The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Gives Us Spacious Spa Vibes

The Volkswagen Atlas Feels Cozy and Capable

Have you ever walked into a house and instantly felt at home? Has it ever happened to you when you first sat in a car? It can, and it does. There is something familiar, like a comfortable seat or the way the steering wheel feels in your hands. Something that moves you, that you are immediately receptive to, and that doesn’t feel foreign. For me, that is what driving a Volkswagen car is like, and of all the models I’ve driven, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is the most welcoming.

Related: The Updated, Upgraded 2024 VW Atlas 3-Row SUV

Soothing Vibes Inside and Out

For a few years, it seemed like gray and monotone interiors were all the rage for homes and cars. But we’ve matured past that, and we’re all looking for warmth. Volkswagen’s soft ivory interior, trimmed with warm woods and a little chrome, reminds me of the soft, relaxing vibes I feel when I walk into a spa. All I’m missing is that amazing scent of essential oils. And heck, with a car diffuser like this one, I could probably have that too!

And it’s not just the finishes that make me feel relaxed; it’s the attention to detail and the placement of everything from the buttons on the steering wheel to just the right amount of tactile buttons and knobs on the dash. The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is not cluttered. But it’s not cold, minimalistic, or sci-fi futuristic, either.

Related: The VW Atlas Cross Sport Helps You Hold the Heavens On Your Shoulders

Sophisticated and Capable

The Volkswagen Atlas is refreshing on the outside, too. I like the departure from the mom-car look, with a higher stance and more SUV than crossover shape. Depending on the color and trim level, the Atlas can look sophisticated urban, ready for a night on the town, or off-road ready and equipped for camping or kayaking. Example? Roof rails are standard on every model.

I have yet to see the Atlas Peak Edition in person, but I think I’d really like the more rugged front-facia and knowing it has underbody cladding to protect the car when I’m driving out here in the country. I think this car’s versatility is what draws me to it.

The model we drove had a gorgeous panoramic sunroof, easy-open tailgate, all-season tires, and a beautiful Platinum Gray paint job that I loved.

Related: Hot Off the Press: The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 and I Hit it Off

Practically Speaking, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has it All

The Atlas has a third row with impressive legroom, which makes it a great choice for families, but that’s not all there is to love. Behind that third row is a large cargo space, and roof rails offer the ability to have a cargo carrier on top as well. This makes the Atlas one of our top choices when it comes to a good travel vehicle for our crew.

The turbocharged 2.0 engine produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque for a punchy drive and plenty of strength – the Atlas has a 5,000 lb. towing capacity! With this kind of muscle, you can tow a small camper, boat, or utility vehicle on a small trailer.

Related: Why the Volkswagen Atlas is One of Our 10 Favorite European Luxury SUVs

Let’s Break it Down

The starting price for the Volkswagen Atlas SE is $37,995. This is the base model and the model we drove. There are five other models to choose from, and the starting prices are as follows:

The SE with Technology starts at $42,100. This car looks just like the Atlas we drove but comes with some extras, like larger wheels, a hands-free liftgate, sun shades, two extra USB ports (for a total of 6), and a 115v power outlet.

The Peak Edition SE with Technology has all of that, plus unique bumper and grille, panoramic moonroof, multi-color adjustable ambient lighting, and nicer leatherette seats. This starts at $46,990.

Then you have the SEL, which starts at $48,880 and offers real leather seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat and a power passenger seat, a heads-up display, a 12” multimedia screen, and adaptive cruise control. On top of the SEL trim, you can add the Peak Edition package (starting price $50,870) and then finally the Premium R-Line, which starts at $52,890 and gives you even more extras like 21” wheels, R-line exterior styling, premium leather seats, Harmon Kardon audio, overhead camera view, heated first and second-row seats, and stainless steal pedal caps.

Who Is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas For?

I really enjoyed my time with the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE. I think family roadtrippers and people who want or need lots of space will enjoy this SUV. Those who appreciate the most modern technology will be pleased with the high-resolution screens and many other features. And let’s not forget the rest of us who feel right at home in the inviting interior. The warm welcome this SUV offers isn’t just for me; it’s for everyone.

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!