Is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas a BETTER midsize SUV than a Toyota Highlander?

[@ranak9534]

I have a 2019 SEL Premium. It is great car in terms of seating, space and comfort on long trips. I removed the 3rd row seats to get additional space for camping trips and reduced 70 lb. My gripes - 1) The electronics can be finnicky. In my case reverse camera started glitching and it had to be taken to the shop twice and took two weeks to fix. They could not figure out the exact reason and they kept replacing each component till it started working again. 2) Emergency alert system stopped working after couple years (I think it was Verizon 3G which is no longer in service), so now i have a non-functional piece of hardware. 3) It has been 4 years and the dealer still says there is no update to Navigation maps.

[@SFAvgeek]

For vw this is good.3rd row is much better than competition

[@CarsTechWood]

0-60 in 4.5 seconds?? Someone needs their morning coffee 😅

[@RaitisRides]

LOL I thin you may be right! It is 7.5 seconds lol

[@john8890]

I was looking for this comment

[@truckinaway2004able]

I was just about to say no way in he!! It's 4.5

[@DM72513]

​@@RaitisRidesWatching on my TV and immediately had to open the app to make sure somebody pointed this out 😅

[@brandonyen7837]

I like this new one and was thinking of trading my 22 R line Tiguan because I wanted bigger car 😂

[@RidingWithBobby]

I work at VW and this thing does not do 4.5 seconds to 60mph 😂. I definitely would say 6-7 seconds is more realistic for the size of the car. I will say it’s way better than the outgoing V6 motor. Lastly, it’s the EVO4 motor so you can slap a stage 1 tune on this to really awaken the motor. The interior is great!

[@monkeywkeys3916]

4.5sec?? Yeah I Was wondering if they used a carbon fiber frame or what? Wish you had better things to say about the outgoing V6.

[@UAkovalchuk]

How reliable it will be!??

[@RidingWithBobby]

@@UAkovalchuk motor is an EVO4 so you’re talking about a detuned Golf GTI/R motor. If you’re well versed with those cars than you’ll know the answer. The transmission is solid for just an 8 speed auto. It’s been used now in most models over the last several years with almost zero issues. The materials and components of the vehicle seem to be built quite well. You’ll have to see and drive the new 2024 Atlas yourself.

[@nielzachi]

That engine is putting out impressive numbers. But here's the thing about small engines, they always sounds strained and overworked.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Base price Atlas with AWD: $41k - 2.0 T i4 engine - 19-25 MPG Base price Mazda CX-90 with AWD: $40k - 3.3 T i6 engine - 24-28 MPG

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for those great stats

[@abbimcdonald7842]

So excited for mine! We ordered this exact same vehicle in white with tan interior. Should be here in a few weeks!!

[@frevazz3364]

@raitisrides thanks for this review. Because of the section you covered the space on the 3rd row seat we decided to see this vehicle in the dealer and we purchased it. We are very happy with the purchase, the combo of the space, features, styling and pricing is fantastic.

[@christiancanales7]

I see a lot of mistakes on the reviews when it comes to the fog lamps. The fog lamps are integrated into the headlight assembly. Just an FYI.

[@35057]

The flat black wheel arch pieces, I like it flat black plastic because if it’s painted it’ll get beat up from rock chips. And it breaks it up so it’s not all paint match wheel arch.

[@brianb7844]

The flat load floor makes this a winner for me. Dog crates will fit perfect in this VW. Great job Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

That is an excellent point Brian!

[@rachelgreen1368]

No dogs or kids in a new $50k car.

[@robfrancois281]

Fake exhaust stays clean. It annoyed me b4 but when I see dirty exhaust tips and I appreciate it more now.

[@samsungfan1982]

Dang you are making my choices hard when my lease is up next year. I’m really digging this and the grand highlander and new pilot is changing the game. Great review as always.

[@jefferychambrovichjr6681]

The new pilot has a V6. It is the better and safer way to go then an over boosted 4 cylinder engine in a heavy SUV.

[@michaelwilson145777]

are you sure 0-60 is 4.5 seconds? I don't think that's possible with this engine

[@Malikofff]

its 7.5 for AWD and 7.6 for FWD

[@MrGrowler20]

dude idk why but when you come up with random items to store places, i die laughing. fitting a giant apple on the rear dash? genius

[@luisjalvareztorres8481]

The family SUV segment has gotten so insane with all these different options to choose from 🤯

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that!

