2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas: The Ultimate Comparison
The Carpoolers have been waiting for me to give a definitive answer on which is my favorite between two of the largest mid-size SUVs on the market. We have the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse and 2024 Volkswagen Atlas on deck today and these cars are some of my go-to recommendations for families debating between a mid-size or full-size option. Both have received a lot of love from me for their capabilities as excellent family haulers, but which one is the better option for your needs?
If you’re new here- I’m Kelly the Car Mom and helping families find the best car for their needs is my thing. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), mom of four, and if there is one thing I know better than anything else - it’s family cars. I want to help you narrow down everything you need to consider when deciding on a vehicle.
Without any further introduction, let’s dive in and break down the Chevrolet Traverse vs. Volkswagen Atlas! I’ll be comparing each car for the top family features I recommend (and use) with my now family of 6 to help you decide which is right for you.
The Atlas & Traverse are two of the largest mid-size SUVs.
Today, I’m diving into the details of two leading mid-size SUVs on the market—the Traverse and the Atlas. Many families are weighing whether a mid-size or full-size SUV better suits their needs (for more on this, check out my detailed post here). I recommend test-driving models like the Traverse and Atlas before considering a larger vehicle.
These SUVs offer some of the most generous passenger space in the mid-size category. If you find that neither of these models have the space you need, it might be time to explore the full-size SUVs.
Beyond size, I want to focus specifically on car seat installation which is VERY important to me. The Atlas is exceptional in this area, with its spacious second row and versatile bench seat earning it the nickname "the car seat machine." However, the Traverse impressed me during my first tour with its flexible setup options, providing ample space across all rows.
While both SUVs have a lot in common, there are a few key differences that might sway you towards one or the other!
Why I Love the 2024 VW Atlas:
You all know how much I rave about the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, which proudly took home the 2023 Car Mom Car of the Year award! For the first time, this model has snagged the IIHS Top Safety Pick +, really highlighting its dedication to keeping families safe. Known as a "car seat machine," the Atlas boasts a versatile second-row bench that easily fits various car seat configurations, making it a perfect match for growing families.
With a starting price of $37,995, the base trim is packed with upscale features like heated and ventilated leatherette seats, offering incredible value. If you're looking to level up, the SEL trim provides additional comfort and technology for an extra $10k, including a heads-up display and superior materials. The car seat tilt feature is a standout, easing access to the third row and reinforcing the Atlas's status as a top family-friendly midsize SUV.
Plus, its adaptable second-row bench can handle a wide range of 'three across' car seat setups with ease.
Why I Love the 2024 Chevy Traverse:
The 2024 Chevy Traverse really stands out with its total redesign starting at $40,995 for the LS model. I'm particularly impressed by its curved infotainment system that's easy to use thanks to straightforward controls like knobs and buttons. The Super Cruise feature is another highlight, offering almost self-driving technology that can handle lane changes and navigation on its own. Plus, the Traverse is practical with lots of storage, a wireless charger, and a clever rearview camera mirror that enhances visibility.
It also features an improved car seat tilt on both sides, making it easier to access the back seats. For families looking for a midsize SUV that combines advanced tech with everyday functionality, the Traverse is an excellent option.
Since the 2024 Traverse only recently came out, it hasn’t been tested by the IIHS yet, but this is something I will be waiting to see.
Chevrolet Traverse vs. Volkswagen Atlas: How They’re Similar
Two of the largest mid-size SUVs in terms of passenger room (the next step up is a full-size SUV!)
Great access to the third row with car seat tilt on both sides
Captain’s chairs or bench seating options
Great crash prevention technology
No lower anchors in the third row
Chevrolet Traverse vs. Volkswagen Atlas: The Major Differences
Car Seat Compatibility: The Atlas really shines here; it’s like a car seat machine. Its bench seat can comfortably fit three car seats across, complete with three sets of lower anchors and tethers. On the other hand, the Traverse doesn’t offer as much flexibility with its car seat setups, especially since a bench seat isn’t available on many trims.
Infotainment System: Speaking of tech, the Traverse’s system is more user-friendly thanks to the physical knobs and buttons, which I find easier to use than the touchscreen controls in the Atlas that lack physical knobs.
Autonomous Driving Features: Here’s where the Traverse takes a leap with GM's Super Cruise feature, offering a level of semi-autonomous driving that you don’t get in the Atlas. It’s like having cruise control on steroids!
Trunk and Storage Space: Both SUVs offer plenty of room, but the Traverse edges out with a bit more space and smarter organization, like extra storage under the trunk floor. The Atlas compensates with smartly designed cubbies and versatile storage options.
