Volkswagen Atlas vs Volkswagen ID.4

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a stylish refresh, enhancing its sheet metal design that originated from the 2013 Volkswagen CrossBlue concept. The new lighting elements were the most noticeable updates, including light-up VW logos similar to those added to the ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo shone white, while the rear logo shined red, adding a modern touch. New front light bars connected to the daytime running lights and newly designed LED headlights, reminiscent of those from a Ford Expedition, provided the Atlas with a distinctly Americanized "face," sidestepping any European influences. At the back, the taillights blended with a full-width light bar, including the light-up logo.

All Atlas trim levels were updated with new wheel designs for 2024. The base SE model sported 18-inch alloy wheels, while higher trim levels like the SEL Premium R-Line came with 21-inch wheels and sportier styling elements. The newly introduced Atlas Peak Edition added an outdoorsy flavor with its black 18-inch wheels equipped with all-terrain tires, a different front fascia, front, and side silver body cladding, blacked-out exterior trim, and unique colors like Avocado Green and Pure Gray. The interior updates focused around the center, with a revised infotainment touchscreen now standing free of the dashboard and a smaller shifter toggle creating more storage space. The interior aimed for a more upscale feel with better grain fake wood trim and weaved plastic meant to simulate carbon fiber. Leatherette seats were standard, with available leather upholstery featuring contrast stitching on SEL models.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 kept drama out of its design, focusing on a conservative yet timeless look that aged well. Standard AWD versions had 20-inch wheels, while the S Plus trim boasted a 21-inch design. The ID.4 lineup comprised two models: ID.4 and ID.4 Pro, differentiated by their battery capacities of 62 kWh and 82 kWh, respectively. The interior stepped away from the previous year's Cosmic treatment, offering new color schemes like Cosmic Black and Galaxy. The 2024 interior featured a new transmission shift stalk on the right side of the steering column, revised steering wheel controls, available ventilated front seats, and an optional Harman Kardon premium sound system. The addition of a new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system improved the user experience, with standard RWD or optional AWD on Pro models.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas reduced its powertrain options to a single 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. Compared to the previous VR6 engine and the earlier turbo-four, this engine provided adequate power, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission available in both FWD and AWD. The 2024 model's performance improved over the 2023 VR6 model, with the FWD version achieving 0-60 mph in an estimated eight seconds and the AWD in 8.3 seconds. However, the Atlas focused more on comfort and functionality than performance, making it a capable family hauler with a frugal approach. The Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode, but the 4Motion AWD system was primarily designed for pavement use. The Atlas' maximum towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds for most models, except for the base SE, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 showcased impressive capabilities with its new rear electric drive motor on the Pro models (82 kWh), delivering 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the ID.4 to reach 60 mph in an estimated 5.9 seconds, a significant improvement over the 2023 model. The 62-kWh battery models continued using the previous motor, producing 201 hp and 229 lb-ft. AWD Pro models added an electric front motor, achieving 335 hp combined power and accelerating to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The ID.4 Pro models offered an improved driving range, with the RWD reaching up to 291 miles and AWD up to 263 miles on a full charge. Charging times varied, with the 62-kWh battery recharging fully in 6.25 hours and the 82-kWh battery in eight hours using Level 2 chargers. DC fast charging could top off the batteries from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. During testing, the ID.4 Pro S with RWD demonstrated solid acceleration, smooth highway merging, and adept handling on challenging roads.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas provided more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE. Leather upholstery and heated second-row seats became standard lower in the trim ladder on the SEL. The Atlas offered seating for seven with a standard second-row bench that could hold three child seats side by side. This bench could be replaced by captain's chairs at higher trim levels, reducing seating to six. The form factor remained competitive, with ample headroom and legroom across all rows. The third-row legroom was particularly noteworthy, besting rivals. Cargo space varied depending on seat configuration, with 20.6 cubic feet available with all seats in place, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and a maximum of 96.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded, exceeding most rivals except the Chevy Traverse.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 boasted practical interior changes enhancing usability. The new transmission selector moved to a stalk on the steering wheel's right side, and other controls were optimized for convenience. Pro models added a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, illuminated volume and temperature sliders, and simplified climate controls. Comfort improved with new ventilated front seats on Pro S and Pro S Plus trims, maintaining a comfortable ride even in challenging climates. The ID.4's front seats provided excellent visibility and comfort, with heated seats and mirrors as standard across the board. Rear passengers enjoyed reasonable legroom and footroom, with enhanced features like air conditioning vents and USB-C ports adding to their comfort. The ID.4's cargo capacity ranged from 30.3 cubic feet with all seats up to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, positioning it well within its segment.

For 2024, the Volkswagen Atlas improved with a standard 12-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were also standard, previously requiring an upgrade. The Atlas featured up to eight USB-C ports, a dash cam port on SE with Technology trims and higher, and a standard head-up display on SEL and above. VW switched to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system on higher trims, offering a premium audio experience. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and practical features like map view integration in the digital cluster. Despite the modern touch of haptic touchpads, their lack of tactile feedback posed usability challenges.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 also saw significant technical upgrades, particularly with the introduction of a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system on Pro models. This system offered a user-friendly interface, customizable layouts, and always-visible climate controls. Enhanced with newly illuminated volume and temperature controls, the system marked an improvement in user experience. New features like battery preconditioning for longer trips and a digital voice assistant named Ida, offering limited but growing utility, enhanced convenience. The ID.4 offered three years of complimentary Plus Nav and Plus Speech, as well as a five-year subscription to Car-Net’s Remote Access and Safe & Secure plans. The Harman Kardon sound system was available in S Plus trims, elevating the in-cabin audio experience.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top scores in side crash tests and slightly lower results in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS hadn't rated the 2024 model at the time of publication, but the 2023 model received high marks, with a "Marginal" rating in the updated front test. The Atlas upgraded its standard driver-assist features, with IQ.Drive package now standard across the trims, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Advanced features like predictive adaptive cruise control and park assist were reserved for higher trims, providing comprehensive safety coverage.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 also emphasized safety with robust features. Standard across all trims was the post-collision braking system, promptly stopping the vehicle after an accident to prevent further injury. The IQ.Drive suite included advanced driver assistance features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing overall safety. While detailed testing during the drive was limited, features like semi-autonomous Travel Assist and Memory Parking showcased the ID.4's advanced capabilities. The ID.4 also performed well in NHTSA crash testing and held favorable ratings in the IIHS’s incomplete evaluations, underscoring its reliability.