The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Is a MASSIVE Improvement Over the Old One...But Are the Upgrades Enough?
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- ( www.alltfl.com/) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas just received its largest overhaul since it first launched back in 2018. While it sees a host of upgrades, it's still the same-generation Atlas we've known for the past few years. Are these upgrades enough in a hugely competitive market? Nathan takes a closer look in this first drive review!
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#VW #atlas #review - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Bring back the volume knob and physical HVAC controls.
Terrible spot to try and cut costs.
The interior layout and space (not design) is what amazes me the most about this vehicle. That third row is pretty usable and still has decent space behind the third row. Perhaps a larger 4cyl Turbo would be more adequate in a vehicle of this size that could be used for towing or just offer a V6 option for those who want to pull a trailer or boat. Styling is okay but I still prefer the older Touareg Wolfsburg Edition when it comes to styling.
Engine feels down tuned compared to the prior models, BUT has a much smoother, less laggy power delivery. Much improved in my book
I have one and honestly the car picks up speed quicker then I thought
this was probably more concise a description than "BRIO" boy could say.
It’s great to see you back on a regular basis Nathan and healthier getting about. Great content!!!!!
My wife just traded her 2021 Honda Passport for a 2024 Atlas Cross Sport, to be honest Honda lost us because all of their current options and dealers are crazy going over sticker and all that. Compared to the Passport the Atlas feels downright luxurius, way more tech and comfort. Smoother ride also. And we got some really good incentives that took us below sticker. When you consider that the atlas is one of the best of the segment. Most reviewers complain about sportiness and thats a big mistake in this segment. Is a family hauler and a cruiser not a Porsche. And as a family cruiser this thing excels
Thank you context is necessary right, why would someone buy this vehicle? It’s for someone that needs a comfortable family mover with spacious middle and 3rd row and this is an excellent vehicle for that. When you look at the price plus all the features (safety/tech), nice interior and exterior, space in back seating, comfortable suspension, etc. it’s a great option. We looked at the Lexus TX350 (Lexus version of the Grand Highlander) this new Atlas kept beating it. That Lexus is a nice car but frankly underwhelming in the interior and exterior for quite more on the price tag, it was also a 4 cylinder with turbo like the Atlas.
Best to lease
I have to strongly disagree on the exterior styling of the current/original Atlas. I would say it's one of the best looking large crossovers available.
The first generation looked like a Jeep Grand Cherokee to me.
@@chiefwilliamsunfiltered3874really?? This looks a bit worse than the pre refreshed one, front end wise.
💯 agree!
Nice work, Nathan. You gave the viewer useful and honest information, but in a way where Volkswagen won't Subaru you. You're quite the artist. Of course, any perspective buyer should do their due diligence in researching reliability trends of whatever car they're looking at.
Nice review of the vehicle. I appreciate learning your thoughts.
Great review -- as always!
"BRIO" was so obnoxious and non descriptive.
Great review -- as always! Thanks.
Very nice review and very informed. Was amazed that he knew this engine is in part shared with the Golf R and Arteon.. The fact he knew that peaked my interest to watch the whole thing. Good homework dude. I'll be watching more.
As a VR6 fan, I know that power plant is over, but what was most amazing is the torque of the new 2,0L T. More torque than a VR6? How the heck did they do that? Amazing ICE stuff going on even today. EV, kiss by bumper. Thanks again dude,
one is the our best selling model.I work for VW in Wilmington,NC and everyone likes new model 2024!
My first VW was a MK2 Jetta GL. Those were the days...
My first VW was a mk7 GTI, still the days
I feel like VW should have thrown in a mild hybrid system to reduce the lag and improve mpg a tad, though mostly to do torque fill. But adequate engine overall. However, how is the button-less dash an improvement?
Just just bought a V6 21 cross sport SE. Love it.
I just bought one after looking at everything else out there this was the nicest below the Acura mdx. Even the base model is better equipped than higher end pilot and highlander. Hopefully the vw lasts as long
Looks ok. Not really moving the needle for me though. I think the " mid class" tag fits it. I cant see these being a big seller.
Nice to get a Peak at the new model. Thanks Nathan!
Thank you for the review. I agree in many aspects. Huge upgrade! But you missed something really important: it has 6 different driving modes, each one changes the dynamics of steering, suspension and engine. It drives really sporty on the sport mode. I owned the previous one and I swapped to the new one. I’m delighted and sure that VW did an amazing job on this one!!!
