The 2024 Atlas comes in four trim levels with two engine choices and flexible seating for six, seven, or eight passengers
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is built on three decisions: which trim level (S, SE, SEL, or SEL Premium), which engine (2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V6), and how many rows of seats you want to use. The trim you choose locks in your base price and standard features. The engine affects fuel economy and towing capacity. The seating layout determines whether you get a third row and how many people you can carry. Most buyers start by deciding how many passengers they need to fit regularly, then work backward to trim and engine.
Key Takeaways
- The S trim is the entry point at the lowest price; the SEL Premium adds leather, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate as the highest-equipped version.
- The 2.0T four-cylinder is standard on S and SE trims and delivers better fuel economy; the 3.6L V6 is standard on SEL and SEL Premium and offers more power and towing capacity.
- Six-passenger seating (captain's chairs in the middle row) is available on SE and higher; seven-passenger (bench middle row) is standard on most trims; eight-passenger seating does not exist on the 2024 model.
- Towing capacity ranges from 2,700 pounds with the 2.0T to 5,600 pounds with the 3.6L V6, so your engine choice matters if you plan to pull a trailer.
- Moving up one trim level typically adds $3,000 to $4,000 in price and includes features like upgraded upholstery, additional safety tech, and convenience options bundled together.
Trim Levels and What Each One Includes
The S trim is the base model and comes with the 2.0T engine, seven-passenger seating, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera, and forward collision warning. It includes cloth upholstery and manual seat adjustment. This trim is the lowest-priced entry to the Atlas platform and works well if you want the three-row layout without paying for features you won't use.
The SE trim adds heated front seats, a power driver's seat, a larger 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a power liftgate, and roof rails. You can order the SE with captain's chairs (six-passenger) instead of the bench middle row. The SE sits roughly $3,500 above the S and represents the point where comfort features become standard rather than optional.
The SEL trim switches the engine to the 3.6L V6 as standard, adds leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, a power-adjustable steering column, and a 12-speaker audio system. The SEL also includes Volkswagen's Driver information Package with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information. This trim is where you start paying for luxury-level finishes and active safety features bundled in.
The SEL Premium is the top configuration and adds a Fender premium audio system (12 speakers), a power panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and additional interior trim upgrades. It is the most expensive version and targets buyers who want the full feature set without building a custom order.
Engine Choices: 2.0T Four-Cylinder vs. 3.6L V6
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes standard on S and SE trims. This engine delivers an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon city, 26 highway, and 23 combined when equipped with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive reduces highway economy to 24 mpg combined. The 2.0T can tow up to 2,700 pounds when properly equipped.
The 3.6-liter V6 produces 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, also paired with an 8-speed automatic. It is standard on SEL and SEL Premium trims and available as an upgrade on SE. The V6 delivers 19 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive brings that to 20 mpg combined. The V6 can tow up to 5,600 pounds, more than double the four-cylinder's capacity. If you plan to tow a trailer regularly or want noticeably quicker acceleration, the V6 is worth the fuel economy trade-off.
Both engines use an 8-speed automatic transmission. The choice between them often comes down to whether you need the extra towing capacity and performance of the V6, or whether the 2.0T's better fuel economy and lower price matter more to your budget. If you order a 2.0T on an SEL or SEL Premium, you will save roughly $1,500 compared to the V6 option.
Seating Configurations and Passenger Capacity
The 2024 Atlas offers two seating layouts: seven-passenger (standard on all trims) and six-passenger (available on SE and higher). There is no eight-passenger option for this model year.
The seven-passenger layout uses a bench seat in the middle row, which means three people can sit across the second row. This configuration maximizes total capacity and is useful if you frequently carry larger groups. The third row is best suited for children or shorter trips; adult legroom is tight.
The six-passenger layout replaces the middle-row bench with two captain's chairs (individual seats with a center console between them). This setup is more comfortable for middle-row passengers on longer drives and makes it easier to access the third row, since there is no bench to climb over. The trade-off is losing one seat. Six-passenger seating is available on SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims and typically costs around $500 to $700 as an option.
