Sunday Drive: Saguaros and desert in the Volkswagen Atlas
It seemed to be taking forever for warmer weather to arrive in Utah this past May, so we decided it would be fitting to spend Memorial Day weekend the Valley of the Sun — Phoenix, Arizona — to get some rays and the opportunity to drive the amazing Volkswagen Atlas!
It’s been about three years since we had some time in the Atlas, so we were very intrigued to get out of town and drive something that would prove to be a unique SUV. Getting four days of desert sunshine would just be the icing on the cake.
Under the hood, the Atlas was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced a very nice 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience.
We had no complaints in the 500 miles we traveled from Tucson to Payson, Arizona, and around the Phoenix area. Navigating freeways and country roads, the VW was always ready to go. The Atlas also can be had with an optional 3.6-liter V-6 engine, delivering 276 horsepower for those who seek more power for towing or driving in more demanding conditions.
The eight-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly, ensuring us a seamless driving experience. For those who prefer the added confidence of all-wheel drive, Volkswagen offers its 4Motion AWD system, which enhances traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the four-cylinder engine should do an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is competitive within the midsize SUV segment. We managed to get a nice 24 mpg combined on our desert experience.
Inside, the Atlas was designed with families in mind. The spacious cabin offered three rows of seating, comfortably accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row bench seat or optional captain’s chairs provide ample legroom and headroom, even for adult passengers.
The third row also is spacious enough to accommodate adults on shorter trips, making it one of the more practical options in the midsize SUV category. However, we kept those seats down and used the back as our home away from home, housing food and other hiking gear we had brought along for the trip.
Materials and build quality throughout the cabin were impressive, with soft-touch surfaces and high-quality finishes throughout. The front seats were very supportive and comfortable, featuring power adjustments and heating as standard.
The second-row seats would slide and recline, thus allowing passengers to find their preferred seating position easily. For added comfort, Atlas included a tri-zone automatic climate control, ensuring that everyone inside remained comfortable regardless of their seating position.
Cargo space is another strong point for the Atlas. With all seats in place, it offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the third row expands this to 55.5 cubic feet. And with both the second and third rows folded, the total cargo capacity increases to an impressive 96.8 cubic feet. This flexibility makes the Atlas an excellent choice for families who need to transport large items or enjoy outdoor activities.
The “Technology” in name of the trim level we experienced was not just a name; it represented a robust suite of features designed to enhance convenience, connectivity and entertainment.
At the center of the dashboard is a 12-inch touch screen infotainment system featuring Volkswagen’s MIB3 interface. This system was user friendly and responsive, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
Also included was a range of advanced features such as a wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The premium sound system delivered clear and immersive audio, enhancing the overall driving experience. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10.25-inch configurable digital instrument cluster that provided essential information directly in the driver’s line of sight.
We loved all the technology, although it took us about 10 minutes to familiarize ourselves with it after we got into the Atlas at the airport, as all systems are driven using the touch screen in the SUV!
Safety has always been a top priority for Volkswagen, and the Atlas reflected this commitment with an awesome suite of driver-assistance features. Standard safety equipment included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. These features worked together to enhance driver awareness and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
The adaptive cruise control system is particularly noteworthy, as it maintained a set distance from the vehicle ahead and can bring the Atlas to a complete stop in traffic, resuming automatically when traffic moves. We used this feature every day as we crisscrossed the Arizona desert.
Lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning would help keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while the parking sensors and rearview camera made maneuvering in tight spaces easier. For those who frequently tow, Volkswagen offers an optional tow package, including a trailer hitch and wiring harness, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the V-6 engine.
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology offers excellent value for families seeking a spacious, comfortable and well-equipped midsize SUV. Priced competitively within its segment, the Atlas provides a wealth of standard features that enhance convenience, safety and driving enjoyment. Its combination of a spacious interior, advanced technology and robust safety features make it a standout choice for families.
It turned out to be the perfect SUV for our foray into the southern desert of Arizona and we were glad to have it along, especially after a long day of hiking through the saguaro cactus that seemed to just grow everywhere we went!
Base price: $41,665
Destination charge: $1,350
Price as driven: $43,015
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- Deanne stands with the Atlas in sunny Tucson, Arizona, at the end of the day as the sun lowered in the sky. We had a great adventure hiking in Saguaro National Park.
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- Deanne stands with the Atlas after a day of driving up to Payson, Arizona. Boy, did the temperature and climate change as we got some altitude and had the opportunity to hike on the Arizona National Scenic Trail. The Atlas got dusty but was up to the challenge, no matter what adventure we had in mind.
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- Inside the new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas.
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- Inside the new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas.
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- Inside the new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas.
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- Inside the new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas.
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- Inside the new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas.
