I work for a VW dealer and the base SE definitely has adaptive cruise. "IQ Drive" is standard across the range now, first VW to do so. Great review however!
These VW's are underrated, for the money it's so comfortable like a mini baby audi. It's not that bad and leases well. Tons of space. Our family vehicle is a 2022 Tiguan. More space than all of it's competitors. SO much 2nd row legroom, more than the highlander, rav4, crv, etc..
I have a 19' Atlas with the V6 and we absolutely love it. Its a way better value than the Kia Telluride and Toyota/Honda offerings if you get the non-turbo V6. Its a super reliable engine with the same transmission Toyota is using. We have put 30k miles on it with zero issues. Regular oil changes only. 🥰
The VW wins in that you can get a bench seat on the high trim levels. Most competitors only offer second row captain chairs in the high trims which is a deal breaker for me.
The 24 Atlas SE AWD is the best value for a family that needs space in this segment. It's under $42K and comes with the heated & ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, 12" Infotainment with wireless Carplay/AA and the digital instrument cluster (it's also the only trim to have matte black in the center console). That plus the EA888 Gen 4 engine and the automatic make it a solid value proposition. I was going to buy one with the beige letherette but the CX-90 PHEV Lease was too good to pass up.
Agreed, 2024 Atlas is the best value for a 3 row car that actually has room on the 3rd row. We looked at the Grand Highlander/TX 350 and CX90 and the value plus the features kept beating them. Better looking as well.
I have a Volkswagen atlas 2021. My wife had a deer in May 2023 seven months ago and the autobody shop still has not been able to source a hood or bumper. This is left us with a car payment and insurance but no car to drive. Volkswagen cannot tell us when they are going to start making a hood and bumper so I would not buy a Volkswagen atlas or any Volkswagen for that matter because they are not manufacturing parts to repair their cars.
Hyundai and Kia are getting killed with reliability issues. Kia has engines stacked in service bays all over the country. No one ever mentioned the Grand Cherokee L. VW highest trim is $55k, Toyota, Mazda and Jeep are well into the $60k price ranges. No self parking on any but the VW I think. Great video review, thanks for putting it together!
Great Review, although I must say this facelifted Atlas turns me off only because of its average mpg of 18. I previously owned a Kia Telluride with the same mpg, and eventually I traded it in for a Kia Sorento PHEV (and I got $6,600 US tax credits in 2021). With gas prices being unpredictable and EV charging infrastructure still sucks here in the US, PHEV like my current Kia Sorento is the best of both worlds. I predict Toyota and the Korean brands will win big here in the US if they continue to pay attention to developing Hybrids/PHEVs while proceeding cautiously with developing EVs.
man when you cross referenced the performance of the grand highlander and cx-90 with those quick video clips it took me a second to realize they were even different vehicles from each other. Why does everything have to look identical now? We need to bring back originality in automotive design!
VW lost me at the lack of physical buttons. This may have the luxuries that the Pilot lacks, but it is lacking the basics that make the interior functional
Id rather have a Telluride, Pathfinder or the Pilot. Sad that they got rid of the VR6. That engine was smooth and reliable. And the exterior styling and interior layout looks worse than the pre refreshed one.
I just wish that they would keep the Touraeg as a midsize SUV, but no. They killed off the Touraeg in 2017, and then replaced it with an Atlas Cross Sport that is a wannabe coupe SUV, 3 years later. And that name "Atlas Cross Sport" has gotta be one of the lamest names I've ever heard in the car industry.
It's a variant of the Golf R motor. It pulls just as hard as the outgoing VR6 and will push 350+ HP when the tune comes out. The pre-refresh 2.0T puts down a lot of power with a tune and that's the last gen engine.
@@DM72513there was something more special and unique about the VR6 - it set it apart from the others. This 4 cylinder is just like everything else now.
@@realbeetlejuiceThat’s why it does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. It’s more than adequate the lower trim Atlas’ which is the only ones I would recommend. The base at less than $42k is an awesome value.
I continue to be baffled by why people care about the exhaust being cosmetic. Who TF cares? Are you hoping to suck some exhaust out of that thing and feel cheated? Does it change the performance somehow? I just don’t get it.
It's just cheesy and a weird thing to be fake about on a family crossover. Atlas buyers don't care about seeing exhaust tips so why not just make a smooth bumper? Just a bad styling choice.
I'll never get behind downgrading the drivetrain on a 6k+ lbs vehicle to a 4 cylinder engine and just trying to overcome the lack with more boost putting far more stress and reducing the lifespan of the engine. It's all so dumb. I won't be upgrading past the available VR6 model. Too bad because the rest of the vehicle is pretty great.
