Car Review: Atlas base SUV is a bargain

Stephanie Shomin, The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich.
·3 min read

Mar. 31—The mid-sized, three-row SUV is a crowded segment for families wanting seating for seven or generous storage space. The new Volkswagen Atlas delivers on both counts while providing a good value for under $40,000. For 2024, VW has restyled its SUV inside and out. Most noticeable is a full width taillight that offsets its somewhat boxy shape. We like its wide-shuttered front grille too, along with standard 18-inch alloys and all-season paws.

There is a new engine replacing an older 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder with a tuned and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder developing 269 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft of torque compared with 235 ponies and 258 lb.-ft. with the outgoing engine. An optional 3.6-liter V6 was also discontinued.

At our test track, the base SE front wheel drive Atlas reached the 60 mile-per-hour mark from a dead stop in 7.1 seconds (the all-wheel drive model is slower). Its eight-speed automatic transmission smooths shifting from previous years, but we noticed annoying torque steer and some turbo lag off the line while under power. On the road, the Atlas delivers a compliant ride — a strong suit since its 2018 debut. Its suspension absorbs most road imperfections while steering and braking maneuvers are managed well for its size.

Captain's chairs are available in all but the entry level SE; however, this addition reduces the seating capacity to six. Middle and third row seats fold flat manually for an even storage shelf, compared with some SUVs with roller coaster floors. There is nearly 21 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats and about 97 cubes available for storage with both seats folded. That's larger than many rivals.

An included technology package adds a 10.25-inch configurable digital instrument display, advanced keyless access and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen multi-function center display. Navigation is not included in the base; however, smartphone integration is for compatible devices.

Unfortunately, touch sensitive buttons for climate and audio volume controls are mounted below the center screen. While their location is okay, none are marked. Their operation is finicky and they are not backlit and, as such, not visible at night. Separate up and down volume controls are far apart and require eyes off the road to locate and adjust. Big negative.

The Atlas is available in four trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SEL and SEL Premium R-Line with base prices ranging from $39,075-54,895. The latter may give pause with some while comparing interior trims to rivals Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride.

In our opinion, the SE offers the most value for the coin. It includes ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, leatherette seating surfaces, USB charging ports in all three rows, rear zone climate controls in second row, illuminated cupholders and rain-sensing wipers. A plethora of driver assist equipment is also included on the base trim with stop and go adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system, front collision warning, emergency braking with cyclist / pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitors and rear-traffic alert.

Contact independent automotive columnist Len Ingrassia at editor@ptd.net.