2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, which traced back to the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept from 2013. This update included new lighting elements, most notably the light-up VW logos similar to those on the ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo illuminated in white, while the rear shone red. A front light bar connected to the daytime running lights, part of the new LED headlights, gave the Atlas a fresh "face" with a more American swagger. At the rear, the taillights blended into a full-width light bar housing the illuminated logo. All trim levels received new wheel designs, with the SE base model featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, and higher trims like the SEL Premium R-Line sporting 21-inch wheels. The Atlas Peak Edition joined the lineup, offering an outdoorsy flavor with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique styling elements. Inside, the Atlas received a revised look with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist interior that contrasted with its truck-like exterior. Volkswagen aimed to make the interior feel more upscale with improved materials and stitching, though some areas still felt more suited to a base model.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four main trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS, with the Z71 being the new addition for those interested in moderate off-roading. Chevrolet emphasized that the Z71 was not designed for extreme off-roading like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but could handle reasonably rugged terrain. Pricing was competitive, with the LS starting at $38,995 and the RS reaching $55,595. The Z71 model, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior of the Z71 was accented with "Torch Red" details, and while synthetic leather seating was optional, the standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable. The Traverse offered a spacious and functional interior, with Smart Slide second-row seats and a power-folding third row available on lower trims. Cargo volume was generous, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse also featured numerous storage nooks and a hidden storage area under the center console.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas saw a reduction in powertrain options, leaving only a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous VR6 engine's 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. The turbo-four was connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The additional torque made the 2024 Atlas quicker than the 2023 model, with FWD models reaching 60 mph in an estimated eight seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. Despite the improvements, the Atlas remained a family hauler focused on comfort rather than performance. The ride quality was consistent with previous models, and the 4Motion AWD system was designed primarily for pavement. The Atlas had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered more power and torque than the discontinued V6. All-wheel drive was optional on every trim, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced system. The Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl during acceleration. The steering was adequate for most driving situations, though the Traverse's length was noticeable. The ride quality was excellent, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined for the FWD Limited to 17/25/20 for the AWD Limited.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. The SE with Technology added a power liftgate, while leather upholstery and heated second-row seats were standard on the SEL. The Atlas provided seating for seven with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas boasted competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with the best third-row legroom in its class. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse's base LS model came with seating for eight, while the LT offered second-row captain's chairs. The Z71 and RS were seven-seaters with standard captain's chairs, providing easier access to the third row. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available on lower trims. The Traverse featured a power liftgate that could be opened with the key fob or automatically when the fob was within 3 feet. Cargo volume was 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse had numerous storage options, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports and a dash cam port on higher trims. A head-up display was standard on SEL and higher trims, and the Atlas featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for controls was less intuitive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided configurable information, and the system ran on Google-based software with intuitive voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Traverse retained physical controls for volume and HVAC functions, though the driving mode button was less prominent. The Traverse offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, for the first time, with expanded functionality on pre-mapped single-lane roadways.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS had not released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received high scores. The Atlas included more standard driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The SEL Premium R-Line added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured emergency systems like automatic post-collision braking and a crash response system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of our test drive. However, it offered a wide range of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Traverse also featured a surround-view parking camera and other safety systems, providing peace of mind during our test drive.