2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport Achieve IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Honors

Bud Brown Volkswagen is proud to announce that both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have earned Top Safety Pick+ (TPS+) designations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). TPS+ is IHS’ highest safety rating and both models of the Atlas family now join the ID.4 in this achievement. 

To qualify for a TPS+, a vehicle must earn a “Good” rating (their highest) in all of the Institute’s collision tests. This includes their updated side test, driver-side small overlap front test, passenger-side small overlap front test, and the original moderate overlap front tests. All trims within the model line must have headlights rated as “Acceptable” or “Good”. In addition, the model must have a front crash prevention system that earns “Advanced” or “Superior” ratings in both the daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations. 

The standard IQ.DRIVE safety and driver assist system on both Atlas models includes Front Assist, a standard front crash prevention system that earned an “Advanced” rating in both the daytime and nighttime pedestrian crash avoidance tests. Front Assist is designed to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions with vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. If the warnings are not heeded, the system will provide automatic braking assistance (Automatic Emergency Braking). Though not part of the IIHS evaluation, the system can also detect cyclists or pedestrians traveling parallel to the vehicle and alert the driver. Also part of the system, Forward Collision Warning alerts the driver, both acoustically and visually, of potential critical front-end collision situations when the car is traveling above 18 mph. In addition, an automatic jolt of the brakes will occur to warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, Automatic Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle.

The TPS+ designation is particularly important for these models as they are often the vehicle of choice for families. The IQ.DRIVE’s front collision warning system is designed to help prevent collisions and the model’s sophisticated structure is in place to help minimize injury should a collision occur. Rather than minimize the visual effect of front impacts, the Atlas models and all Volkswagen models are designed to sacrifice front body integrity to provide a cushioning effect while keeping the cabin as intact as possible. 

Safety is just one of the many factors in selecting a two- or three-row mid-size crossover, but it is an important one. If you are in the market for such a model or any of the other well-engineered VW models, we invite you to visit Bud Brown Volkswagen and give them a test drive. Fortunately, you can leave the crash testing to the professionals.