As an owner of the prior generation Atlas Cross Sport just want to say that I appreciate all the hard plastic in the interior. We use the car to haul our kids around and it is extremely easy to clean and gives us no anxiety that something nice will get ruined. Definitely a place for hard plastic interiors!
Same goes for dogs. My Silverado has the WT interior, and there is ZERO worry about the dog accidentally tearing a hole in some padded door panel.
I am looking to lease one with an excellent interest rate (probably because is 2023 model, so its half of the interest rate) , what do you think of the car?
I have VW Atlas comfortline
It has these disadvantages so far
1- water gets inside the engine room once you wash my Atlas
2- you have to put the driving mode on Eco every time you start the car , it is annoying
3- the car is rattling a lot from the doors and seats
4- the sound of the heating fan is loud
5- it doesn’t have the windshield heater inside the frond window glass , Toyota rav4 has it
6- line assist is not very efficient, try it and you will know what I mean
7- the radar system doesn’t work in the snowy and rainy conditions
8- the fan of climate control is only controlled by the screen, if the screen damaged then you may freeze or get very hot until you get to a mechanical shop
9- the engine turns off once you shift the gear from R to D
It may feel like there is a lack of power, but pulling a trailer, the computer does its job in controlling the power and performance. Bought wife a 2023 v6 last year.
I owned a gti with the 2.0 turbo. That engine is quite powerful at 225hp and 248lb ft torque. Very reliable engine great fuel economy. This revised engine with 50 more hp and 23 lb ft of torque should prove satisfying.
I used to have a 2020 VW Atlas V6 in RLine trim , about 15k miles, there's already a transmission leaking ...
Engine is still too small I’ll still get a Toyota Highlander for the reliability, which VW doesn’t have but great video
The design new of the 2024 VW Atlas is very unique, attractive and appealing.
I'm still waiting for the Atlas Shrugged model. You know, the one that elevates you to a higher state of consciousness and congratulates you on achieving a higher moral status every time you drive it.
👋👍
The "Galt".
That would clearly have to be a plug-in hybrid
😂😂 Fooking eh! Spot on! 😂😂
The exhaust got me 😂
Did you guys film this in Saugerties New York?
Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I'm not a fan of VW however I'm looking forward to the VW ID7
Honesly I just want the glowing red VW badge for my GTI, they can keep the rest of the car.
Drove an Atlas and it reminded me of driving a honda CR-V. Very practical utilitarian vehicle but very milk toast when it comes to enjoyment of driving.
I gotta have this SUV!!! I owned the second generation Jetta, and a 2006 Passat. This would be my 3rd VW and I would be happy to by this one. :-)
Love the new changes except loss of V6 , wish they offered a 3.0-3.6 6 cyc. But the up grades are nice, what’s with the music over your voice?? Don’t think your show needs extra sound.
Do the middle row go flat?
14:40 Avocado? Hello 1970's! I hope there's also a Harvest Gold to choose from.
I wonder if the sunroof still leak?
The EPA and emissions have ruined vehicles overall. Putting go kart engines in 3 ton vehicles isn’t the answer. While the vehicle looks nicer overall. I’d still prob stick with the later model year V6.
Isn’t Toyota putting a 4 cylinder in its new highlander, too? 🤷♂️
We have a turbo 4 in our Q5 and the car is quick. I have loaded it up with cargo and with 2 passengers so I am sure it weighed the same as the Atlas and still quick. Turbo 4 has so much torque and that is what gets you oving
Too right, man.. They should give the VR6 more power and keep it an option 👌
That is a very dated mentality, the new Turbo 4s are super efficient, more linear power delivery, and produce much higher low end torque that you really rely on for regular cruising speeds. This ones putting out even more Torque than the last model T4s and the V6s.
Damn them for wanting people to have breathable air. Those bastards.
Id still perfer my 2018 Atlas SE with tech package, its awd and vr6. And personally prefer the styling more then the newer ones.
Is it just me or the headlights looks like the ones on a Ford Expedition? VW/AU/PO have to figure out a way to streamline their wheel alignment, some VW dealers are now charging almost $1,000 for an alignment with camera, sensors and ACC... While MB or BMW have similar system and charge decent prices.
Expedition or précis gen explorer?
The manufacturers are doing a couple things. First, building engines that have to meet or exceed Government regulations but are less reliable. Secondly, the manufacturer warranty is for the "lifetime" of the vehicle and it's not designed to last past that period. So, you need to purchase an extended warranty. And that's a whole other animal. I'm a VW service adviser and recommend you purchase an extended warranty at the dealer through the manufacturer NOT a 3rd party warranty. CPO's or manufacturer extended warranties are the best although more expensive. But, you need them if you're planning on keeping the vehicle past original warranty period because all German vehicles are complex with not many independent shops able to work on them and are expensive to repair.
3:45 😂 Du hast recht 🙋🏽♂️
I'm pretty sure the interior space is class leading?
It’s hard to get excited about a four cylinder in a large SUV. The new Mazda SUV has an inline six cylinder.
But has Turbos lol
So if you wanted V6 option on atlas then 2023 is the last year ?
Yeah or get a palisade or telly
they (VAG) have been doing that to the exhausts for a while and it is to protect the exhaust from rear end collisions. The bumper can get smashed in and the exhaust remains undamaged. too many times in a rear end collision the exhaust gets damaged all the way up to the manifolds...think about how expensive and what a waste of material that is.
Thanks for explaining this. On my Atlas I noticed it one time then forgot about, it’s not a big deal that they are faux.
5 cylinder turbo engine would have made this vehicle a worthy mid cycle refresh complete for the Atlas and Cross Sport.
Why do they put a 2.0T in this big SUV? At least Toyota and GM have a larger displacement 4 cylinder turbo with plenty of power and torque. That puny engine doesn’t have a lot of torque. Just 270lbft, for example the Toyota Highlander’s 2.4T has 319lbft of torque, GMs 2.5T has 317lbft. That’s a considerably large difference in grunt, that atlas will be extremely sluggish.
@@zoomzoom3839 agreed. VW did a disservice to the customer that intends to buy the Atlas. That engine will spend most of its operational life in high boost trying to cart around families and their things. Hence this is one of the reasons why the fuel economy on this class of product is dismal. It’s a shame because other than the lack in Powertrain (total dealbreaker) it’s pretty decent overall.
@@sgtshultz13 My sister has a 18' Tiguan 2.0T with less hp/tq than this and it pulls pretty strong. It has been reliable.
@@thsarethbreaksthe Tig is a detuned Bcycle version of the Atlas motor. If she likes it, she would love the 4 in the Atlas.
@@TheMlvswoll Yeah, i told her she could put a APR kit with a performance chip in it to really wake it up.
Hey, what do you suggest go for the Honda pilot or this one?
If reliability is paramount then Honda by a mile. VW are not known for their reliability. No German car is. People buy German for their handling and sportiness. Although this one doesn't actually deliver on that either. Only slightly better than the Honda.
The VR6 is an absolute archaic pig of an engine. This powertrain is an upgrade in every way other than the sound.
We have a 2018 v6 and while it’s had some odds and ends go wrong (coolant leak, rattle in the door) and the v6 isn’t the peppiest. But the actual engine and drivetrain have been totally fine maintenance wise. Can’t say the same about the money pit that has been my f150…
I went for the 23 for the increased ride height. I wasn’t cool with them lowering the car.
Huh??
OK, do a road test with four 180 to 200 pounds guys and 3 to 4 suitcases, each with about 30 to 40 pounds of luggage. Let's see how it accelerates and stops with that onboard weight and the associated mpg..
Factory Heckblend is nice
I got a 21.5 SEL Premium with the V6...and I love the updates to the 2024 but a 2.0 on this big SUV is a JOKE.
This 2.0 is much nicer to drive for 90% of the time.
it has more power an torque
@@daniel-ino Not anymore, facelifted Atlas got the more powerful version of the 2.0l engine with 373 lbft of torque. What's more important is that it achieves those numbers at less than 2000 rpm which means it's there basically all the time. No need to change gears, rev the engine up, it just goes.
What people don’t know is that some manufacturers are able to get 400 hp out of a 2lt engine. Go check out the Mitsubishi Evo FQ 400 or Mercedes AMGs with 2.0 Turbos.
@@al151 and which family wants to pay for taxes and fuel for a 400hp car?
The light signature looks like the Ford Expedition from 2018.
I was thinking Ford too.
Bingo!
You didn’t use the HVAC controls.
Can't wait to see in Ike gauntlet since it has tow hitch!
Those MPG numbers don't seem much better than my V6. As others have said, the Atlas is a big vehicle I don't think the 4 cyl is going to cut it.
BS... even chevy silverado has a 2.7 turbo engine and is doing just fine.
9:50. It got gobs of spaces back here, right up there with the leaders like the Honda Highlander...
The Atlas Peak Edition has terrible ground clearance (7.9),compare to Ford Timberline which has 8.7, plus under body protection. For the difference in price I'll take the Ford, the Honda Pilot HDR. Also they both need a old fashion mechanical Emergency Parking Brake. ERIC.
I dont understand the fake exhaust trends. But my guess that they did it for efficiency and environmental reasons.
Yeah, that fake exhaust is crazy. 👎👎. Just like Ford did the fake exhaust sound on the Ranger. 👎👎
@@garretlewis4103Man same
That fake exhaust is technically illegal in multiple states. Not sure why nobody has brought it up. Maryland requires the exhaust end at or after the bumper, not before
Why do you actually care bro? I think a lot of people focus too much on that...
@@pugaman20 It’s an observation that is observe by everyone. All I said I don’t know or understand the trend. However, if I vehicle I like has it, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to buy it.
The Atlas Peak showed here with an AS Bambi or Caravel may not be up to the task. If the trailer is the 20 FT model the tongue weight is well over the 600 LB, which exceed the vehicle capacity of 500 LB max allowed tongue weight. It is wrong for VW to be showing this much trailer behind the Atlas. I know this because I bought a 2023 AS Bambi 20FB with the intention of towing with my 2019 VW Atlas 4 Motion. After a couple of test short trips I ended up at the CAT Scale to accurately measure trailer axle and tongue weight, and the last one is much higher than is disclosed by Airstream catalog, exceeding both the Atlas tongue weight limit of 500 LB as well as the Atlas rear axle rating capacity. In addition I didn't like the 2" + squat at the tongue as well as the rotated down appearance of the .hitch bar and ball assembly, just didn't look right, and as you know been a unibody structure VW won't let you set a WDH system. I ended up buying a 2023 Ford F150 XL Supercab with the 2.7 Twin turbo engine. I am very happy with the truck which performed very well during maiden voyage of 11000 miles / 11 weeks around the country with the Bambi behind. Better or equal mpg than the Atlas as well.
They took away the VR6 and it only comes with a turbo 4 which is bullshit
Don't blame VW. Stricter fuel mileage and air quality standards are killing big engines and ICE vehicles altogether.
Hey, who put that dent in the tail gate??????
did they finally put HUD in a VW suv? and that USB-C by the mirror...good idea...radar detector plug...
The Monday morning quarterbacking criticism of the original Atlas is unfair. In 2017/2018, it was the nicest non-luxury seven seater on the market. Technology has changed significantly since then, and you see it reflected in the new Atlas.
It still upset me that they haven’t done a review of the Mazda CX90 with the major players in TFL.
It makes me think that they didn’t really care to review the CX90 so they said… let the new kid do it.
CX90 is overpriced and doesn’t offer more than competitors. You can even get a fully loaded Hybrid Max Grand Highlander for the same money as the CX90. Currently being a Mazda owner, i m completely disappointed.
@al151 overpriced lol
Offering more doesn't mean some bs tech that most don't care. Its quality materials and upscale design as well as the driver centric ride and engine gets expensive. Not the cheap tricks anymore
Just looked it up VW do not offer Brake Hold feature, won't consider it. in LA traffic you gonna use your foot to hold brake at stops is tiring.
Should have kept the VR6 and added a turbo.
i don't get it...they stopped selling the Touareg in the US, want to replace it with the Atlas but the towing capacity is just a joke compared to the Touareg with 3500kg and there is no diesel option 🤷🏻♂
For that price range (38k-53k) there's some strong competition from Honda and Mazda, especially since AWD isn't standard on the VW. And those others with nicer driving engines.... But at least the exterior and interior updates are a good step in the right direction
The only people buying these will be customers that didn't get approved for a Honda or Toyota. :/ Everyone knows they fall apart out of warranty.
Speak for yourself , we got an Atlas and got rid of a newer Honda Pilot. The pilot had electrical
Issues, fit and finish issues, shitty Nav and the leather seats were cracking and fading by 60k miles with meticulous care and upkeep. We had 50k on the Atlas and shy of a rattle that needs addressing which the Honda had as well it’s been great. Of course I maintain it and do oil service ever 5k which most won’t.
@@TheMlvswoll sister in law had a Pilot and it was constantly coming up with issues. In the shop a lot. Unfortunately the Honda quality has diminished over time, it’s not the same Honda quality from the 90s/early 00s when you could run those cars 150k with no issues.
VW- a $60K vehicle with a self destructing Timing Chain tensioner and 10K miles recommended oil change philosophy of "Dealer Only Service" - No home mechanics! By the way, the new front end looks like a Ford front end.
Telluride fits 3 in the back
The middle isn’t where Volkswagen is supposed to be. Golf’s and GTIs. are supposed to leave Wabbit Twax and all Volkswagens are supposed to have Farfignugen. I don’t know where VW went astray but where they were once the car you followed through traffic to get out of town they’re now the vehicle you dread driving behind and can’t seem to get around in the passing lane.
I saw an Atlas at Panera and thought it was a bentayga for sec. Same family 🤷🏽♂️
That's the native habitat for these huge suv's, always driven by a solitary Karen or Chad with no passengers lol.
Maybe I’m in the minority here, but we have 23 Atlas and the faux exhaust doesn’t bother me
Can you not get a v6 anymore???
Sadly, the VR6 is gone.
It’s no brainer, go down to any vw dealer and look at the atlas’ for sale. You will find more 2.0 parked waiting for a buyer vs the VR6, which you will find none.
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Dinky 2.0 Litre with how much torque? I'll stick with my Touareg TDI with 182,000 miles. I'll be sure to wave while passing.
Arduous vid. I need an antihistamine.
The peak version looks like a outlander from the front 😩
Front looks like a small expedition
I agree with the fake exhaust. Disappointment.
That's a nice dent on the rear hatch.
2.0t is such a bad choice. Why not the 2.5 i5 or just keep the v6?
The only negative I found with this vehicle was the rear camera. It’s beyond awful.
I agree. Camera is not sharp/as clear as it could be. But other than that I’m very happy with this car. The combo of all the features, space, price, looks did it for us.
My wife has a Volkswagen atlas 2021. She had a deer in May 2023 seven months ago. It has been sitting at the autobody shop every sense Volkswagen is not making hoods or bumpers for this car and other parts for all I know and cannot tell us when a hood or bumper will be available. This is left us with a car that we cannot drive yet. We are still paying on. I would not buy a Volkswagen atlas or any Volkswagen because they are not manufacturing parts to repair their cars.
Ugh, that piano black trim band going all the way across the front and down the center console. I guess more people love it than don't, because manufacturers keep slapping it in everything.
There's enough room for a V6 in that engine bay ... by a long shot.
also for a PHEV version too
No turbo and no gdi injection is the recipe for longevity sadly all these companies care about is satisfying the epa and making massive profits.
epa is a federally mandated agency,its the law jack@ss
F the epa and all the ecofacists, yourself included ass ⛳
The R Line all Packages Atlas doesn't have 4 wheel drive!
VW, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai/Kia, Mazda, Nissan, etc. See where this is going?
They really need a much stronger hp engine… they lag even the 6 cylinder is slow merging… I have the atlas cross sport sel and it lags
Why did they drop the V6?.. While the turbo V4 is capable of developing enough horsepower with significant turbo boost, the engine won't have the life expectancy of the naturally aspirated V6. VW buyers value simplicity, economy, and longevity. I'm old and have bought a dozen orccso new VW's... from Rabbit diesels, Jettas, V8 Tuoregs, and several new battles and cabriolets... but I switched to the V8 3 pointed star.. certainly not economical, but at my age, reliability and dealer service is the driver. Last VW I owned, called the dealer to schedule service, told it was a 3 week wait.... bought the Benz.
Decent review, but the background music is so annoying!!!
A LOT BETTER than before. The fake exhaust are ridiculous 😂….. Maybe consider sending your design engineers to America before they design a car for America?
My guy has Been eating good.
The front end looks like a ford expedition
Needs a v6 fir the size of thst vehicle..
Tesla started the light bar with the Cybertruck and now everyone is doing it....amh.
Design-wise, I prefer the new Touareg over the Atlas/Teramont. But then again, the Touareg is much more expensive and premium than the Atlas/Teramont.
I think that's why they got rid of it in the US market pricing wise it started to overlap Audi pricing and most ppl rather have an Audi
@@Carfan678 That's true.
@@AppleSlipper same reason I think the Arteon is getting discontinued too
@@Carfan678 Yep, sadly.