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

FIRST DRIVE: The NEW Atlas is here and VW has made some changes for 2024. This SUV competes with the Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90 & Toyota Highlander. On the outside you will discover a new grill, lighting, wheels and fascia. On the inside there are higher end materials, 12in infotainment screen and panoramic sunroof. Under the hood is a new 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 269HP & is mated to an 8-speed automatic. Is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas a BETTER midsize SUV than a Toyota Highlander?
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Videography: Steven Flood🎥

[@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 😂

[@purevanilla4438]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@tony4God]

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

[@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

[@First_Stop_the_Bleed]

Great review, Joe. Only 112 days until Halloween. Time to break out the Christmas decorations! All I want for Christmas are (1) buttons and knobs, (2) functional vents and exhaust, and (3) carbon trim (not gloss black). Other than that, I would be a happy rooftop camper in this Atlas.

[@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.

[@abbimcdonald7842]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@Darkbaboon]

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

[@lofidrewv3625]

Love how many reviews you crank out brother

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for being so supportive!

[@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.

[@paulparker8298]

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

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you Paul for tuning in.

[@hermanvizcarrondo2853]

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

[@carstechtravel9703]

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

[@mattwoollam9780]

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

[@tony4God]

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

[@dominickirkwood]

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

[@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

[@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

[@nielzachi]

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

[@cameronmiller6456]

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

[@JCTornado]

when i first started watch n this guy, i got addicted to twinkles again, lmfao....love the detailed vids! Raitis Rides is probably gonna be a VR or AR style vid some day, WHILE wearing those dorky goggles from Apple...lol

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for being on the journey with me.

[@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

[@tony4God]

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

[@BobbyBimmer]

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!??

[@BobbyBimmer]

@@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.

[@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!!😂😂

[@andyk6796]

Loving those 21" wheels!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@THEVWAUDIELECTRICGUY]

Looking Georgeous!!

[@hollywinsman9464]

Yes, lets see Steven and his music!!!

[@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.

[@bigtravv]

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

[@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 .😮😅

[@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

[@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

[@mystictk4149]

Love the changes for it.

[@dustinm8800]

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

[@user-vc8bc8zk1x]

How is the sound system?

[@TheChaosHome]

This car looks amazing!!

[@dalenajimenez8679]

I love your food storage ideas! 😆

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for letting me share them with you!

[@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

[@ARealPain]

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

[@wardellward]

I’m definitely digging that color & also no flat black

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@wardellward]

@@RaitisRides yes sir

[@Blackwing668]

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

[@Blackwing668]

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

[@MemphisMo]

@@Blackwing668 yes a Pilot Hall technician

[@Blackwing668]

@@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.

[@tony4God]

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.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Now my SUV for me to drive one day Joe.

[@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😮😮😮

[@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!

[@JB_287]

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

[@Rockybalboa541]

Definitely not 4.5

[@robfrancois281]

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

[@user-ub6qn2pf8l]

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. 👉👍

[@purevanilla4438]

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

[@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

[@yiyangcheng]

Gonna have to fight you there Joe lol. Gotta be deep dish lol. But does the four cyl. Feel underpowered?

[@janeb4308]

Does it have brake hold?

[@davidp2888]

Happy Friday, Joe!

[@ovathere93]

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

[@danieladamik2423]

Love it!

[@bmlove81]

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

[@charlessiegler6303]

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

[@ikeikegwuonu2834]

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

[@yellowsnowman9157]

Perfect 3 row SUV and looks great

[@RaekwonHarley]

Very nice video, but who is putting NY strip steaks in their door pocket?!?!?!?!? I Subscribed because of that comment btw

[@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

[@user-cl7su5iq8d]

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

[@noelsilva8887]

Well that where the aftermarket comes in with led fog lights

[@danielnguyen5902]

That headlight kind of reminds me of a ford expedition 😂

[@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?

[@juliam.lamontagne688]

Great reviews as always, but can you not stand in front of the cars when reviewing and could you also include a head on view of the cars please. Thanks again for the great job !

[@nadyavalji6608]

The front end looks way better!

[@susanjspaulding]

🇺🇸 *GREAT that you have such a large number of FAB reviews* !! *Wonderful content Joe and Steven* !! #RaitisRides 🇺🇸

[@Sumodeadliftsarefake69]

What is a shift by wire automatic transmission

[@bmlove81]

Hey Joe. At the 2:56 mark. The 2024 Atlas. Kinda looks like a Ford Expedition to me, from that angle. What say you my friend?🤔

[@SW-bj1so]

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

[@dsam007]

Would you say that the Atlas is better than the grand highlander?

[@selastrega]

One big flaw of the 2024 atlas is if you need to access a 12v cigarette lighter socket to power a radar detector or dash cam there is only one in the rear behind the 3rd row.

[@tony4God]

TEN STARS ! ! ! !

[@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.

[@loriraiti4924]

Great review!

[@RaitisRides]

You are so great!

[@davidcugno5457]

I'm concerned about the reliability of the new 2.0 turbocharged motor I have the 2021 Atlas with the 6 cylinder motor and I haven't had any trouble with it , I heard a few people have had problems with the Atlas' s previous 4 cylinder motor. I guess I'll wait and see how the new motor performs before I would get a new one , although this is my first Volkswagen and I had a few minor trips to the service center, I am happy with it.

[@tomfoolery1967]

It's the 4cyl turbo from the Golf R, just tuned down a bit. At least that's my understanding. So you may be able to get reliability figures from the Golf R engine and see how that stacks up.

[@nirmit1298]

Fantastic SUV for Family

[@MrJustcool86]

Is the 2024 interior bigger than the 2023 ?

[@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 😁

[@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

[@danielloormarquez6283]

No remote start?

[@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

[@ericliu1076]

0-60 4.5 s? or 7.5?

[@fartman10284]

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

[@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

[@noelsilva8887]

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

[@tomdrummy4984]

I like the changes they did 👍

[@RaitisRides]

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

[@laguilayanisulan2830]

i love it!

[@noelsilva8887]

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

[@davonne225]

Love those wheels. Murse, satchel, lol. Nice looking key fob.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it all with you Davonne

[@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.