Cons: Plus-size dimensions can make close-quarters parking a chore; mediocre fuel economy with V6 engine[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][vc_column_text]CG Says: The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas makes telematics and Wi-Fi (subscription required) standard on all models. Some models gain standard equipment, but otherwise Atlas has few changes. New for 2020, is a two-row Atlas Cross Sport that is based on the Atlas, but is 5.7 inches shorter and has a sloping rear roof line (see separate report). Volkswagen introduced the Atlas midsize crossover SUV for 2018. It 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 4-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 autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic post-collision braking, 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.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][mk_content_box heading=”The Facts”][mk_table el_class=”new-review-specs”]
| 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 2.0T: $32,565 AWD S 3.6L: $35,765 SE 2.0T: $35,715 SE 3.6L: $37,115 AWD SE 3.6L: $38,915 SE w/Tech 2.0T: $38,065 SE w/Tech 3.6L: $39,465 AWD SE w/Tech 3.6L: $41,265 SE w/Tech R-Line 3.6L: $41,665 AWD SE w/Tech R-Line 3.6L: $43,465 SEL 2.0T: $41,815 SEL 3.6L: $43,615 AWD SEL 3.6L: $45,415 SEL R-Line 3.6L: $45,315 AWD SEL R-Line 3.6L: $47,115 AWD SEL Premium 3.6L: $50,215 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (2.0T) |
| Horsepower 235 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24 |
| Optional Engine 3.6-liter V6 (3.6L) |
| Horsepower 276 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16-17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22-23 |
First Spin: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
2020 Chicago Auto Show: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
2016 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
2018 New York Auto Show: Volkswagen Atlas Auto Cross Sport Concept
2018 New York Auto Show: Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak
Current Volkswagen Atlas Review
2019 Volkswagen Atlas Review[/vc_column_text][/mk_content_box][mk_content_box heading=”Also Consider”][vc_column_text]Chevrolet Traverse
Honda Pilot
Toyota Highlander[/vc_column_text][/mk_content_box][mk_content_box heading=”NHTSA Ratings” icon=”moon-signup” el_class=”ratings-box”][mk_skill_meter title=”Overall – 5″ percent=”100″][vc_column_text]
