Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Our scoring places the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.5/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.7/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.7/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $37,275–$46,137, 22 MPG, seating 7, the Volkswagen Atlas sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.5/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,275 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
$0 — 7 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Atlas Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2024 Volkswagen Atlas (7 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Hard parts internal/mechanical 23/08/2023 · 23V593000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas PA2 and Atlas Cross Sport PA vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 20/06/2024 · 24V464000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag…
Back over prevention / Software 27/06/2024 · 24V480000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Master cylinder 27/09/2024 · 24V723000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.
Engine 17/02/2025 · 25V100000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?
We rate the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas's reliability 7.7/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 61% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas cost?
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas starts at $37,275 and ranges up to $46,137 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Atlas years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 9 Atlas model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.5/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas have?
The documented issues for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Back over prevention, Service brakes, hydraulic (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Volkswagen Atlas
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2024 model shown