I just got the new 2024 SE with Tech and love it. We have 1000 miles on it so far and have averaged 28 MPG. At 65 on the highway, we are getting 32 MPG. His driving style is horrid on gas mileage. When I need to punch it, the power is there, but why power up every time you go when it doesn't affect traffic?
@@duanelehman170 I also got the 2024 Cross Sport SE with tech... I'm coming form a VW Taos so it was a HUGE upgrade for me and I love the car so much :))
I went from a v8 Tahoe and Armada, and I wouldn't go back (the only exception would be for better towing). The Atlas is so much more fun and better all around IMO. The 4 cyl outperforms the 6 by the way.
Not sure why everyone wants "so much power" since they don't use it when they should. I can't remember the last time someone pulled out in from of me and actually punched it (any car) so I wouldn't have to put on my brakes. Geez
I work for a VW dealer and the base SE definitely has adaptive cruise. "IQ Drive" is standard across the range now, first VW to do so. Great review however!
Thanks for the confirmation. I'm not sure why the press release made it seem like that part of IQ Drive was optional.
My base has adaptive cruise control.
These VW's are underrated, for the money it's so comfortable like a mini baby audi. It's not that bad and leases well. Tons of space. Our family vehicle is a 2022 Tiguan. More space than all of it's competitors. SO much 2nd row legroom, more than the highlander, rav4, crv, etc..
I have a 19' Atlas with the V6 and we absolutely love it. Its a way better value than the Kia Telluride and Toyota/Honda offerings if you get the non-turbo V6. Its a super reliable engine with the same transmission Toyota is using. We have put 30k miles on it with zero issues. Regular oil changes only. 🥰
What is your avg mpg ?
22 City 25 highway@@Rockybalboa541
Are your mostly hwy driving?
Better than a Highlander, highly doubt it. it's good but, saying that it's better than the Pilot and Highlander is a hella stretch.
It's actually called the VR6 since it's a Volkswagen
All 2024 Atlas trims come standard with Adaptive Cruise Control and Travel Assist.
The VW wins in that you can get a bench seat on the high trim levels. Most competitors only offer second row captain chairs in the high trims which is a deal breaker for me.
I need the opposite with 3 kiddos! But yes they should offer both to everyone!
That’s a great point.
The 24 Atlas SE AWD is the best value for a family that needs space in this segment. It's under $42K and comes with the heated & ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, 12" Infotainment with wireless Carplay/AA and the digital instrument cluster (it's also the only trim to have matte black in the center console). That plus the EA888 Gen 4 engine and the automatic make it a solid value proposition. I was going to buy one with the beige letherette but the CX-90 PHEV Lease was too good to pass up.
What was the lease deal you got?
Agreed, 2024 Atlas is the best value for a 3 row car that actually has room on the 3rd row. We looked at the Grand Highlander/TX 350 and CX90 and the value plus the features kept beating them. Better looking as well.
Man that front end is handsome! Drivetrain is a bit of a mystery but it’s certainly a looker.
I have a Volkswagen atlas 2021. My wife had a deer in May 2023 seven months ago and the autobody shop still has not been able to source a hood or bumper. This is left us with a car payment and insurance but no car to drive. Volkswagen cannot tell us when they are going to start making a hood and bumper so I would not buy a Volkswagen atlas or any Volkswagen for that matter because they are not manufacturing parts to repair their cars.
wow adaptive corner lights as standard that's high tech
Great and detailed review as always Matt
Solid review Matt! The new atlas cross in blue is certainly on my shopping list.
Hyundai and Kia are getting killed with reliability issues. Kia has engines stacked in service bays all over the country. No one ever mentioned the Grand Cherokee L. VW highest trim is $55k, Toyota, Mazda and Jeep are well into the $60k price ranges. No self parking on any but the VW I think. Great video review, thanks for putting it together!
Great Review, although I must say this facelifted Atlas turns me off only because of its average mpg of 18. I previously owned a Kia Telluride with the same mpg, and eventually I traded it in for a Kia Sorento PHEV (and I got $6,600 US tax credits in 2021). With gas prices being unpredictable and EV charging infrastructure still sucks here in the US, PHEV like my current Kia Sorento is the best of both worlds. I predict Toyota and the Korean brands will win big here in the US if they continue to pay attention to developing Hybrids/PHEVs while proceeding cautiously with developing EVs.
We're getting 24 mpg on our atlas
Looks good with the expedition headlights but the off center infotainment would drive me crazy.
It would be a terrible investment but I would love a TDI swapped Atlas lol
man when you cross referenced the performance of the grand highlander and cx-90 with those quick video clips it took me a second to realize they were even different vehicles from each other. Why does everything have to look identical now? We need to bring back originality in automotive design!