[@lofidrewv3625]

Love how many reviews you crank out brother

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for being so supportive!

[@FCNG2424]

The fog lamps are built-in to the main headlight housing. I think they look way better this way as opposed to down below

[@fernandom7933]

“The head rest remind me of attack of the killer drones from the clone wars, looks like a fricking drone” perfectly said 😂, great video!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man!

[@ikeikegwuonu2834]

Forgot one feature. The keyfob is rechargeable, and it has a wireless pad underneath where you select "drive. Reverse....etc"

[@dieselinspec]

I like the car but rather they had improved the 3.6L engine. Turbo chargers only last about 60K-70K miles then your looking at a large repair cost. Towing that 5K pounds would wear that turbo out even faster.

[@ЗМамедов]

Надёжность фольксвагена вызывает сомнения, но у этого автомобиля экстерьер и интерьер намного лучше выглядит чем тойота гранд хайландер 2024-ого. Сразу видно немецкая точности. Спасибо тебе автор! Я твой подписчик. 👉👍

[@SFAvgeek]

Eh the atlas last a good 7-8 years the grand highlander will last 20-25 years

[@nadyavalji6608]

The front end looks way better!

[@SpringfieldTony]

J - holy CRAP, the 0 to 60mph blew me, away. kinda putting the smack down > down. lol. lovin' it - thanks for sharing

[@bigtravv]

I agree, fender openings should definitely be painted on the top trim. Big zonk!

[@willmatic84]

😄👉🏼 I love how Joe reviews the vehicles compartments with foods that could fit in those pockets this is a very nice suv 🤙🏼 love the full led lighting and the logos lighting up on both front and rear 👌 thanks Joe

[@7kimmy22]

As soon as i was researching a new family car i saw the front center and thought about how many snack i can hide in that front part from my kids and he just made it better that he realy was like snack storage every where!!!

[@CRad13]

I think it’s annoying

[@NoOtherRose]

I bought an Atlas and returned it because of the sheer sunroof shade. Too hot where I live not to block out the sun as much as possible.

[@Lucky-gk7ez]

Arizona or Florida?

[@hermanvizcarrondo2853]

Joe, you missed to mention the full size tire underneath of the woofer, great job presenting this Atlas VW.

[@benpaul5330]

Love the new exterior looks, lighting and updated interior - looks sharp! Sounds like it’s comfy driving. Great review as always!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Brian for letting me bring it to you~

[@HunterXray]

If you want to look good for the tow truck driver!!! :)

[@DM-co3rh]

​@@HunterXray Exactly! VW is a super duper Zonk when it comes to reliability!!😂😂

[@redalert206]

I have the 2021.5 Atlast 2.0T and have enjoyed it so far. I love that the 2024 model can tow 5000lbs vs my 2021.5 that I can is only rated at 3000lbs.

[@edgarmartinez1512]

Have you had any problems with your vehicle? Thinking of purchasing one

[@redalert206]

Nope, I actually had to trade it in recently because I needed something that could tow my new Jayco trailer. It had about 28K miles on it when I traded it in but it didn't have any issues.@@edgarmartinez1512

[@mattwoollam9780]

No way you said 10.25 inch cluster at 1025 am lol! Great review great looking car Joe

[@noelsilva8887]

It cost more money to put that wiper up there because of the redesign they have to do with the machines.

[@andyk6796]

Loving those 21" wheels!

[@arroyo459]

Love my Atlas and after seeing this refreshed version you convinced me to check it out once it comes out for sure! Curious what the change in cost will be

[@fartman10284]

The real question is… is it better than the Grand Highlander? Compared to a Highlander? No hybrid means I bought a Highlander

[@leod1671]

The fake exhaust is the reason I have not bought a VW in 5 years.

[@raymondsanchez-g3j]

How is the sound system?

[@fawbz]

Awesome review as usual Joe. Ceiling vents in the mid row and this thing would have been perfect. Absolutely love everything else about this vehicle

[@kevs2good133]

Another request to make modern cars more expensive.

