2024 VW Atlas | Updated in The Wrong Places

We drive the updated 2024 VW Atlas, a three-row SUV that attempts to keep things clean and basic at a reasonable price. We discuss the problems with the updates and how this feels left beyond in a field of 3 Row SUVS that try much harder to wow people. Others to consider are Toyota Grand Highlander, Mazda CX-90, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot.

#cars #technology #family

Index:
00:00 Interior and Exterior Updates
3:14 Mechanical Updates
4:49 Driving Impressions
14:33 Final Thoughts

[ChadHargis]

As car enthusiasts, we often miss the point of cars for the "average" person. Most people buying cars don't care about 0-60 times, how fast they can carve a curve, top speed, etc. They just want a low payment and a vehicle that starts and drives. My wife and daughter fall into this category. The more buttons and technology a vehicle has the more confused they become. My wife drives a Lexus and doesn't use a fraction of the features of the car. I've tried to show her Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise, remote start, etc. She won't use any of them. Doesn't care. Just wants to push the start button and drive to her destination.

[CristianHernandez-xhbz]

The thing that pisses me off the most with VW is that there was a reaction to the criticism of the loss of buttons in the GTI, HOWEVER, they continue to remove buttons from their models going forward. They claimed to be working on a fix for the next gen and apparently fired the person “responsible” for the screen.

[milkacj]

Updated in the wrong places sounds a lot like how the past few years have been going.

[mrrakalanov]

Geese, you absolutely know how to tell an interesting story about probably the most boring segment of cars on the market. Your channel is gold. Good luck in your work and in life

[theletterB]

A couple things worth mentioning: 1) About 2, 000 early production models were recalled for engine issues, something to be aware of but that's largely not an issue in the grand scheme. 2) Front seats are heated and ventilated across all trims - I can't think of any other model in this segment which has this. 3) There is the 2-row version called the Atlas Cross Sport that has a more pear shaped and sportier(tm) look. There aren't many other 2 row mid sized SUVs so this is also a compelling model when you don't intend on using the third row. I personally like the Cross Sport because I have no use for a third row and actually like the exterior and interior (except for the digital controls and piano black on higher trims). 4) I noticed that VW seems to be more roomier in the drivers cockpit vs Honda and Toyota, so if you are a taller/larger person then it could be another reason to check out. 5) Climate controls look like a mess, but honestly, just put it on AUTO mode at the temp you want and you don't have to mess with it much.

Thanks for reading my blog.

[dielaughing]

Being a childless man in his late 40s has its downsides, but at least I don't have to shop for a vehicle in this segment

[frinkie]

8:20 this. This is why I've been watching for years. Never change Mark. I've not heard anyone so eloquently describe what's wrong with VW, and also a lot of the automotive industry in the place in time we currently find ourselves.

[adamleininger]

Jack hit the nail on the head with what some people like about the interior experience.

What Mark finds boring, we found simple and easy to use relative to the Telluride we cross-shopped at the time. It's refreshing in an era of vehicles with increasing complexity. The pre-refresh version with physical controls has superb daily usability, flexible seating, plenty of cargo space, a bulletproof VR6, and better driving dynamics than the Kia and Hyundai twins.

Of course, the new one ditches both of the things we like most about our 2019.

[johnshaw]

The reason we all watch you guys is you true approach to automotive journalism. Factual reporting with great insight into the market. Love you guys. We don't care what you're reviewing just as long as you remain true to yourselves.

[derek]

Man I sure don't understand the hate you guys are giving this thing. Yes, the CX90 might be more premium, but it's also much more expensive and a decently optioned example is going to be north of $50K! The inline 6 is great and all, but it's unproven yet and there's already gremlins popping up on forums for it. Like you guys said in the awesome CX90 video, the ride on it is way too harsh and maybe 5% of the buyers of it will appreciate it. The remaining 95% want something that's somewhat floaty, isolated, serene. The Pilot? Good luck finding one and if you do, be prepared to bend over with dealers because the price is the price and if you don't buy it, someone else will. Same story with the Grand Highlander; finding one and getting a decent deal is almost impossible. Unless you go for the top trim SEL R-Line, this Atlas is the best value proposition around the $45K mark with standard heated/cooled seats and wheel. ...12:40. You're not getting a CX90 for $45K with these options, and the Grand Highlander is hard to find and priced way above this to get any options as it STARTS at $45K. Plus, most people are making payments on these large 3-row SUVS and the difference in payment between $45K and $50K is not insignificant when groceries, gas, and everything else is more expensive.

