2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE vs SEL

Today we are doing THE ULTIMATE ATLAS TOUR!
I have two Atlases, four car seats, one stroller and a lot of energy to really break down the differences in both bench and captain seat trims. There is a $10,000 price difference between these two cars so I’m going to show you the differences so that you can decide what works best for your family!
In the meantime, check out my 2023 Hyundai Palisade tour here:
• 2023 Hyundai Palisade ...
Sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!
JUMP TO A TIMESTAMP:
00:39 Exterior
02:32 Interior
05:37 Second Row Atlas SEL
07:16 Second Row Atlas SE
10:40 Trunk
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments or DM me over on Instagram @the_car_mom
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[@Woodytheconductor]

Thank you! This helped us pick between the two! We ended up with the SEL, and very happy with it so far.

[@sarahwetzel56]

I went with a 2023 over a 2024 for the fact of the air controls being in the screen and the traditional gear shifter!

[@CaptnBlasted]

That shit is annoying lol we just upgraded and it’s super annoying

[@fawbz]

Couldn't agree more Kelly, ceiling vents in the middle row would have made this the perfect suv. I've seen it in other cars with a pano roof so it is possible. Hopefully they have in in their next redesign 🤞🏾 Great review as always 👏🏾

[@kywoodrd1]

Exactly!!! I'll wait a couple of years to see if they add the ceiling vents, volume knob, and figure out the rear light bar.

[@leighannambrosi9737]

This was so unbelievably helpful as someone trying to decide btwn the 2...thank you!!

[@diazinc462]

LOVE!!! the side by side trim level comparisons please do that more often. The rear light bar on SEL looks awful on any car actually, reminds me of a 1990 buick century

[@Kareem-cx4fi]

I have a 2018 SEL AWD with about 48k miles. No issues yet, just a ton of recalls when it first came out. None of these issues affected me personally and the vehicle has been great and reliable for my family. We got s smaller electric vehicle as our primary vehicle a couple years back, so the Atlas doesn't get much use anymore, unless we need the extra space or primary is in use. For this reason its not worth upgrading for us. Based on how the first 6 years went, i honestly don't expect issues and it does what it does well, which is move large cargo or people comfortably.

[@keska01]

I picked up an SE w tech two days ago... I feel that's the sweet spot for this model. Of course the SEL is super nice no doubt

[@saranrathakrish8468]

I’m glad that you are doing your first comparison video

[@gracebennett8330]

I have the ‘22 Atlas and love it! One of my only suggestions is to change the color of the blind spot indicator on the mirrors. It’s the same color as the turning signal which makes it difficult to use on busy SoCal freeways. There’s no beep indicator either.

[@Melissa-cy9se]

Thank you for this video!

[@philippeterson8295]

I love your videos and you helped me feel confident in the car I've chosen. Is there a way to reduce the glare from the sunlight/natural light which makes it so difficult to see the interior of the vehicles while filming? Would love to get better visibility. Thanks Kelly!

[@amandamiller9445]

I like the new volume controls! I never use the volume knob on my 2021 Atlas. It bothers me when that circle/line logo they put on that thing isn’t perfectly vertical, so I only use the steering wheel controls. IYKYK 🤣

[@christinawood6877]

I’m the same way. I can’t stand when it’s not perfect. I got these black stickers that perfectly match so it’s not as big of a deal anymore, but still use the storing wheel controls. Just had to comment because I definitely know the pain! 😂

[@al151]

Had a chance to review Atlas SEL R line yesterday. Being a lead manufacturing engineer and vehicle enthusiast, i do love what VW did with the 2024 Atlas,except the engine. I have doubts about the mechanical reliability on the long run. Interior, fit and finish are pretty good for this segment, in fact it feels luxurious with soft touch materials all across the cabin. Interior space wise the only rival i can see is the current and new generation Traverse. Upcoming Acadia will also step into the big leagues with same amount of space as the Traverse. I will review the Grand Highlander next.