Ceiling Vents: The lack of ceiling vents in the Atlas is a miss, especially for kids in rear-facing seats. The Traverse, however, includes ceiling vents that improve airflow, making it more comfortable for everyone.
Driving Performance: On the road, the Traverse feels a bit underpowered, especially when you need to merge or accelerate quickly. The Atlas offers a stronger performance that gives me more confidence, especially on highways.
Standard Features on Base Models: The base model of the Atlas comes loaded with desirable features like heated and ventilated seats and a power tailgate. The Traverse has great features too but doesn’t include as many high-end options on its base trim.
Price and Value: The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas starts at $37,995, offering luxury features like leatherette seats (heated and ventilated!) in the base trim. In contrast, the Chevy Traverse begins at $40,995 for the LS model with cloth seats. However, it still has advanced technologies such as a curved infotainment system and Super Cruise.
Let’s dive into the details!
Second Row Seating and Versatility
Volkswagen Atlas
The second row of the Atlas is a major factor in its winning the 2023 Car Mom Car of the Year—it’s a true car seat champion!
One of the most notable things is that Volkswagen gives you the option to choose a bench seat across all trim levels, which is rare among manufacturers. This allows families to pick a car with their ideal trim and second-row setup without compromising one for the other.
The bench itself is both wide and deep, with three sets of lower anchors and three tethers, so you have a lot of options when trying to fit three car seats across. I’m also happy to see car seat tilt, which lets the entire seat tilt forward, providing easy access to the third row without having to uninstall a car seat. The second row is also able to slide forward or backward, so you can really tailor the amount of legroom and clearance in both the second and third rows.
However, while the higher trim levels include sunshades—a welcome feature for families—the absence of ceiling vents is a notable drawback. These vents are crucial for maintaining comfort, especially for children in car seats, so while the sunshades are a great touch, the lack of ceiling vents is a missed opportunity for added comfort.
What I find frustrating about the Atlas is while there are sunshades on the higher trim levels, I don’t have any ceiling vents. Both of these amenities are really important for families, especially those in car seats, so I give them props for the sunshades, but still really miss the ceiling vents.
Chevrolet Traverse
When it comes to the seating option in the second row of the Traverse, there is less flexibility than what you get in the Atlas. This is not a three-across machine, like the Atlas, and you can only get a bench seat on the lowest two trim levels. I still haven’t seen a Chevrolet Traverse bench seat in person, but from photos alone, I can tell it’s not my favorite.
One huge feature the Traverse has that the Atlas doesn’t is ceiling vents. This is huge for any family with children in car seats, but especially for those who are rear-facing. That being said, I have no sunshades. You can pick a car between the two that has one, but not the other, and I don’t feel like I’m asking for too much by wanting both amenities available.
Like the Atlas, the Traverse includes a car seat tilt feature, which now works on both outboard seats in the second row. However, the overall flexibility of the second row isn’t as high as that of the Atlas.
Interior and Comfort
Volkswagen Atlas
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas redesign offers a more comfortable and high-tech experience that I think was much-needed. Volkswagen focused on making a really great base trim option, so you feel like you’re getting a luxury experience with heated and ventilated seats and a power tailgate coming standard.
The interior design is cleaner and more modern, with a digital dash and a user-friendly touchscreen. The ambient lighting, which I’m a huge fan of, allows you to choose different colors to illuminate your car's first row. It looks especially cool at night with an additional glow and my kids (and myself) have had a lot of fun playing around with it.
Looking at the daily flexibility of the Atlas, it features some of the best cup holders in its class, designed to fit larger bottles and cups (and my Stanley), and a deep center console with extra storage options. There are also several cubby spaces, which are practical for keeping diaper bags, snacks, etc...
Chevrolet Traverse
The 2024 Chevy Traverse has also seen a major redesign and it feels a lot more rugged than the Atlas. I would still consider it luxurious, but it has this cool factor that almost gives off-roading to me. It’s a lot more boxy than the Atlas, with more lines and edges that give it a sportier feel.
Its new infotainment system has a sleek curved screen that’s way more intuitive to use. It includes knobs and buttons that are pulled out for the volume and climate, which I prefer way more than having everything on the screen. The Traverse offers advanced tech features like Super Cruise, GM’s semi-autonomous driving system, which can handle steering, acceleration, and lane changes on certain highways. After playing around with it at home, I really like it and would feel comfortable using it with all my kids in the car.
It also has a rearview camera in the mirror, which is helpful for families with kids and car seats. I also have a wireless charger, multiple cup holders, and a large center console. There are not as many first-row cubby spaces as the Atlas, but there’s still enough room for the essentials.
Let’s talk about the third row.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas’s third row is designed with two seats that are quite wide and comfortable. As many of you know, I strongly prefer a third-row setup with two large seats instead of squeezing in a third seat.