Comparing Trim Levels Side by Side
| Trim | Base Engine | Starting Price Range | Key Standard Features | Seating Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 2.0T | ~$38,000–$40,000 | 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, backup camera, cloth seats | 7-passenger only |
| SE | 2.0T | ~$41,000–$43,000 | Heated front seats, power driver's seat, power liftgate, roof rails | 7-passenger standard; 6-passenger available |
| SEL | 3.6L V6 | ~$45,000–$47,000 | Leather, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, Driver information Package | 7-passenger standard; 6-passenger available |
| SEL Premium | 3.6L V6 | ~$49,000–$51,000 | Fender audio, power panoramic sunroof, hands-free power liftgate | 7-passenger standard; 6-passenger available |
Prices shown are approximate 2024 model year ranges and vary by region, dealer, and current incentives. Always confirm current pricing with a dealer or manufacturer website.
Which Configuration Makes Sense for Different Needs
If you need to carry seven or more people regularly and want the lowest price, the S with seven-passenger seating is the practical choice. You sacrifice some comfort features, but you get the full three-row layout and the 2.0T's better fuel economy. This configuration works for families with multiple children or anyone who occasionally needs the extra seats.
If you want a balance of comfort and value, the SE with six-passenger seating and the 2.0T offers heated front seats, a power liftgate, and easier middle-row access without jumping to the V6 engine. You lose one seat but gain usability for the middle row on longer trips.
If you tow a trailer, boat, or utility trailer regularly, the V6 engine is not optional—the 2.0T's 2,700-pound limit is too low for most trailers. The SEL or SEL Premium with the 3.6L V6 gives you 5,600 pounds of towing capacity plus the comfort features that matter on longer drives.
If you want maximum features and do not care about price, the SEL Premium with the V6 includes leather, a panoramic sunroof, the Fender audio system, and the full suite of driver information technology. This is the most complete package Volkswagen offers for the 2024 Atlas.
Options and Packages You Can Add
Beyond the base trim, Volkswagen offers several packages and standalone options. The Driver information Package (standard on SEL and SEL Premium) adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. On S and SE trims, this package costs roughly $800 to $1,000.
The Technology Package is available on SE and SEL trims and includes a larger touchscreen, navigation, and upgraded connectivity. Pricing varies but typically runs $1,200 to $1,500. On the SEL Premium, many of these features are already included.
Individual options like all-wheel drive (adds roughly $2,000), roof rails, and towing packages can be added to any trim. All-wheel drive is available on every configuration and improves winter traction and off-road capability at the cost of slightly lower fuel economy and higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the 2.0T engine on an SEL or SEL Premium?
Yes. The 3.6L V6 is standard on SEL and SEL Premium, but you can downgrade to the 2.0T on either trim. This saves roughly $1,500 compared to the V6 option and is a valid choice if you do not tow and want to maximize fuel economy. You keep all the comfort and technology features of the higher trim.
What is the real-world difference in fuel economy between the two engines?
The 2.0T averages around 23 mpg combined (front-wheel drive); the 3.6L V6 averages around 21 mpg combined. Over 12,000 miles per year, that difference costs roughly $200 to $300 more in fuel with the V6, depending on gas prices in your area. If you drive less or mostly highway, the gap narrows.
Is the six-passenger captain's chair layout worth the cost?
It depends on how often you use the middle row. If you regularly carry passengers on trips longer than 30 minutes, captain's chairs make a noticeable difference in comfort. If the middle row is rarely occupied or only used for short trips, the seven-passenger bench saves money and gives you an extra seat when you need it.
How much cargo space do I lose with the third row in use?
With all three rows occupied, cargo space behind the third row is minimal—roughly 10 cubic feet. With the third row folded, you get 76 cubic feet. With both the second and third rows folded, you get 96 cubic feet. If cargo capacity is a priority, plan to fold the third row when not in use.
Does the 2024 Atlas come in all-wheel drive on every trim?
Yes. All-wheel drive is available on S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims with either engine. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims. All-wheel drive adds roughly $2,000 to the price and reduces fuel economy by 1 to 2 mpg combined across both engines.