2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Pros: Cavernous interior; generous warrantee; well-sorted touchscreen infotainment system

Cons: Plus-size dimensions can make close-quarters parking a chore; mediocre projected fuel economy with V6 engine

CG Says: Volkswagen introduces a new midsize crossover SUV for 2018. The Atlas is one of the largest vehicles VW has ever sold in the U.S.; it’s bigger than most every midsize-SUV rival, and almost 10 inches longer than Volkswagen’s other midsize SUV: the pricey, upscale Touareg. Despite its larger size, the Atlas is priced significantly cheaper than the Touareg; its price range puts it right in the heart of the midsize SUV market. The Atlas has three rows of seating for up to seven passengers with the standard second-row bench seat, or six with the available second-row captain’s chairs. At launch, a 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 is the sole engine choice. Later in the model year, a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will be available. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Four-cylinders are front-wheel drive only, while V6s are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, automatic post-collision braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. Other available features include adaptive cruise control, park assist, automatic high-beam headlights, hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, overhead-camera view, and LED headlights. The new Atlas’s cavernous interior provides generous passenger and cargo room, and the cabin is finished in VW’s typical classy, understated fashion—especially in the top-line SEL models. A pleasant driving personality; satisfying acceleration from the V6 engine; and a responsive, feature-rich infotainment system are other assets. Projected fuel economy with the V6 engine is a bit disappointing, but the Atlas’s space, performance, and European style should make it a viable alternative to rivals such as the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse.