The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is fresh and all-new thanks to a complete redesign for this model year. It has a nice, truck-like exterior, improved on-board technology and outdoor Z71 equipment. However, this midsize 3-row SUV will have a lot of competition, and one of its most family-friendly rivals is the Volkswagen Atlas.
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas also received a mid-cycle modernization and also benefits from design updates inside and out, as well as a number of new standard comfort and safety features. Want wireless smartphone connectivity, heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel at no extra charge? You can find them all in the basic atlas.
To see how these two SUVs stack up, let’s take a look at their respective highlights.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a new 328 horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional – although AWD is standard on the Z71.
There’s room for eight people in the LS trim, while higher models seat seven as they come with second-row captain’s chairs. Four trims are available to suit different buyers and budgets – LS, LT, Z71, RS – and prices start at $39,495, including shipping.
Chevrolet Traverse highlights
Robust Z71 model: An off-road-style Z71 trim has long been offered on Chevrolet’s full-size trucks and SUVs. Now it’s available for the Chevrolet Traverse. You get all-wheel drive, a stronger suspension, off-road tires, trailer hitches, and skid plates as standard.
Google-based infotainment: Inside the Chevrolet Traverse, you’ll find a large, standard 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen mounted alongside an 11-inch digital instrument display. This stylish device runs on Google-based software. That means two nice perks are intuitive voice commands and available Google Maps-based navigation.
Super cruise: This is one of our most popular hands-free systems. Super Cruise can be activated on more than 400,000 miles of pre-mapped highways across North America. A camera monitor is aimed at the driver to ensure they are facing forward and alert in case human intervention is required.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or view Traverse models near you.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas
The redesigned 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is available in six trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SE with Technology Peak Edition, SEL, SEL Peak Edition and SEL Premium R-Line. The Atlas benefits from a redesigned front grille, new wheel designs, numerous interior changes and taillights that span the full width of the rear.
VW has added other standard items, including a 12-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging and a heated steering wheel. Prices start at $39,420, including destination charge.
Volkswagen Atlas highlights
New turbo 4-cylinder: Replacing the previous basic turbo four-cylinder and optional V6 is a 269 hp turbo four-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. We like the fact that this engine has similar power to the previous V6 while still having better fuel economy. It’s more efficient than the turbocharged engine in the Chevrolet Traverse.
Peak Edition: This is mainly an appearance package, which consists of a trim-specific front and rear design, black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, black exterior trim and body cladding. Inside, you’ll find orange accent stitching and a Peak Edition badge on the steering wheel.
Safety equipment: VW’s IQ.Drive is a suite of safety-focused features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, lane centering, adaptive headlights, lane centering and rear cross-traffic alert. It is now standard equipment.
Digital instrument panel: Called Digital Cockpit Pro, this configurable 10.25-inch instrument panel is ideal for bringing vehicle information directly into the driver’s forward view. Spending less time looking at a central touchscreen means smarter, safer driving.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or view Atlas models near you.
similarities
They’re priced similarly, and both the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas look more stylish thanks to their updated exteriors and attractive interiors. Loading your luggage won’t cause you any problems either; These two have plenty of room behind their third-row seats. Better yet, the rear seats can be used by adults, not just small children.
Diploma
The timing of this competition was perfect considering that the Chevrolet Traverse has been completely redesigned and the VW Atlas is also getting a significant redesign for the 2024 model year. We like the Chevy’s extra power, not to mention its slightly better handling characteristics on the Z71 model. It also offers space for up to eight people, while the Atlas offers a maximum of seven seats.
It has to be said that the Atlas is remarkably maneuverable given its size and its upright shape provides an airy interior with excellent outward visibility. Both seem to be winners in this match. We recommend you take the time to visit a dealer and test drive both to find out which model appeals to you.
| 2024 Chevrolet Traverse | 2024 Volkswagen Atlas | |
| Starting price | $39,495 | $39,420 |
| Popular powertrains | ||
| engine | 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 315 hp at 5,500 rpm | 269 horsepower at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ | 273 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm |
| transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel consumption MPG | 18 city/26 highway/21 combined | 20 city/27 highway/23 combined |
| Also available | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Specifications | ||
| Basic guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Safety | THE | 5 Stars |
| Maximum seating capacity | 8th | 7 |
| wheelbase | 121.0 inches | 117.3 inches |
| overall length | 204.9 inches | 195.5 inches |
| Width | 79.0 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 69.9 inches | 67.8 inches |
| turning diameter | THE | 40.5 feet |
| Front headroom | 42.6 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd row | 39.9 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd row | 38.2 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Front legroom | 44.2 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd row | 41.4 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd row | 32.1 inches | 33.7 inches |
| Shoulder room at the front | 62.2 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Shoulder room, 2nd row | 62.1 inches | 60.6 inches |
| Shoulder room, 3rd row | 57.7 inches | 54.9 inches |
| Freight volume | 22.9/56.6/97.6 cubic feet | 20.6/55.5/96.8 cubic feet |