They all look very different to me
A lot of SUVs look alike nowadays
no, you need different glasses.
VW lost me at the lack of physical buttons. This may have the luxuries that the Pilot lacks, but it is lacking the basics that make the interior functional
Its the way all vehicles are going. Eventually wont see dials or buttons it will all be haptic
Once you use it for a few days it becomes second nature and you don’t think about buttons.
Great comparison 👏🏽
Thanks!
Id rather have a Telluride, Pathfinder or the Pilot. Sad that they got rid of the VR6. That engine was smooth and reliable. And the exterior styling and interior layout looks worse than the pre refreshed one.
Yeah VW lost me at only 4cyl too... And the reliability is still and issue....?
What about atlas sport?
When the Touareg just isn't big enough.
I just wish that they would keep the Touraeg as a midsize SUV, but no. They killed off the Touraeg in 2017, and then replaced it with an Atlas Cross Sport that is a wannabe coupe SUV, 3 years later. And that name "Atlas Cross Sport" has gotta be one of the lamest names I've ever heard in the car industry.
Is it true that haptic havac and volume control buttons under screen are not illuminated and not seen during night drives?
Yes.
@mrschristyjane Thanks! And how bad is it in terms of functionality?
But its dipped. Meaning you can feel it. And volume buttons are on steering wheel
I wish the 3 row had more color choices.
No more V6 is a shame.
It's a variant of the Golf R motor. It pulls just as hard as the outgoing VR6 and will push 350+ HP when the tune comes out. The pre-refresh 2.0T puts down a lot of power with a tune and that's the last gen engine.
@@DM72513there was something more special and unique about the VR6 - it set it apart from the others. This 4 cylinder is just like everything else now.
@@DM72513 Golf R is a tiny car
That previous V6 was no rocket ship either.
@@realbeetlejuiceThat’s why it does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. It’s more than adequate the lower trim Atlas’ which is the only ones I would recommend. The base at less than $42k is an awesome value.
Thanks
I continue to be baffled by why people care about the exhaust being cosmetic. Who TF cares? Are you hoping to suck some exhaust out of that thing and feel cheated? Does it change the performance somehow? I just don’t get it.
It's just cheesy and a weird thing to be fake about on a family crossover. Atlas buyers don't care about seeing exhaust tips so why not just make a smooth bumper? Just a bad styling choice.
lol
@@MattMaranMotoring actual exhausts give you a sense of potency, like raw and organic feeling, and they look great, ode to tradition too.
I'll never get behind downgrading the drivetrain on a 6k+ lbs vehicle to a 4 cylinder engine and just trying to overcome the lack with more boost putting far more stress and reducing the lifespan of the engine. It's all so dumb. I won't be upgrading past the available VR6 model. Too bad because the rest of the vehicle is pretty great.
It's technically about 4.5k pounds....
its 4k
I like the car except the engine and infotainment. Telluride or Pilot for me.
A VW that people would like to buy in Europe and can`t get. 😀
that MPG though :S
I just got the new 2024 SE with Tech and love it. We have 1000 miles on it so far and have averaged 28 MPG. At 65 on the highway, we are getting 32 MPG. His driving style is horrid on gas mileage. When I need to punch it, the power is there, but why power up every time you go when it doesn't affect traffic?
@@duanelehman170 I also got the 2024 Cross Sport SE with tech... I'm coming form a VW Taos so it was a HUGE upgrade for me and I love the car so much :))
All good until you said ONLy 4cyl. WhatA !
😅 same here
I went from a v8 Tahoe and Armada, and I wouldn't go back (the only exception would be for better towing). The Atlas is so much more fun and better all around IMO. The 4 cyl outperforms the 6 by the way.
2.0T in a truck that big! no other options. yikes.
It’s unibody not a truck
@@MirsTrip I was originally gonna call it a car but I knew someone would 'correct' me, lol. It's a giant hunk of metal, call it wtv you want.
@@realbeetlejuice lol true though no matter what it’s called it’s still a behemoth sized people mover
@@MirsTrip right!
Huge suv with four cylinder, what could go wrong 😂
Already has engine recalls.😂
@@rockyleblanc2977might want to look again. It's not all of them. It was a certain production run of only a few thousand.
Literally all brands are moving to 4 cylinders. Guess they all don't know what they are doing and all the vehicles are going to fail?
Good luck to get the grand highlander. 😂😂😂
Meh, its underpowered.
Not sure why everyone wants "so much power" since they don't use it when they should. I can't remember the last time someone pulled out in from of me and actually punched it (any car) so I wouldn't have to put on my brakes. Geez
@@duanelehman170 he wants to go to the moon, and it's not powerful enough.
KIA zombies 🧟♂️ 3,2,1