[@federal6616]

Didn't the older model have ceiling vents?

[@fawbz]

​@@federal6616no

[@federal6616]

@@zeroturn7091 oh ok. Makes sense

[@roolyfe]

I am a huge Toyota Highlander fan!!! This Volkswagen Atlas has it beat bass down for cool 😎 husband & dad factor ! Good video!

[@ikeikegwuonu2834]

Same here, but based on review might switch

[@SpringfieldTony]

Joey > remember Farfennuggets ? yeah - me neither lol. oh boy the interior is crushing it, I think you just found my new dream SUV. wishing you & yours a beautiful safe fun & restful weekend. tony

[@Leitao526]

I bought mine today but 2019 2.0 SE with Technology pack .. very happy ❤ thanks Joe for help me on decision 👍🏻👍🏻 I bought today a t-shirt in your store just for support you

[@user-fly-fisher-60]

I have been seriously considering the Atlas and this review is excellent. FYI…I live in the NY Hudson Valley region and I noticed your were on ST-32 during portions of the video. The original 1969 Woodstock happened in Bethel NY in Sullivan Co off ST-17B. ST-32 does not go through Sullivan Co. There was another 1994 Woodstock Festival in Saugerties NY. ST-32 does go through that area of Ulster County. The original Woodstock location is now the Bethel Woods Performing Art center.

[@dragoshantescu7199]

0 to 60 in 4.5 sec ? That's it, I'm not looking anymore at the competition, I buy the Atlas, first on the list! 😁

[@cityboyjuice]

The headrest in the back is bigger than the engine. I don’t anyone who’s sitting in back row heads are that big and would block the rear window partially

[@Jonno1675]

This comment is heavily underrated 😂

[@salihhsalihhsalih6368]

The bad points of my VW Atlas 2024 are You can’t put the seat heat ON at night in order to have a warm seat or steering once you start the engine at morning inside your house Secondly You can’t put the car on Eco mode permanently But we have to change to eco mode every time we start the car

[@mattjingles5758]

So lazy lol

[@nikalayeu]

I need more mpgs (diesel/electric/how about diesel hybrid) and integrated front and corner lights like they had in 2013. You make a turn and a corner light turns on to give you more light. Fake exhausts is shame. Sent a letter to VW 😁

[@shinedownfly]

Joe, have you given up on zonking piano black plastic in the interior? I see a sea of it on the center console! Love the reviews Joe

[@ovathere93]

21's on a stock VDubb. Gotta love it.

[@JB_287]

Thanks for the great review! 4.5 seconds to 60 does not sound right though..

[@Rockybalboa541]

Definitely not 4.5

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Now my SUV for me to drive one day Joe.

[@RyanDoonan]

That looks amazing love the new design Volkswagen did it looks amazing and the side panels does need to be body color but the black doesn’t look to bad on that color really pretty atlas great job joe

[@noelsilva8887]

Not if you compare this to the grand highlander. Which is a better comparison. 😅

[@Glubbdubdrib]

Will there be a comparison with the VW Atlas and Lincoln Nautilus?

[@paulparker8298]

Raitis doing a fantastic job as always! Great work! 👏

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you Paul for tuning in.

[@noelsilva8887]

I think I would compare this with the 2024 grand highlander and Chevy traverse and Honda pilot. And after watching your channel for the first time Chevy my first pick right now with that new beautiful interior especially that 17 inch information screen .😮😅

[@lflyr6287]

Raitis Rides : MX-30 / CX-3 = small SUV, BMW X5 / Hyundai Tucson = mid size SUV, VW Atlas = big SUV => it measures above 5,17 meters and in modern car declarations 5+ meters is considered a big / large vehicle in every car category.

[@SpringfieldTony]

JJ - ME WANT, saw a couple zipping 'round town & bro (as you know) in person they look pretty SWEET. viewing this as I type my first of many NOVELS (comments) - all we need now is a couple of Jet Skis & a cooler full of YaHoo & we are golden. great stuff - thank you to you & your entire crew family for sharing. tony

[@cameronmiller6456]

Just got a 24 SE with Tech and absolutely love it!

[@THEVWAUDIELECTRICGUY]

Looking Georgeous!!

