VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Volkswagen unveiled the 2024 model year Atlas at the beginning of 2023 and improved the big crossover that was based on the same MQB platform as its smaller sibling, the Golf.

Using a common base for more vehicles allowed Volkswagen to produce them at lower costs. The increased ground clearance and the available all-wheel drive system allowed the Atlas to perform well in a market that craved SUVs and crossovers. And, after five years on the market, the big VW got its well-deserved facelift.

At the front, the Atlas featured a new adaptive front-lighting system (AFS), which surrounded the headlights with a DRL strip. In addition, an illuminated lightbar connected the headlamps. On the main grille, the illuminated round VW logo took center stage, thus creating a premium look for the big crossover. But the automaker didn't stop there and also added a redesigned bumper that sported a set of triangular side scoops pointed inwards. From its profile, the Atlas revealed a muscular stance thanks to the enlarged wheel arches. Finally, at the back, the tilted forward tailgate sported a roof spoiler on its upper side.

Inside, the German automaker created a new cabin with an upgraded dashboard. Atop the center stack, Volkswagen installed a 12" touchscreen for the infotainment system. At the same time, all versions were fitted with a 12.5" digital instrument panel fronting the driver. Like its predecessor, the 2024 model-year came with three rows of seats and room for seven adults.

Underneath the hood, the engine cover left the impression that there was a transversely-mounted V8. But that was only an illusion since the car was powered by a turbocharged inline-four that produced 269 hp (273 PS), which was more potent than the previous VR6 was capable. Power went to the front or in all corners of the car via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size SUV that was first produced in 2017. The refreshed Atlas is available in 2 gasoline versions, the first one with a 235 hp four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection, and the second one with a 276 hp v6 engine. Both engines are connected to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The next generation of the Car-Net telematics system is included, thus taking advantage of the updated mobile app, car-net hotspot with up to four connected devices, a never-ending list of free services for five years, and a collection of subscription options for client flexibility. A variety of driver-assistance technology is available on all versions starting from Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert.

The reinvigorated model includes new headlight and taillight designs with standard LED lighting. Along with the sculpted front and rear bumpers, it creates a more aggressive stance making the Atlas more assertive from its previous model.

With refreshed seven-seats, interior upgrades, advanced technology, new driver-assistance features and a total of 111.8 cubic feet of passenger space available, the Volkswagen Atlas provides enough room for its passengers, maintaining the spacious interior and ergonomics that made the outgoing model so popular.

At the time of its launch, in 2017, the Volkswagen Atlas was the biggest car sold by the German brand in the U.S. The full-size, seven-seat vehicle stormed the doors at the Los Angeles Auto Show in a special event at the Santa Monica Pier.

With respectable sales figures for the Volkswagen Touareg, the German car-maker decided to do one more step and offer a seven-seat SUV. The Touareg had only five and, somehow, that was seen as a problem. So, it took the MQB platform and used it at its max.

The front of the Atlas looked closer to the Amarok pickup-truck than to other Volkswagen vehicles. With the long, horizontal lines on the grille and new signature headlights, it had a different statement than the other Volkswagen vehicles. With its tall, long and wide bodywork, the Atlas looked impressive.

Inside, Volkswagen offered various amenities, including a high-tech instrument cluster named Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, which worked almost the same as the Audi Virtual Cockpit. On the center console, the infotainment unit featured Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The second row of seats was able to slide back and fore and had a reclining seatback. For the third row, there was room for average height passengers.

Under the hood, the offer started with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, while the top-spec version featured a 3.6-liter V6 with 280 hp. The standard transmission was an 8-speed automatic.