Volkswagen interiors are a contentious level of concern as of late. The corporate went all-in on a brand new minimalistic theme that eschewed buttons, totally embraced an all-new infotainment system and usually appeared futuristic. As you most likely already know, it was not met with reward to say the least. From the infuriating unlit temp and quantity sliders, to a sluggish and poorly laid out touchscreen consumer interface, the cabin controls have been dangerous sufficient to be a dealbreaker for a lot of. Fortunately, Volkswagen has now backtracked and is making large, largely profitable modifications by reintroducing buttons amongst different “illuminating” updates within the pursuit of creating the brand new interiors user-friendly. Now, you may be considering that because the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and its two-row Atlas Cross Sport sibling have been considerably up to date for 2024 that they’d be getting those self same course-correcting updates. That’d be a no, because the Atlas launched earlier than the primary new VW launched with its new interface, the ID.7. Nonetheless, it is a disgrace that different 2024 mannequin yr VWs get the brand new system, most notably the ID.4, and the 2024 Atlas does not.
It is true the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport get a brand new inside design with fewer buttons, larger screens and a contemporary, minimalistic fashion clearly associated in idea and look to what you will discover within the ID.4 and GTI. As you possibly can see under, the result’s a remarkably totally different cabin for higher and for worse. The “worse” bit is expounded to the truth that the earlier cabin was considerably simpler to make use of, even with older tech and a smaller touchscreen. Crucially, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport additionally do not get those self same updates that so improved the ID.4. Successfully, Volkswagen is setting itself up for yet one more replace, hopefully ahead of later.
Upon settling into the SEL Premium R-Line’s quilted leather-based seats – they’re actually fairly good and fashionable wanting – the focus is the widescreen 12-inch infotainment system perched on and just about floating on the sprint. Not like the earliest variations of this technique, it’s fast besides up and react. It doesn’t, nevertheless, get the brand new software program, house display screen and completely docked band of local weather controls on the backside and customizable menu shortcuts on the highest that you’re going to discover within the ID.4. You may see the distinction between the 2 under, with the Atlas on the left and 2024 ID.4 on the precise.
I’d argue, nevertheless, that the best sin was the darned local weather and radio controls built-in into the panel under that display screen. They aren’t illuminated, that means you possibly can’t really see what you are purported to run your finger over at evening. The ID.4, up to date 2025 GTI and new ID.7 get these illuminated, however that does not change the truth that attempting to alter the temperature cabin or rapidly use the slider quantity is a big ache even should you can see them. It is nonetheless quite hostile to the consumer to make them slide their finger backwards and forwards on a small contact goal, particularly whereas shifting. You’ll rapidly discover unintentional inputs occur much more typically than they need to. Even the heated and cooled seat controls aren’t nice, as they’re tucked into the bottom-left portion of the touchscreen (not useful for the passenger) always and have a tendency to lag while you initially begin the automotive up. This was corrected with the up to date system, however once more, the Atlas does not have that.
Oh, and should you have been questioning the place the defrost buttons have been, try the headlight contact controls (due to course they’re) to the left of the steering wheel. Once more, that placement is simply unnecessarily troublesome to search out, particularly should you’re driving and must rapidly get defrost energy. Making it a contact management requires the motive force to bodily have a look at the management panel to press it for concern of brushing up in opposition to the headlight management – I may virtually forgive this placement if it have been a button that was simply discovered by contact alone, however as-is, no thanks. Oh, and should you’re additionally questioning if these defrost controls transfer again to the place they belong within the up to date infotainment system, they don’t.
The Atlas’ new heart console is at the very least a large improve in design. Eliminating the tall gear lever for a small toggle nub has led to a number of usability enhancements, most notably the cavernous storage under the floating console. It appears good for a handbag, a small takeout order or any variety of objects you won’t need flying across the automotive. The opposite facilities similar to a safe wi-fi telephone charger, fast-charging USB-C ports (45-watt) and sizable cupholders are all nice to see, too. Sadly, the house just under the touchscreen that was beforehand used for handy knobs and buttons is now only for air vents and fast toggle contact controls to carry up menus on the touchscreen.
Talking of air vents, although, the Atlas’ facet vents up entrance certain are a neat improve, too. They’re dual-stacked vents that will let you direct air to a number of areas, say one towards the window and one at your face, or no matter configuration it’s possible you’ll choose.
One other large constructive is the steering wheel, which is the course-correcting replace the Atlas did get – in truth, VW averted the issue altogether, because the Atlas by no means provided VW’s touch-capacitive steering wheel controls. It incorporates a plethora of actual buttons which are each straightforward to make use of by really feel and make up for a few of the infotainment management’s downsides. For instance, any proprietor will seemingly discover themselves completely utilizing steering wheel controls for quantity and looking for functions. The controls for the ten.25-inch digital cluster are discovered on the wheel, too, and whereas they take a second to study, it’s easy-going when you get the dangle of them. I actually just like the customization VW permits for each its gauges and the infotainment system, too – having the ability to select from what seems like limitless coloration themes is one thing we must always see extra typically now that almost all new automobiles are full of at the very least two large screens.
For followers of fake wooden trim, that’s gone, however it’s been changed with a elaborate back-lit piece (above, backside proper) on the sprint that actually sparkles at evening. All of the piano black plastic splashed round each the middle console and throughout the sprint is an actual downer for long-term sturdiness, however when clear, it does make for a shiny look and fairly photos.
Interfaces apart, the Atlas Cross Sport continues to be the funky and purposeful SUV it was earlier than the refresh. Meaning it has an exorbitantly giant rear seat with a helpful recline operate for even larger consolation. The totally loaded mannequin I had even got here with heated rear seats, and the black/white two-tone leather-based is a stunning combo when mixed with the Aurora Pink Metallic paint of this tester. There’s an inside choice with blue accents on the seats (seen above, prime row) that’d be look when mixed with the blue paint choice, too.
That duality of fine and dangerous sums up the Atlas Cross Sport’s inside in a nutshell, too. There’s quite a lot of good baked into the brand new design, however there’s simply as a lot frustration to spoil what might be a quite attractive choice. Its exterior appears excellent; the turbo-four-cylinder is powerful, and it is typically a pleasing SUV to drive round. Sadly, its inside management points may very properly be deal-breakers, simply as they have been for the ID.4. It appears seemingly that the Atlas replace was properly beneath means as soon as Volkswagen beginning listening to such robust complaints in regards to the new inside route, not to mention as soon as it got here up with the primary wave of fixes. Nonetheless, it is nonetheless disappointing that the 2024 Atlas reveals up and isn’t solely worse in some methods than the pre-refresh model, however a number of different 2024 VWs as properly.
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