[@jack_kasper]

YO!!! The USBC for a DASHCAM?!?!? GENIUS!!!!

[@charlessiegler6303]

How cool is this Atlas! Definitely looks cool when it’s in throttle mode!

[@espikiziltas5520]

My worry with VW is reliability having owned VW before. Anyone have any input on this?

[@myemailiscool]

modern VWs are pretty fine. I've had 2 GTI's, 2016 and 2018, really no major issues. Ever since gen 3 of the 2.0T (EA 888) the powertrains have been rock solid. They also have a 4 year full warranty so if you finance, you'll generally be ok for the majority of the payment period. Some minor electrical issues like one time my backup camera was stuck open (it pops out from the logo in the back to keep clean during bad weather!) and was fixed. But zero powertrain issues.

[@joshua9073]

I’ve had 4 that I bought new over the last 18 years. I’ve had great luck and will get another atlas next summer

[@TheChaosHome]

This car looks amazing!!

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve and keep up the good work and I love the video 👍

[@noelsilva8887]

Color or gloss black at least but it ok because the paint is protected.

[@carstechtravel9703]

Very nice Review Joe. Btw Isn't that alloys same as Tiguan R Line ?

[@Evan-memo]

Me and my wife looking for SUV next year we had a Jetta and rusted after first year brand new pain and few years later window power buttons went bad window started opening by itself and killing battery while stuck down when key on electric issues Engine head gasket water pump all went out after about 190k km to 2010k km we bought it in 2015 from dealer new issues started few years later I like the old atlas and new I'm just worried about reliability and cheap plastic parts and engine head gasket issues I do have to say in Toronto Canada Volkswagen dealers one of the best I had good experience with most of them with changing oil and customer service and price was even cheaper then mister lube and cleaning my car for oil change was like 100$ or 1@0$ Canadian for fully synthetic which lasts long time I honestly love this car and wanted to buy used one next year maybe a year used for little cheaper which will still be new basically with maybe 10k km or 16k km just to get it little cheaper However I am still worried about reliability I have mixed feelings about these cars like it's hit and miss I don't know if new ones are better but the Jetta pool put bad taste in my mouth but I do love these cars and enjoyed driving the Jetta and for the price I got a lot I guess buy this year coming up I'll hear more info about this car and see if there is issues it's still too early to find out But if anyone had previews atlas plz let me know your experience

[@noelsilva8887]

Well that where the aftermarket comes in with led fog lights

[@Darkbaboon]

Very nice review! Do you remember if the third row reclines?

[@ClassicFIHD]

I have the 2023 Pathfinder SL Premium two-tone Red/Black and outside of the 12 in infotainment screen over my 9 inch one I don't see anything better in the VW. In fact, most features and much better in my Pathfinder. And I have towed a 5,800 pound travel trailer.

[@danielnguyen5902]

That headlight kind of reminds me of a ford expedition 😂

[@Paparoachfanalways]

Exactly what I thought ...stole my thunder. 🫠

[@alengreen589]

this 2 L T engine with E power, batterie and 320 HP would be amazing.

[@SpringfieldTony]

JR ~ thank you & finally the entire pizza issue has been resolved = YES to THIN, yeck to deep dish > New York style baby, fold 'em if ya got 'em lol.

[@tomdrummy4984]

I like the changes they did 👍

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I can share it with you Tom~

[@moslemshahrokh]

The touch buttons under the screen at night are not visible I mean the Blue, Red, and White lines used for up and down the volume and up and down heat and cold, they should be turning on at night but I can't see them while I'm driving. VW Atlas2024 forgot the lighting for this part car This is unbelievable, Who is the car lighting designer?

[@dustinm8800]

Really 4.5 sec? Joe does it feel quick like thy v6? Which is faster the grand Highlander or the Atlas?

[@Cobra_460]

Joe you think Volkswagen will make a r line black edition for the 2024 atlas? Great review and you think this will be a decent competitor to the Kia seltos? 😊😊😊

[@MemphisMo]

I'm going to say no, probably on the 2025... I build the thing and I haven't seen one in the facility unfortunately YET

[@Cobra_460]

@@MemphisMo you’re an engineer or a tech or something. That’s awesome!!!!