[@alhameli6000]

Perfect family car, I own 2019 model and I have no other choice but to get the new one. My only issue is the ugly rear light bar. This is a good simple review thanks

[@mkabs19]

I just got the 2023 atlas sel r line in April and I really love it. However the infotainment system glitches all the time and can be slow too and I’m waiting over a month for a loaner as they tell me they need the car for a full day. Just found out I’m pregnant with number 3 and will have 2 rear facing and 1 forward facing all in nunas and don’t think I’m have a problem with fit. Though I may look at something else in 2.5 years that has the lower anchors in the back for the booster after my oldest is 6.

[@davidsherman1915]

I love the 2024 Altas Cross Sport! I love the light bars, both front and back.

[@lindseykenemer8419]

“And a lot of energy” 😂 I agree not a fan of the light bar across the back, in fact it’s a deal breaker for my husband probably. I love the interior styling and that matte wood is pretty! 2nd row ceiling vents please vw!!!

[@pamelabc]

I don’t even have kids and love the Atlas as my future mom car. We currently have a 2019 rline SEL Tiguan and it’s great, Love VW

[@iwacha]

The virtue of a family car is having a bench seat. Thank U!

[@stevesimmons6685]

Beautiful!

[@johnorozco1596]

I have customers here because of this video, you're awesome! -John.VWsales

[@kmila111]

Love this video and you! But you forgot to talk about how they drive and if theres a difference!!

[@ashleym8525]

would you get the 2024 grand highlander or the vw atlas?

[@jemmacarroll1452]

I’m so loyal to VW (only ever driven VW) but the no ceiling vents is SO frustrating as a mom. It’s a deal breaker for me honestly. I’m in a Tiguan right now & I love it, but 😬😬

[@derek17005]

My personal opinion is the best trim to get is the SE w/Tech package. Gives you pretty much everything the SEL does except for the HUD, ambient lighting strips, and leather for a very modest price jump over the base SE.

[@kew191]

Hi! Have you heard anything about issues with infotainment in 24s?

[@MotionMayer]

What do you think about KIA EV9?

[@morganwille5708]

This was so helpful before we go into the VW dealer tomorrow looking to trade up from our Tiguan. Lots of little things I would expect in the SE that aren't there - or just because I'm used to them in the Tiguan SE.

[@TheCarMom]

happy it was helpful!! good luck at the dealership tomorrow!

[@krzysztofcwik5347]

We need in next gen good phev power, isofix in 3rd row and ceiling vents for big family dream. And VW please sell it then also in EU:)

[@quatre0492]

Do you have a list of cars with panoramic ceiling and air vents on the roof?

[@loitersquadX]

I think that light bar ruins it unless for some reason that's the style long term. But they should have made it slimmer and also remove that chrome on the bottom. Vw needs ro consider putting better vents too

[@MutualistSoc]

I'm leaning on a atlas. I want a midsize that can comfortable fit someone in the 3rd row. It's one of the only options in the 40k range that can do it. But because of this it's truck space suffers. But to offset this for those long road trip you just buy a luggage carrier for the roof. It's a Usable 3rd row without chugging out an extra $30,000 to go to a full size like a Tahoe or Expedition that does have a 3rd row with luggage room.

[@rokzkypiazky2451]

How is the sit comfy ness?

[@Melissa-cy9se]

Great video!! Thank you!! So to confirm, the car seat friendly tilt only works with the latch attachment, correct?

[@TheCarMom]

That is correct!

[@Melissa-cy9se]

@@TheCarMomThank you!

[@MutualistSoc]

It would be cool if they started inventing a slim rectangular hole for holding your phone so it doesn't go into the floor board whenever you make a sudden turn. Like a little 4"x1" insert. THEY COULD TOTTALLY make this introduction into every row due to it being so miniscule in size and just being a different plastic molding configuration. It would add a new feature no one has I believe. And it would add no cost whatever to the manufacturer since theirs no extra materials required.

