History

According to Pablo Di Si, CEO of Volkswagen of America, the original Atlas was the first modern vehicle the company made for North American buyers. Ever since its release in 2017, it has been a “major player” in the region’s market, thanks to its turbocharged engine and spacious interior.

However, VW believes in continually evolving its vehicles to offer the highest performance possible. As such, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport bring a host of upgrades for 2024 designed to delight Canadian motorists.

Improved Cabin Experience

The interior builds on the success of the company’s outgoing models. The new cars will feature premium materials, including a leatherette-trimmed soft-touch dash and center console and new front-row and second-row door trim. Drivers will have a choice of more than 30 ambient lighting colours and will benefit from an intriguing backlit dashboard, virtually unique in the industry.

Comfort features will enhance the experience further. VW confirms the new Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will have ventilated front seats in diamond-pattern quilted leather, a height-adjustable passenger seat and a heated steering wheel for those cold Canadian winter mornings. Climate control is voice-activated, and the center console comes with a re-imagined storage cubby underneath.

Enhanced Technology

The refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles will also offer VW’s state-of-the-art tech for 2024. Drivers will enjoy a 12-inch floating infotainment display designed to be a focal point for drivers and passengers. And dials will appear on a companion 10.25-inch configurable VW Digital Cockpit Pro, which also integrates with consumer devices. Wireless charging and six USB-C ports are also available.

Safety is also a priority on the new Atlas models. As such, VW equips them with its IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology to reduce the risk of collisions and improve comfort on long journeys. Standout features include electronic lane centring, the capacitive stuttering wheel, and cockpit alerts for surprise objects on the road. A full heads-up display and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are also available on some models.

Aesthetics

VW improved the aesthetics of the new Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. The 2024 model brings a front-end design complete with the German automaker’s Adaptive Front-lighting System (ADF) and wrap-around daylight running lights on all base trims. The base model has integrated front air intakes, while the Cross Sport adds a gloss-black grille with an “X” design element stretching over the lower fascia. The rear spoiler adds to the length of both models, while the Cross Sport’s unique rear diffuser subtly differentiates it as the more capable option.

In summary, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport represent a significant upgrade from VW. The vehicles are scheduled for launch in early Q3.

To test drive an Atlas, start by clicking on the button below.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications at any time without notice.