2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE vs SEL: The Ultimate Altas Tour
Today is a car tour(s) that I’ve been looking forward to for months! The Volkswagen Atlas has been a car I’ve reviewed and recommended many times, but today I’m putting the 2024 latest version to the ultimate test. On deck, we’ve got both the Atlas SE and SEL to compare second rows, trunk space, trim levels, and everything in between.
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and I wear a lot of hats. As a certified child safety tech, mom of three, and just a huge car lover I take these car tours really seriously. By the end of this cost, you’ll see everything the new 2024 Volkswagen has to offer, and most importantly if it's a good option for your family.
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2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE vs. SEL + Updates
Before we dive into the tour of the Atlas features, let’s talk a bit about the differences between the SE and SEL versions. The Atlas SE is the base model Volkswagen created, so everything you see in this tour today from the SE will be included in all the models standard. The SEL is the top-of-the-line version of the Volkswagen Atlas that runs $10,000 more expensive than the SE, but has all the bells and whistles included.
The main features you get in the SEL, but not in the SE are:
Heads up display
Ambient lighting
Panoramic sunroof
Power tailgate
Let's talk about what happened with the Atlas 2024. Volkswagen is not totally calling it an entire body style change, but it's a little bit more than a mid cycle refresh because the Atlas did come out in 2019 as far as interior space and dimensions nothing changed, but it got some serious
technology upgrades and some pretty significant exterior upgrades as well. I think this is very needed for the Atlas lineup when you look at some of the other competitors and just how much tech, design, and thoughtfulness manufacturers are putting in.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Exterior
Starting off, there are a lot of light bars on the front of the Atlas. There’s a matching one on the back, plus if you get an SE Tech or above, the VW logo is illuminated. I’ve seen these on the highway at night and I’m a really big fan.
As far as side profile is concerned, no real upgrades have occurred. A few color and wheel combinations, but for the most part it’s the same. I love the boxy exterior and look of the Atlas, along with the Atlas Cross Sport (its sister).
Looking at the back, here’s where the controversy is. The giant light bar in the back leaves me really mixed. It looks so weird. By no means is it a deal breaker, but only time will tell if it dates the car or not.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas First Row Details
One of my biggest complaints with the original Atlas was how bare-boned the interior used to be. This is one of my favorite vehicles to recommend for families, so I’m really excited to share with you some of the changes they made inside.
By just sitting in the driver’s seat, I can already tell how updated the interior is. Even down to how the leather and stitching feels. For a $51,000 MSRP on the SEL version, it better have an interior that knocks it out of the park.
First off, heated and ventilated seats come standard across the Atlas lineup. This is a very nice driver’s comfort feature not put behind a price wall. One of the shining stars of the Volkswagen lineup is their cupholders. Side cubby fits a Stanley!
The middle console is a dream. So much storage along with everything you could want from USB-C ports to an underneath bridge. I’m really happy with everything up front.
Infotainment System
First things first, we have head’s up display. This has been SO needed in the Volkswagen lineup so I’m thrilled to see it in the higher trim levels. Ambient lighting in the infotainment system is a really nice touch as well and I’m happy to see a nice easy-to-use screen.
I don’t love absolutely everything about it though. Why is the volume not a knob, but in the touch screen. I am personally a fan of having some controls pulled out of the infotainment system.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Second Row Details
The Atlas is one of my favorite midsize SUVs for families, especially large families looking to pack a lot of kids safely into a small vehicle. Before I get into a thorough look at everything, my one gripe is the lack of ceiling vents. Not a total deal breaker, but for children in car seats ventilation is going to be tough.
Second row amenities include:
AC controls in-back of first row center console
Heated seats
Two USB-C ports
Built-in sun shades
Starting with the captain’s chairs, there is almost 5 inches of rear-facing car seat clearance. This is so generous for the size of this vehicle. For a passenger in the second row, but the width of the car and length make it so comfortable. Leg room is excellent, along with having a nice aisle way that a full-size adult could fit through.
Now looking at the bench seat, you are still able to get this option in the higher trim levels, which so few manufacturers do. I want to say the bench for the Volkswagen Atlas is Best In Class because of the three lower and three tether anchors. This car is a three across machine and I have done so many car seat combinations in it. Today, I have two Graco SlimFit 3LX car seats and one Peg-Perego booster.
If you’re unsure whether captain’s chairs or bench seating is the better choice for your family, read my complete breakdown of each option here.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Third Row Details
No matter what trim level you get, you’ll only get two car seats in the third row. To be honest, I’m more than okay with that because the middle one is always a joke. Both seats are so comfortable, wide, and deep which are awesome for passengers and car seat installations. No lower anchors back here, but we do have tether anchors.
Although because it’s so deep, it does lose a bit of leg room. With the second row seat pushed all the way forward, I do have more clearance. Third row amenities include better ventilation back here, two USB-C ports, and cup holders.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Trunk Details
Finally, let’s move on back to the trunk. We’re looking at about 18 cubic feet, and I kinda had to play Jenga with my Mockingbird stroller. Here’s the thing, it’s not the worst, but in a world where midsize SUV trunks are getting larger and larger, the Atlas is falling behind. I think one of the biggest problems is because the way the car slopes in the back, you have a lower roof line. Depth is decent, but not as much height.
Seats are very easy to fold down, no power, but that’s okay. On the SEL there's a power tailgate, but not in the SE.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Wrap Up
No matter what trim level you choose (SE or SEL) the functionality between the two are absolutely the same. You’re just choosing if the $10,000 extra cost is worth the additional features you get with it.
As for my overall thoughts on the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, I absolutely love it and highly recommend families give it a test drive. This is a car you can purchase that will confidently let you grow without worry. Most of all, I’m impressed with the interior upgrades and tech Volkswagen is finally giving to us.
To see a complete walkthrough of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE and SEL, click here.
What are your thoughts on the 2024 Altas? Do you like it as a potential family vehicle? Please let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest family vehicles on the market, check out my recent posts:
