Atlas Cross Sport receives unique touches in a grille finished with glossy black detailing and a gloss-black “X” design spanning the lower fascia as well as a more aggressive rear diffuser.

The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now standard across the range, has been updated to provide better performance and improved fuel economy. Output has risen to 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (up from 235 and 258 respectively), powering the included 8-speed automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.

“The Atlas struck a chord with Canadian consumers from its debut,” said Pierre Boutin, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group Canada. “With this refresh, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will deliver even more of the style, comfort, and convenience our customers are looking for.”

Details about the product, including specs and pricing, will be announced prior to its release in early Q3.