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VW Plots a More Rugged Course With the Debut of the 2024 Atlas Peak Edition

Everyone seems to be heading for the hills — or so you might think based on all the new off-road-oriented models and trim packages automakers have been launching lately. With Volkswagen, it’s weighing in with the new 2024 Atlas Peak Edition.

2024 VW Atlas Peak Edition at its NY Auto Show debut2024 VW Atlas Peak Edition at its NY Auto Show debut; (photo/Paul Eisenstein)
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The 2024 Atlas Peak Edition is making its debut at the New York International Auto Show. It’s the latest addition to the Atlas lineup, which, more broadly, is getting a midcycle update for the coming model year.

It’s taken a while, but Volkswagen has finally gotten around to bringing the 2019 Atlas Basecamp Concept to life. It will join the lineup of Atlas trim packages for the 2024 model year.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition
(Photo/VW)

Renamed the Atlas Peak Edition, it’s meant to give the three-row crossover a more rugged look and feel, in line with the broader trend we’ve seen in the SUV market in recent years. Competitors like Honda, Subaru, Mazda, and Ford have been launching new sub-brands aimed at buyers who want the opportunity to go wandering.

But unlike products like the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, also making its debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show, the 2024 Atlas Peak Edition is a bit more show than go — at least if you’re looking to do some serious off-roading.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition
(Photo/VW)

VW Atlas Peak Edition: More Show Than Go?

Like other versions of the Atlas, the new entry can handle gravel and moderate mud and ruts, and it does get new all-terrain tires. But the Peak Edition is really an appearance package with no change in ride height and no functional additions such as skid plates.

Still, it should increase appeal for those who want a more rugged look, even if they don’t stray far from suburban highways.

At first glance, you’ll spot new blackout detailing, and the Peak Edition gets some unique color combinations.

Black & Silver Accents

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition
(Photo/VW)

Up front, the new package gets a more rugged-looking fascia with a gloss-black X stretching across the lower half, as well as silver underbody cladding. Two chrome grips pop out of the blacked-out grille, framing the illuminated VW logo.

Gloss-black badges adorn the Atlas Peak Edition’s front quarter panels. And there are unique black-and-silver side sills. The look is enhanced by black mirror caps, wheel arches, roof rails, and window surrounds.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition
(Photo/VW)

Around back, the black-and-silver theme repeats in the accent strips, complemented by chrome exhaust bezels.

2024 VW Atlas Peak Edition: New Colors, All-Terrain Tires

The Peak Edition does get new 18-inch black alloy wheels shod with 255/60 all-terrain tires. And the look is completed with two unique new colors: Avocado Green and Pure Grey.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition
(Photo/VW)

The black-and-silver theme also influences the cabin design, where black leatherette is contrasted by light-gray accents and orange stitching. The “Peak Edition” name is echoed on the steering wheel and backlit dash décor, with motorists able to switch between 30 colors for the crossover’s ambient lighting.

More to Come

2024 VW Atlas Peak Edition at its NY Auto Show debut
2024 VW Atlas Peak Edition at its NY Auto Show debut; (photo/Paul Eisenstein)

The new trim package picks up on a number of other tweaks VW is making to the Atlas lineup for 2024. But the automaker says it’s holding back on all the details until “closer to launch this summer.”

That, apparently, includes final pricing for the new Atlas Peak Edition and other variants.

VW Atlas Basecamp Concept: The Ultimate Mountain Bike Adventure Rig?

Volkswagen put together a concept build for the New York International Auto Show specifically aimed at mountain bikers. The VW Atlas Basecamp concept consists of an off-road-modified VW Atlas pulling a HIVE EX compact expedition trailer. Read more…

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