2024 Volkswagen Atlas Configurations: Trims, Engines, and Options Explained
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row midsize SUV that comes in multiple trim levels, two engine options, and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Understanding how those configurations stack up — and what actually changes between them — helps you shop more precisely and compare prices across dealerships.
How the 2024 Atlas Lineup Is Structured
Volkswagen organizes the Atlas around trim levels that bundle features together rather than offering extensive à la carte options. The base trim starts with a solid feature set, and each step up adds technology, comfort, and performance upgrades. For 2024, the trim lineup runs:
- S — base trim
- SE — mid-range
- SE with Technology — tech-focused upgrade
- SEL — upper-mid tier
- SEL Premium — top trim
That's five distinct configurations before accounting for drivetrain choice, which can add or remove further options depending on the trim.
The Two Engine Options 🔧
All 2024 Atlas trims share the same basic platform, but two different engines are available depending on which trim you choose:
2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder (TSI)
- Found on S and SE trims
- Rated at approximately 235 horsepower
- Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission
- Available in FWD or AWD
3.6L V6 (VR6)
- Available on SE with Technology, SEL, and SEL Premium
- Rated at approximately 276 horsepower
- Also paired with an 8-speed automatic
- AWD standard on most V6 configurations
The jump from four-cylinder to V6 matters most if you're towing or frequently carrying a full load of passengers. The Atlas is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the V6 and proper equipment — the four-cylinder's towing capacity is lower, so check the spec sheet for the exact configuration you're evaluating.
Trim-by-Trim Breakdown
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 2.0T | FWD or AWD | 7-seat capacity, 8" touchscreen, basic ADAS |
| SE | 2.0T | FWD or AWD | Larger 12" touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, power liftgate |
| SE w/ Technology | 3.6 V6 | AWD standard | Navigation, panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker audio |
| SEL | 3.6 V6 | AWD standard | Leather seating, heated/ventilated front seats, 20" wheels |
| SEL Premium | 3.6 V6 | AWD standard | Harman Kardon audio, head-up display, hands-free liftgate, additional driver assists |
Note: Feature availability and standard vs. optional status can shift between model years and by region. Always verify directly with a dealer's window sticker or Volkswagen's official configurator for the exact build you're considering.
Seating Configurations: 6- vs. 7-Passenger
Most Atlas trims seat seven passengers by default, using a three-row layout with a bench seat in the second row. Some trims offer an optional second-row captain's chairs setup, which reduces capacity to six but improves access to the third row and adds a center console.
The second-row captain's chair option is generally available on SE and higher trims, often at an added cost. If third-row access or passenger flow is a priority, this is worth factoring into your comparison.
AWD vs. FWD: What Changes
The Atlas's AWD system is Volkswagen's 4MOTION setup, which is an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that sends power to the rear wheels when needed and defaults to front-wheel drive under normal conditions for efficiency. It is not a traditional locking 4WD system — it's designed for road traction in wet, slippery, or light off-road conditions, not serious trail use.
On lower trims, AWD is an add-on. On V6 trims, it tends to be standard. The AWD option adds weight and slightly reduces fuel economy — the four-cylinder with FWD is the most fuel-efficient configuration in the lineup.
ADAS and Safety Features Across Trims 🛡️
All 2024 Atlas trims include a baseline set of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS):
- Forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist
Higher trims layer on additional technology — Travel Assist (a combined adaptive cruise and lane-centering system), a head-up display, and enhanced parking sensors. If these features are important to you, they're not uniformly available across the lineup, so comparing trim specs closely pays off.
The Variables That Shape Your Decision
Understanding the configurations is only part of the picture. What actually makes one configuration the right fit depends on factors specific to you:
- How many people you regularly carry — the third row on a midsize SUV is functional for shorter trips, not ideal for adults on long ones
- Whether you tow — engine choice is critical here, and your state's registration fees may differ for higher GVWR vehicles
- Where you drive — AWD adds value in snow-prone or hilly regions; it adds cost everywhere else
- Your budget ceiling — the gap between an S and an SEL Premium can be substantial, and that spread compounds with financing
- Trim-specific packages — some features are bundled into packages that aren't available on every trim, and availability varies by dealer inventory
The 2024 Atlas lineup is wider than it first appears. Two powertrains, five trims, two seating layouts, and two drivetrain options mean there are more than a dozen distinct combinations — each with a different price, feature set, and ownership profile attached to it.