[@MBergyman]

I'm looking at a low-mileage 2019 SEL Premium. Same interior sizing and 95% of the functionality, higher quality seats than the SE and SEL, and a 40% discount over new with a shallower depreciation curve. 2019s still have a couple years and up to 72k miles on the factory warranty. Other manufacturers need to take note of the second row car seat functionality; it's the only 3-row I know of that you can tilt the 2nd row forward with the car seat still installed.

[@breplusthree7957]

There are many other 3 rows with car seat-friendly tilt

[@MBergyman]

​@@breplusthree7957 which ones? Pilot? Nope. MDX? Nope. Highlander? Nope. Telluride/Palisade? Nope. Sorento? Nope. Explorer? Nope. Durango? Nope. Tahoe/Suburban? Nope. You are right though, the latest Traverse, Expedition, and Pathfinder have the tilt function - along with the Atlas, there are 4 to choose from if you want this tilt feature. The vast majority do not though, and if I am honest, there are reasons I would not choose these 3. Expedition is too big and thirsty with 4WD(completely different class of vehicle). I hate Chevy interior quality and handling (they feel insanely cheap), and generally do not care for Nissan's design language. But thanks for making me go look!

[@fanovaohsmuts]

9:02 “If you’re watching- cut.” I kinda liked you forgot that cut lol

[@ann5028]

Everyone we know has had problems with the Atlas up to 30k miles when the warranty runs out and has said this is why they’re on the market so heavily at that mileage at an affordable price. Is this accurate or are they reliable over the long run?

[@gransport4246]

The first couple of model years, the warranty was 6 yrs, 72k miles. In 2020, I think is when they switched to 4 yrs, 50k miles. I have a 2021.5 and almost 50k miles with no issues. One of the best we’ve ever owned. We love it especially long distance traveling with it. My only gripe is that the transmission up shifts too quickly with the V6.

[@davewilson7602]

First couple years of these had a lot of issues, it’s gotten a bit better but they are still German so depreciation and electrical issues are more prevalent than many other makes unfortunately. If you want to lease something though these are great when they’re new and under warranty

[@FATTIEASMR]

I’d say if you got a 2023 to get the V6.. That engine has been in VW products for almost 20 years unchanged and seems to run great.

[@jaclynmccoy4018]

I have the 2019, which was the last year they offered the 6 year warranty. For this reason, I’ll hold on to it a bit longer. I haven’t had any issues and I have 45k miles.

[@latasha6288]

I had a 2019 as well. Spacious as hell and a good ride . I sometimes regret giving it up for something smaller and sleeker considering I now have more kids.

[@pricilaaguilar7637]

New subscriber, love your channel , could you do a VW TAOS?

[@minipandora22]

*The LED LIGHTING IS PHENOMENAL*

[@megansmith7256]

One thing I missed when purchasing our 23 SE model is there is no SYNC button for climate control. As I bought this for towing kids around I was Uber disappointed. We had been back and forth between higher trims and thought they all had it 😢

[@naf2027]

Is there anything more painful than buying a car before an upgrade 😢

[@gthm777]

Great review as always. A small correction at 0:17 - SEL R-Line is top of the line trim level, not the SEL.

[@FCNG2424]

SEL Premium R-Line is the Top trim level

[@beavisbutthead2058]

Between this and Toyota Highlander would be a tough to pick one.

[@MaksMaks-ov8nd]

Nice show

[@jonawankenobi]

Do a Lexus TX 350 Executive 6 passenger please !

[@CMCNestT]

European women have caught the "I must be hydrated at all times!!!" bug. And are demanding bigger, bigger, and more cupholders.

[@derrekb4501]

I can't live with a car without BRAKE HOLD feature, it's my understand AUdi and VW does not offer that, it's a feature that in traffic is a huge comfort feature, comes to stop apply a bit pressure on brake the car holds itself until you press on gas pedal and it takes off the brake and car moves forward.

[@Outsider.Reviews]

Still think the Atlas should of been in your top 5 over the Cadillac Xt6 ;). great review.

[@mangoesification]

I cannot wait for your review of the Lexus TX!

