~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

Early in the 20th century, Ford established a transportation beachhead with its Model T and Model A automobiles and trucks. A few decades later, Germany’s Volkswagen did the same with its Type 1 Beetle and Type 2 Microbus.

Since then, VW has expanded its world-wide lineup to a full range of gasoline, hybrid, diesel, and electric cars and sport utility vehicles. It includes the 2024 Atlas SE with the Technology package driven for this review, which is a big, three-row family bruiser.

This Atlas is not shy. It makes an impression at nearly 17 feet long and 6 feet tall with three rows of seats for up to seven passengers in 154 cubic feet of space, with 21 cubic feet of cargo room left over. Flop the second and third row seatbacks and the Atlas becomes a two-seater with 97 cubic feet for cargo—enough, in one test, to accommodate 38 carry-on suitcases.

Given its size, the Atlas SE presents an attractive, if not stylish, mien with a restyled face and new headlights, along with new wheel designs.

Inside, the driver and passengers are treated to three-zone automatic climate control with separate controls in the second row of seats; air vents in all three rows; V-Tex leatherette upholstery and wrapped steering wheel; heated and ventilated front seats; power driver’s seat; roll-up side sun shades in the second row; USB charging ports in all three rows, and reading lights.

A full suite of safety and driver assistance equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and motorcycle recognition, hill hold, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert, and parking distance alert.

Technology and convenience features cover a range of functions: 10.25 configurable instrument display, 12-inch center touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, SXM satellite radio, AM/FM/HD radio with voice control, remote engine start, power rear lift gate, anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer, wireless device charging and automatic unlocking as the driver approaches the vehicle.

All of that is part of the Atlas SE’s base price of $43,015, including the destination charge. Standard equipment covered many features that would wind up as extra-cost options on other vehicles. On the tested Atlas SE, there were only two extras: second-row captain’s chairs and black-painted alloy wheels, which added $1,290 to the base price. With that, the bottom-line sticker of the tester came to a reasonable $44,305.

The Atlas goes out of its way to accommodate families, including plenty of cup holders and cubbies to store small stuff. There’s plenty of space for two up front, as well as two in the second row and almost decent room in the third row that can accept adults, though younger people will have an easier time squirreling themselves back there.

The Atlas SE gets its moxie from a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force. On the tester, an eight-speed automatic transmission transferred the grunt to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is optional.

City/highway/combined fuel economy is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency 20/27/23 miles to the gallon of regular gasoline. Towing capability is rated at 2,000 pounds though Volkswagen says it can handle up to 5,000 pounds.

Get behind the wheel and the Atlas SE immediately insinuates itself into the driver’s consciousness. Signals from the throttle and brakes, as well as steering feedback, identify this big SUV as hefty, strong and planted, yet mostly quiet in operation with minimal intrusion of engine and road noise. The eight-speed automatic shifts surely and smoothly.

The Atlas cruises competently on lengthy, straight-line Interstate sections, delivering quick responses to steering inputs dictated by other drivers not paying attention. It also can easily handle curving, two-lane roads as long as it’s not pushed too hard. It’s an amiable driving partner for long-distance trips with varying challenges.

There are a few annoyances. New owners should make certain to get briefings from VW or dealer representatives, along with dutiful readings of the Owner’s Manual to learn different functions. Some of them are not readily recognizable without tutoring—for example, how to turn on the radio.

The Atlas SE competes in tough territory against other crossover SUVs of similar size, including the capable and increasingly popular Kia Telluride, along with the Mazda CX-90 and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

The Atlas need not bow to any of those fine machines.

Specifications

  • Model: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology four-door crossover sport utility vehicle.
  • Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, turbocharged; 269 hp, 273 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with front-wheel drive.
  • Overall length:16 feet 9 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 10 inches.
  • EPA passenger/cargo volume: 154/21 cubic feet. (Cargo 97 behind front row, 56 behind second row).
  • Weight: 4,343 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 5,000 pounds.
  • City/highway/combined fuel consumption: 20/27/23 mpg.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $43,015.
  • Price as tested: $44,305.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©VW

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