The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size crossover that has been making waves in the automotive industry since its introduction in 2017. As a member of the German manufacturer’s lineup, it boasts an impressive blend of luxury, comfort, and technological features, all while maintaining a strong focus on practicality and family-friendliness.

Design and Interior

The Atlas’s exterior design is characterized by clean lines, a sleek profile, and a bold front fascia. The vehicle’s proportions are well-balanced, with a long wheelbase and a relatively short overhang at the rear. This configuration provides ample interior space without compromising on maneuverability in tight city streets.

Inside, the Atlas boasts a spacious and premium-feeling cabin, complete with upscale materials, generous legroom, and an impressive cargo capacity of 96.8 cubic feet behind the front seats. The second-row bench can accommodate three passengers comfortably, while the third row is suitable for children or smaller adults.

Technical Specifications

Key technical specifications of the Volkswagen Atlas include:

• Engine options:
  • 2.0L turbocharged inline-four (188 horsepower)
  • 3.6L V6 (276 horsepower)
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drive types: Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
• Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
• Seating capacity: Up to eight passengers

Performance

The Atlas’s performance is commendable, particularly with the more powerful V6 engine under the hood. The vehicle can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a respectable 6.4 seconds, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising.

On the road, the Atlas exhibits a smooth and composed ride quality, thanks to its advanced suspension system and generous ground clearance (7.9 inches). However, some critics have noted that the vehicle’s handling can feel somewhat disconnected from the driver, particularly in spirited cornering situations.

Safety Features

The Volkswagen Atlas has earned top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), thanks to its robust suite of standard safety features:

• Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
• Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control

Infotainment and Technology

The Atlas’s infotainment system, dubbed the MIB II, is a feature-rich and intuitive setup that boasts an 8-inch touchscreen display. Wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard on most trim levels.

Additionally, the vehicle comes equipped with various driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane centering, which can help reduce driver workload in heavy traffic situations.

Trim Levels

The Volkswagen Atlas is available across five distinct trim levels:

• S: The base model, featuring a 2.0L turbocharged engine and a starting price of around $31,000
• SE: A mid-level trim with the V6 engine and additional features like leather upholstery and heated front seats ($37,000)
• SEL: A premium trim with advanced safety features, a panoramic sunroof, and a more powerful sound system ($42,000)
• SEL Premium: The top-of-the-line model, featuring a 360-degree camera system, a heads-up display, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system ($47,000)
• Execline: A high-end trim with exclusive features like a unique interior design, a power liftgate, and a premium paint finish ($52,000)

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Atlas is an impressive mid-size SUV that checks most of the right boxes for families and road trippers alike. Its spacious cabin, comfortable ride quality, and advanced safety features make it a compelling choice in its class.

However, some critics have noted that the vehicle’s design can feel somewhat conservative, while the handling can be somewhat detached from the driver. Additionally, the Atlas’s pricing can climb quickly, particularly when optioning for higher trim levels or advanced technologies.

Ultimately, the Volkswagen Atlas is a solid choice for those seeking a practical and feature-rich family hauler – but it may not stand out as the most exciting option in its segment.