[@gibreezy]

If it’s really 10k more, then absolutely no, it’s not worth the extra dough. But if you can find one for like maybe 4k more then maybe

[@sentiencepsn2714]

Still looks like a ford expedition from the front. What happened to VW styling? They use to have more European styling cues. First gen Atlas looks fanatics by comparison.

[@NotoriousEDC]

I wanted an atlas for a long time. I got a Tiguan because I was living in NYC. Now in TN and want an atlas, but the touch screen insanity honestly seems dangerous (it's bad enough on the Tiguan) and tron lights just look tacky.

[@racheldennis3892]

HATE the lightbar in the back. Reminds me of a Lincoln

[@DanielleMartinez]

Cries in my 2022 atlas with missing tech bc of the chip shortage 😢

[@alondraperez6866]

I have the 2024 and the ac and volume controls don’t light up at night 🙄🙄🙄

[@juanmagdaleno6679]

Same I guess the se base doesn’t come with them lit.

[@cleopatrawilliams1982]

It depends on the package. Are you able to talk on the phone and listen to music simultaneously?

[@W0nTonSoup]

Love the Volkswagen design but I hate how they’re forcing everyone on all touch screen or touch haptic controls for the sake of being “futuristic” even though it makes it less functional, even worse when the system lags/freezes and doesn’t recognize any input

[@user-ud2wl7fo9c]

💯

[@MotionMayer]

👍

[@Steven_Ho]

They got rid of the auto hold feature with their remodel!! 😢

[@FATTIEASMR]

Me when you said “cut” at 9:04 and your editor didn’t….

[@emilyloftis9413]

I wonder how well that car would fit 3 nuna execs and 1 rava. 😅 (2 RF 2 FF)

[@jaclynmccoy4018]

Hoping they change the body and some interior items in a few years when I’ll want to give up my 2019. I can’t get the Kia Carnival out of my head now. 🤣. That thing is awful.

[@philhelal677]

Atlas came in 2018 (not 19) 😊

[@bethwall]

What about the Volkswagen Rogan SE vs SEL ? Why can't we find a trustworthy place to purchase in Kentucky ? Massive waste searching due to scamming

[@Hgbrick]

My wife has a 2021 Volkswagen atlas and she hit a deer in 2023 May. The autobody shop has not been able to source in seven months a hood or bumper and Volkswagen cannot tell us when they’re going to manufacture a hood or bumper to repair the car this is left us with a car payment and insurance but no car to drive. I would not buy a Volkswagen atlas or any Volkswagen for that matter because they are not manufacturing parts to repair their cars.

[@NaNslx]

Many tech upgrades and 2 downgrades. They took away Auto Vehicle Hold and the emergency front auto brake doesn't work most of the time. I'm not gonna try to crash the car to test it. The two times I had close calls, neither times did the car apply the brake but only showed an alert. C'mon, 2024...we should way ahead and not going backwards. Oh, and also no 12v outlet/cigarette lighter port in the front either. So good luck with installing dashcam or using air pumps in the front or middle.

[@catlasswell6047]

light bar is giving ✨Lincoln✨. Not my favorite

[@fanli279]

the EA888 gen12345 has a great reputation in China，which save car repairing business all over the Country. oil burn，carbon build，cooling system，etc... without the 3.6L NA engine，specially in Canada，forget it.

[@Melissa.Scott1]

Probably an unpopular opinion, but I cannot stand the illuminated logos 🤮. So tacky looking. Same goes for all the Mercedes that have them.

[@davewilson7602]

I think you’re right, but I would call it implementation rather than the lighting itself. If they just illuminated the outside instead of every line in the logo, it would be a lot more subtle

[@forclean7382]

This tail light is ridiculous

[@jaredfreestone6608]

The atlas is a dumpster fire in reliability. Always has been and always will be

[@nickcheema907]

the interior ergonomics and driver interaction with the HVAC / entertainment controls are a disaster. VW will never learn. Put lipstick on a pig with tacky "light bars" but don't give the driver a physical volume knob. Okay

[@mo_muscle3513]

You are my goto for these reviews ... 🫶🏾