2024 VW Atlas Engines: Performance and Specs Revealed

With its newly revealed engine options and performance specs, the 2024 VW Atlas has sparked excitement among car enthusiasts and potential buyers alike. Volkswagen’s popular SUV impresses with improvements in power, efficiency, and overall driving experience. As the automotive landscape evolves, the VW Atlas aims to stay ahead of the curve by offering a range of engine choices to suit various driving preferences and needs.

New Turbocharged Engine Specs

The 2024 VW Atlas introduces an all-new turbocharged engine that promises to elevate the driving experience for SUV enthusiasts. This powerful and efficient powertrain replaces the previous V6 option, offering improved performance and fuel economy across the range.

Horsepower and Torque

At the heart of this midsize SUV lies a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine that packs a serious punch. This turbocharged power plant generates an impressive 269 horsepower, providing ample thrust for city driving and highway cruising. The engine’s torque output is equally noteworthy, producing 273 pound-feet of torque. This combination of horsepower and torque ensures that the Atlas has the muscle to handle various driving situations with ease.

The new engine’s performance marks a significant improvement over its predecessors. With its robust power delivery, this VW midsize SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds when equipped with all-wheel drive. This speed represents a half-second improvement compared to the previous VR6 AWD model, placing the Atlas in a competitive position within the three-row SUV segment.

One of the standout features of this new engine is its refined character. Despite being a four-cylinder unit, it delivers power so smoothly that it could easily be mistaken for a V6. The engine’s responsiveness is particularly noticeable, with minimal acceleration delay, providing drivers with confidence-inspiring performance in various driving scenarios.

Fuel Economy

The 2024 VW Atlas not only impresses with its performance but also delivers respectable fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive models are estimated to achieve 11.8 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 L/100 km on the highway, positioning this mid-size crossover SUV competitively within the midsize SUV segment.

For those opting for the all-wheel-drive configuration, fuel economy estimates are slightly lower but still commendable. Most AWD models are rated at 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 L/100 km on the highway. The Peak Edition trims have slightly different figures, with estimates of 13.1 L/100 km city and 9.8 L/100 km highway.

In real-world testing, the all-wheel-drive 2024 VW Atlas demonstrated its efficiency by achieving 9.4 L/100 km on a 120 km/h highway fuel economy route. This result aligns with the estimates, suggesting that drivers can expect consistent fuel economy performance under various conditions.

VW Atlas Transmission

To harness the power of the new turbocharged engine effectively, Volkswagen has paired it with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission features Tiptronic® functionality, allowing drivers more control over gear selection when desired.

The transmission’s performance is generally smooth and responsive in most driving situations. It efficiently manages the engine’s power, ensuring this VW midsize SUV delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. While the transmission may occasionally take a moment to respond when more aggressive acceleration is demanded, it performs admirably in typical driving scenarios.

The new turbocharged engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission result in improved throttle response compared to the previous V6 powertrain. The re-tuned transmission complements the engine’s characteristics, making the Atlas feel more responsive and eager in everyday driving situations.

This powertrain configuration is available with either front-wheel drive or Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, allowing buyers to choose the drivetrain that best suits their needs and preferences.

Performance Capabilities

The 2024 VW Atlas showcases impressive performance capabilities, positioning it competitively within the midsize SUV segment. With its new turbocharged engine, the Atlas delivers a blend of power, efficiency, and versatility that caters to a wide range of driving needs.

Acceleration

The 2024 VW Atlas has demonstrated notable improvements in acceleration compared to its predecessors. The Atlas hit 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds at the test track, quicker than the V6-powered model tested in 2018. This acceleration time is competitive with many other three-row SUVs in its class. 

The new turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides sufficient, if not neck-straining acceleration. It delivers good off-the-line acceleration and plentiful power in most daily driving situations. The engine offers ample verve for highway passing and merging, ensuring drivers feel confident in various scenarios.

It’s worth noting that the power delivery is smooth and refined. Despite being a four-cylinder unit, it could easily be mistaken for a V6, thanks to its punchy and refined character. There’s minimal acceleration delay, which adds to the overall driving experience.

Towing Capacity

One of the standout features of the 2024 VW Atlas is its impressive towing capacity. Almost every Volkswagen Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with a trailer that has brakes. This capacity puts it on par with competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Ascent, making the Atlas a versatile choice for those who need to haul heavy loads.

It’s important to note that the towing capacity can vary depending on the trim level. SE with Technology trims and higher come with a standard trailer hitch, allowing for the full 5,000-pound towing capacity. However, SE trims require an aftermarket hitch and are rated for a maximum of 2,000 pounds.