I would say the seats in the 3rd row are suitable for booster seats and forward-facing car seats, but not rear-facing because there are no lower anchors available. That being said, we do get tether anchors and removable headrests, which is a huge benefit since some car seats require a removable head rest for the best installation. The third-row seating also has good legroom, especially when the second row is adjusted properly for when older kids or adults need to use this seat.
Plus, there are cup holders and USB-C charging ports in the third row as well!
Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse’s third row has three seats, which you know I am typically not a fan of. While the space in each seat isn’t terrible, I prefer two complete seats so car seat installation and passenger comfort is better. The middle seat is reasonably sized, allowing for the installation of car seats if necessary – but I cannot guarantee every car seat will fit in this space. The Traverse also includes ceiling vents and cup holders on both sides, which adds to the comfort back there.
However, like the Atlas, it lacks lower anchors in the third row, which can be a drawback for some families. Am I happy about it? No. But since neither car has it I cannot complain about the Traverse’s lack of lower anchors without also pointing a finger at the Atlas.
Trunk Space and Cargo Capacity
Volkswagen Atlas
With the third row up, you get 20.6 cubic feet of space. This provides enough room for groceries or a stroller, which is good in my book, but not nearly as much space is available here as in the Traverse. It also has useful storage cubbies that can hold items like a gallon of milk or a watermelon. The trunk space is functional and well-designed for everyday family needs.
Chevrolet Traverse
I just LOVE the trunk space in the Traverse. To be specific, it has 23 cubic feet of space with the third row up and I could easily fit my Mockingbird stroller with room for a few groceries for sure. In a mid-size SUV, this is a major win. The Traverse also has a higher back with the third-row seats, which I feel secures things back here (like a stroller) much better.
It also has an additional storage section that really stood out to me. It’s such a thoughtful design because it stays open on its own, which is super handy. Whether I’m stashing a travel potty, a quick change of clothes for the kids, or tucking away soccer gear, everything stays put. This feature really boosts the functionality of the trunk.
Performance and Driving Experience
Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas delivers a solid performance for family driving that checks all the boxes for me in terms of my everyday driving needs. It has enough power for merging onto highways and passing delivery trucks, which is good in my book. The driving experience is smooth and comfortable and I can’t complain about any of it.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse feels a bit underpowered compared to the Atlas. It feels so large for the engine size that it lacks the extra oomph for more demanding driving situations. This is a car I would recommend taking on the highway to make sure it accelerates the way you want it to.
Safety and Technology
Volkswagen Atlas
The 2024 Atlas is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, which we LOVE to see! This is one of the biggest changes from the 2023 to 2024 model, which is a huge deal and one of the main reasons I named it 2023 Car Mom Car of the Year. The IIHS does rigorous testing on cars to see how they perform in a variety of collisions and this award is no easy one to get. If you’re curious to learn more, check out my post: 2024 IIHS Top Safety Picks: Which Family Cars Made The List.
As for technology, you have Heads Up Display (which was so needed in the Volkswagen lineup) and some great safety features including forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor, and adaptive cruise control. These all combine for a really safe driving experience that I feel more than comfortable driving my kids in.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse has one of the biggest infotainment systems I’ve seen in a family car in a while. That being said, it’s really intuitive and has a lot of nice tech features in it. Super Cruise is another huge selling point for Traverse, which is a semi-autonomous driving feature. It’s not like a Tesla which will take you from start to finish with no help from you as a driver, but you can drive hands-free on compatible roads. Personally, I’ve had a lot of fun playing around with it.
Unfortunately, the Chevy Traverse is still awaiting safety ratings for the 2024 model. While I feel very safe driving my kids around in it, I am interested to see how it performs in IIHS safety testing. This may be a make or break when it comes to its Car of the Year possibility….
So… Chevrolet Traverse vs. Volkswagen Atlas: Which Is Better As Your Family Car?
When it comes to choosing between 2024 Chevrolet Traverse or the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, it really all comes down to your needs as a family and which one feels more comfortable working through your daily hauling needs.
Do you prioritize a bench? Is the trunk space a huge concern? Are IIHS Safety Ratings a deal-maker or deal-breaker for you? All of these questions (and more) make the only right answer – you have to test drive both. This is the only way to truly compare which is right for you.
My last note: You cannot go wrong with either of these options as your family car! Even though I’ve only driven both as demos, I’ve clocked both cars at over 1,000 miles and have loved how each performs for my family. They’re safe, reliable, and work well with a variety of car seat setups.
Do you think there is a strong winner between the Chevrolet Traverse vs. Volkswagen Atlas? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest car-buying tips for families, check out my recent posts:
