Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen Atlas

2019 Volkswagen Atlas

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

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

CG Says: The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas makes autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all models. Volkswagen introduced this 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 previous 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 crossover 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. The base engine is a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Most models are powered by 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Both engines are paired with an 8-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 automatic post-collision braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. 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 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. 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.

The Facts
Class Midsize SUV
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 7
Drive Wheels Front-wheel drive, All-wheel drive
Manufacturer Volkswagen
Nation of Manufacture USA
Base Prices S: $31,890
V6 S: $35,090
V6 SE: $36,490
AWD V6 SE 4MOTION: $38,290
V6 SE Technology: $38,290
AWD SE Technology 4MOTION: $40,090
V6 SE Tech. R-Line: $40,240
AWD V6 SE Tech. R-Line 4MOTION: $42,040
V6 SEL: $42,390
AWD V6 SEL 4MOTION: $44,190
V6 SEL R-Line: $44,340
AWD V6 SEL R-Line 4MOTION: $46,140
AWD V6 SEL Premium 4MOTION: $49,390

Base Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (S)
Horsepower
235
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
20
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
26

Optional Engine
3.6-liter V6 (V6 models)
Horsepower
276
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
17
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
23-24

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