Volkswagen's popular family-friendly seven-seat midsize SUV, the 2024 Atlas, arrives with big advancements, headlined by the introduction of the new "Evo4" 2.0L four-cylinder TSI EA888 engine. This state-of-the-art powertrain promises to deliver an exceptional driving experience, combining efficiency and power like never before.
At the heart of the Atlas lies the Evo4 engine, generating an impressive 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel. Compared to its predecessor, this represents a significant boost of 34 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque. Notably, the Evo4's power delivery extends over a broader rev range (1600-4500 rpm), providing a more engaging driving experience.
The engine's enhancements include new fuel injectors and an increase in injection pressure from 200 bar to 350 bar, optimizing efficiency while ensuring outstanding performance. Furthermore, modifications to reduce internal engine friction contribute to a quieter driving experience, thanks to noise-reducing reinforcements and additional sound insulation.
Emissions compliance is also improved, with an enlarged catalytic converter accommodating the latest standards. Volkswagen's latest variable cam phasing system and a variable lift system for the exhaust valves further augment the EA888's 16-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft layout, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery.
The 2.0L engine is ingeniously designed to optimize thermal management, with integrated exhaust headers in the cylinder head facilitating rapid warm-up and improving overall efficiency. The new single-scroll turbocharger delivers intercooled air, contributing to a refined driving experience and accommodating the greater-volume catalytic converters.
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, intelligently designed to maximize efficiency. For enhanced urban efficiency, start/stop technology shuts off the engine during idle moments, reactivating seamlessly when the brake pedal is released.
The all-wheel-drive system is a standout feature of the Atlas, boasting the latest-generation 4Motion with Active Control. This intelligent system preempts wheelspin by engaging the rear wheels via the center differential, ensuring optimal traction and stability. The Drive Mode Select feature allows drivers to choose from various profiles, adjusting parameters for engine, transmission, steering, and traction-assistance systems, ensuring a personalized driving experience.
In Snow mode, the Atlas offers relaxed traction control to optimize power transfer, while Offroad mode provides manual control of transmission shifting and activates Hill Descent Control for tackling rough terrains. The Offroad ABS programming enhances braking efficiency, allowing the vehicle to remain steerable while reducing stopping distances.
With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs on most Atlas models and a spacious seven-seat interior, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas proves to be a well-rounded and versatile midsize SUV, ideal for family adventures and daily commutes alike. The incorporation of the 2.0L engine and advanced 4Motion system sets a new standard in the midsize SUV segment, elevating the driving experience to a whole new level of performance and efficiency.