[@MemphisMo]

@@Cobra_460 yes a Pilot Hall technician

[@Cobra_460]

@@MemphisMo sweet! So you guys usually get orders from the higher ups. I know nothing about the facility workers there. So my mistake if I sound stupid.

[@whiskerbiscuitmuncher]

Just went to test drive this. You should have zonked the door trim. It's faux wood (plastic). Terrible move. I didn't even drive it. $55k and fake wood. Great reviews overall, we're on the fence now between Grand Highlander and Sequoia

[@Hgbrick]

I have a Volkswagen atlas 2021. My wife had a deer in May 2023 seven months ago Volkswagen is not manufacturing the parts to repair it. We are left with a car payment and insurance but no drivable car. I tried to get Volkswagen to buy it back, but they would not, we’re going to try to negotiate with Volkswagen finance since we financed it 0%. I would not buy a Volkswagen. Atlas I would not buy a Volkswagen of any sort because they do not manufacture parts to repair them.

[@mystictk4149]

Love the changes for it.

[@Spongedart12]

Pouring one out for the VR6, officially dead in the US

[@jefferychambrovichjr6681]

I picked up a 23 CS and the VR6 has a nice sound to it. Threw a k and n filter and Wookie pipe and it’s fun to drive now

[@RealMarcosMiranda]

How’s VW, Honda, Toyota etc. planning to compete against the 2024 Santa Fe or the Telluride? Those cars are light years ahead of these vehicles. It looks nicer than my ‘21, but not nice enough to convince me to stay with VW in 2024…

[@janeb4308]

Does it have brake hold?

[@hollywinsman9464]

Yes, lets see Steven and his music!!!

[@dalenajimenez8679]

I love your food storage ideas! 😆

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for letting me share them with you!

[@anthonycorrao-w6p]

very nice vehicle, is there a 12 volt for a radar detector?

[@redemptionaxe]

the AC and audio controls don't light up at night

[@CarsTechWood]

When you factor in depreciation and cost of maintenance this is probably twice as expensive to own over 5 years compared to a Highlander.

[@RaitisRides]

You may be right~

[@Freestyler4130]

Yeah im on the fence with german cars right now.. ive always bought german.. but i havent had very good luck with my audi

[@markholle3450]

We had a Highlander and loved it EXCEPT that third row. Our 21.5 Atlas has been great for hauling adults in the back row. After two years of ownership, we have taken it in once for a coolant warning when it was 30 below. Pleasantly surprised so far. No guarantees but so far, so good. Plus you get one more year of warranty than the Toyota.

[@joshua9073]

@@Freestyler4130The deal with German cars is you gotta buy them new and dump them once they hit 3 years old.

[@ricardoorozco6211]

I have a 2020 Atlas and I love it from day one when I bought brand new and it is very comfy and has plenty or room inside but one thing that they forgot , they should had made it rear wheel drive like the 2010 below and 2020 above Explorer😮😮😮

[@keska01]

which trim has ambient lighting (if any)?

[@MemphisMo]

It's definitely available but I want to say at SE level... For sure the SEL has it and Premium SEL

[@yellowsnowman9157]

Perfect 3 row SUV and looks great

[@paulmunday5528]

0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds, that is kind of hard to believe. 🤔

[@brianb7844]

Its actually 7.5 seconds.

[@DS-wo8wr]

@@brianb78447.5 is more realistic.:.

[@bmlove81]

I agree with you Joe, the flat black cladding. Should be color match, on the top trim.💢#Zonk

[@omarcortes5754]

It looks great, inside and outside. A nice option to consider.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you are digging this one.

[@loriraiti4924]

Great review!

[@RaitisRides]

You are so great!

[@SW-bj1so]

Please add a few seconds segment to tell us about audio systems in your car reviews. Thanks

[@halildjencic1612]

I have 2021 atlas, and I don’t like to buy a new one unless they change that iPad thing they stick on the dashboard on this one!

[@ericliu1076]

0-60 4.5 s? or 7.5?

[@nategibbons172]

They do not do "fog" lamps. My wife loves their headlights.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so very true!

[@clarencepreston573]

How the fuck do the 0-60 time come in at 4.5 seconds with HP and torque under 300