To achieve the maximum towing capacity, this mid-size crossover SUV must have a factory-installed tow hitch and an appropriate third-party trailer brake controller. When loading your trailer, it’s crucial to distribute the weight evenly and consider the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of your specific Atlas model.

VW Atlas Handling

The 2024 VW Atlas offers a balanced approach to handling, combining comfort with reasonable agility. The SUV responds obediently to steering inputs, providing a composed ride on the highway and nimble performance in city driving. It balances comfort and control, making it easy to plant in a lane during highway cruising while remaining manageable in urban environments.

The brake pedal’s initial application is cushioned enough to avoid upsetting passengers, but a firmer step delivers surprisingly short and confident stops. This combination of comfortable ride quality and secure handling makes the Atlas a well-rounded performer for everyday driving situations.

Atlas Drivetrain Options

The 2024 VW Atlas offers buyers a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems, catering to different driving preferences and needs. This flexibility allows customers to select the drivetrain that best suits their lifestyle, weather conditions, and performance requirements.

Front-Wheel Drive

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the SE and SE with Technology trims of the 2024 VW Atlas. This drivetrain configuration is ideal for those primarily driving in urban or suburban environments with generally favorable weather conditions. FWD offers several advantages, including:

• Improved fuel efficiency: The FWD Atlas models achieve slightly better fuel economy ratings than all-wheel-drive counterparts. The EPA estimates for FWD models are 8.5 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 L/100 km on the highway.
• Lower initial cost: FWD versions typically have a lower starting price than their AWD equivalents, making them a more budget-friendly option for some buyers.
• Reduced weight: Without the additional components required for all-wheel drive, FWD models are lighter, which can contribute to better acceleration and fuel economy.
• Simpler maintenance: With fewer components, FWD systems generally require less maintenance over time.

4MOTION All-Wheel Drive

Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is available on the SE and SE with Technology trims and comes standard on higher trims, including the Peak Edition SE and above. This advanced AWD system offers several benefits:

• Enhanced traction: The 4MOTION system continuously monitors driving conditions and distributes power between the front and rear axles as needed, improving grip in challenging weather or road conditions.
• Improved performance: AWD can enhance acceleration and handling, particularly in adverse conditions or during spirited driving.
• Increased versatility: For those who frequently encounter snow, rain, or unpaved roads, the 4MOTION system provides added confidence and capability.
• Towing capacity: When properly equipped, the AWD Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for hauling boats, trailers, or other recreational equipment.

The 4MOTION system uses an advanced electronic clutch on the rear axle, allowing the rear wheels to rotate freely during normal driving conditions. This design helps to conserve fuel when additional traction isn’t necessary. The system constantly measures wheel speed, engaging before the front wheels lose traction. In a fraction of a second, it can send up to 50 percent of the engine’s power to the rear axle as needed.

Additionally, the 4MOTION system works with the Atlas’s Electronic Stability Control. If an individual wheel begins to slip, the system can slow it down and redirect power to the wheel with better traction, further enhancing stability and control.

Trim Availability

The availability of drivetrain options varies across the 2024 VW Atlas trim levels:

• SE and SE with Technology: These trims offer a choice between front-wheel drive and 4MOTION all-wheel drive, allowing buyers to select based on their preferences and needs.
• SEL and higher trims: All-wheel drive is standard equipment for higher-end models, including the Peak Edition SE.
• SEL Premium R-Line: This top-tier trim exclusively features the 4MOTION system, combining luxury features with advanced all-wheel drive capability.

It’s worth noting that regardless of the chosen drivetrain, all 2024 VW Atlas models come equipped with the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine has an eight-speed automatic transmission across all configurations.

This crossover SUV offers a range of drivetrain options to suit various driving needs and preferences. Whether opting for the efficiency of front-wheel drive or the enhanced capability of 4MOTION all-wheel drive, buyers can find a configuration that aligns with their lifestyle and driving requirements.

Comfort and Capability

The 2024 VW Atlas makes a strong impression with its new turbocharged engine, offering a blend of power and efficiency. This SUV impacts the market with its improved performance, competitive towing capacity, and choice of drivetrain options. Moreover, this crossover SUV balances comfort and capability, making it a versatile choice for families and SUV enthusiasts.

The 2024 VW Atlas showcases Volkswagen’s commitment to evolve with changing consumer needs and market trends. Its range of features and performance capabilities position it as a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. Whether you’re looking for a daily driver or a vehicle to handle weekend adventures, this midsize SUV offers something to consider for a wide range of buyers.