Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition Debuts as Yet Another Mild Off-Roader

Published on April 6, 2023 in New York by Guillaume Rivard

As we discovered in February at the Chicago Auto Show, the Volkswagen Atlas is significantly refreshed and improved for 2024. This week, the German automaker chose the New York Auto Show to announce a new Peak Edition with a more adventurous side.

Make no mistake: this isn’t a serious off-roader like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, for instance. However, it brings enough to the table for customers that want a more rugged look and slightly better capability.

Inspired by the Atlas Basecamp Concept from 2019, the Atlas Peak Edition sports various black accents, plastic cladding around the wheel arches and along the lower body, a unique front grille with two chrome strips, as well as redesigned bumpers.

Eighteen-inch black alloy wheels fitted with 255/60 all-terrain tires bolster the SUV’s versatility. What’s more, Avocado Green and Pure Grey are new exterior colours that remain exclusive to Peak Edition models.

Inside, light grey accents and orange stitching contrast with the Titan Black leatherette seats, while the dashboard and door inserts have a black metallic check pattern. A steering wheel clip bears the same logo as the exterior badging, but an even nicer touch is the innovative backlit dashboard panel with “Peak Edition” graphics.

Since the 3.6-litre V6 has been eliminated for 2024, the only engine available is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Thankfully, output is increased from 235 hp to 269 hp. It’s the same thing with torque, which is now rated at 273 lb-ft. instead of 258 lb-ft. Maximum towing capacity is unchanged at 5,000 lbs—good news for families that own a boat or camping trailer.

Pricing for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas will start at an MSRP of $49,995 and the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport will start at $48,895. Units are expected to begin hitting Canadian dealers this summer.