[TheThirdH]

Having recently driven the new Atlas and the Lexus TX/Toyota Grand Highlander i think it’s worth pointing out that these are really the only two mid-sized SUV/Crossover options for those looking for a third row that’s actually functional for anyone over 10 years old. That being said both me and my wife were extremely underwhelmed by the fit/finish materials in the Lexus TX with the Premium Luxury packages in them. Honestly the interior to the Atlas is nicer and I’m not seeing where the extra $20-25k goes other than the assumed Toyota reliability and Lexus nameplate. I’m sure either will serve the needs of those that need a functional three row vehicle with space but between the two the Atlas has a better driving “feel” in my opinion but that’s not saying much. Toyota products are notorious for having “vague” road dynamics to be nice about it… and that’s coming from a current Toyota owner.

Thanks for the review and perspective. I enjoyed the viewpoint even if i somewhat disagree with the idea of preferring the Lexus TX/Grand Highlander to this on initial test drives. I preferred the Audi Q7 to all but there’s no Captian’s Chair 2nd row option in that vehicle.

[JackVac_joeblower]

I LOVE how both of these guys are calm and mature (especially Jack), compare to other car reviewers that act like kids scream, add fake over excited and halfly bounce all around Like Donut and Supercar Blondie.

[swtorPCgaming]

I love when you guys turn the conversation into a bigger picture segment. It’s what makes you great.

[krane]

@8:30 As a matter of fact, VW does take time to put passion into their cars. Back in the early 2000s former VW chairman Ferdinand Piëch commissioned VW engineers to build the first premium sedan to compete with the flagship sedans from MB and BMW.

The engineers needed to work overtime to satisfy Piëch's exacting high standards and they put everything VW had into that car including the kitchen sink. It was available with the entire line of engines from the VR6 to the 6.0 W12 (plus V6 and V10 turbo diesels).

It was built from the same platform as the Audi A8 and Bentley Flying Spur, and met and exceeded all of Piëch exacting demands for ride quality and features. It was a world-class luxury car at every level with an identity all it own. Yet when it debuted in the U.S. it was met with heavy criticism not because it was a bad car, but because it donned a VW badge.

Subsequently VW introduced the king of SUVs with its Touareg which was also available with the same full compliment of power-plants as the Phaeton. It was a potent on-road and fully competent off-road vehicle in the same line as the Land Rover Range Rover is today -- but got there first. You could order it with rear, center, and front lockers.

Again it exceeded all the other top premium brands in capability, features and comfort. Yet despite its remarkable wide-range operation it was either ignored completely, or severely criticized simply for being too expensive for a VW.

Reviews never had anything negative to say about the Touareg, badge shaming, claiming the $50, 000 (the cost at the time), nicely equipped SUV was "too much to pay for a VW."

So you see, after such a huge economic expenditure, with nothing but negative feedback for brand identity, who could blame VW for giving the people what they expect and prefer from the company: stale generic transportation.

[nickmoody]

You guys failed to mention value propositions like it’s the biggest vehicle in the segment and comes with standard heated cooled seats and a heated wheel on EVERY trim. You have to spend much more on a pilot, grand highlander, and telluride.

[Phocoena-oy]

Thanks for this review. I've desperately been searching for a "boring" vehicle! I don't need my commute to feel like a sporting event. Life is stressful; I just want my drive to be quiet and comfortable, which is extremely hard to find these days. Manufacturers are almost unanimously stiffening suspension to make it feel more "exciting", but that results in substantially less comfort.

[mikeyg]

Just bought one of these fully loaded for decent amount below MSRP. It’s not a track car for sure, but it’s big, quiet, handsome, w/excellent fit & finish, great HVAC for the South, and serene Volvo-y interior. It’s not a track car for sure, but is that what a practical SUV is for? I can afford a Range Rover, GLS, or X7, but spending $100-150K on something to haul muddy bikes, dripping kayaks, and mulch from Home Depot is overkill - even if it’s the most luxurious and inspired trip to HD ever 😂

[louiszhang]

Rented one of these on a recent trip to Yellowstone. I was shocked to find that it was a base $41k vehicle when it came with so many features like heated and cooled seats. Comparing to a 2021 Acura TLX, I actually felt it was quieter and the ride quality no worse. It felt more like an Audi. When you take your brain out of the whole "comparison mindset", this car does everything you could possibly want for way cheaper than the competition. It puts you to sleep, but in a good way.

[leviathan]

It is so funny to me how VW, who was on top of their game with the golf 7, in terms of usability and quality, threw it all away to save a couple of cents and appear "modern". Even funnier is when you realize that these UI-nightmares on wheels are still flying out of the showrooms, at least in Germany. God forbid you give the Japanese a shot that would be unpatriotic....

[eDuCincoCinco]

Something what this folks are missing, is a family car, families have kids. Bulky car seats. Atlas does a great job fitting 3 car seats in the middle job and having access to to the third one without taking the seats out. That’s why I chose Atlas over other ones. Yes is not the best but does the best for what is need it. Also atlas is the only one you can install 2 car seats in the third row. Other models only one and the car seat has to be in the middle and no body else can seat back there.