For what could also be the first time since its sellers peddled the now-iconic Microbus, Volkswagen has a household-pleasant automobile with three rows of seats. But wait,there’s more. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan are new designs with room for as much as seven passengers. The full-size Atlas is positively palatial inside, but it’ll take up most of your garage. The compact Tiguan is maneuverable in tight spaces and loads roomy for four passengers, but its accessible third row is a kid-solely affair. Compromise is king, however we commend VW for finally filling its showrooms with the type of crossovers American buyers need. In our ratings, the Tiguan wins out for its superior value, good fuel economic system, and wider security function availability. The Atlas scores well for its roominess, however its inside isn’t noticeably extra upmarket than the a lot cheaper Tiguan’s and it guzzles as much gas as bigger SUVs. Let’s start with the similarities. Both crossovers have a clean, crisp, unadorned look that eschews the high belt strains and wacky roof pillars displaying up on so many rivals.
Neither one will get your consideration in comparison with, say, a GMC Terrain or a Nissan Murano, however that’s not essentially a nasty factor. We expect the Atlas, with its broad shoulders and pronounced, chunky flares tries harder—even if it doesn’t at all times succeed. The Tiguan is less complicated, if a little bit odd in profile with its additional-long rear door—a design cue that’s hard to hide but pays off in rear-seat leg room. Inside, both crossovers are a festival of straight lines and logically arrayed controls. Curiously, the Tiguan usually uses nicer inside supplies despite its considerably lower worth tag. The Tiguan’s customary cloth seats are all-day snug, while the synthetic leather-based included on SE and SEL trim ranges is durable and should be straightforward to wash when life happens. Leather is available on the range-topping Tiguan. Row two is somewhat tight for 3 abreast, however outboard passengers will find in depth leg house.
500 choice with all-wheel drive. Adults can squeeze again there, but provided that they’re tremendous riding with their legs of their laps. With the third row upright, there’s precious little cargo space behind. By distinction, the Atlas is full-size roomy for each seating place. Similar cloth upholstery is commonplace, with synthetic leather and real leather-based each on the options listing. Up front, the view out is commanding. Massive rear doorways open further-wide for terrific entry to the second row, making loading a child’s automotive seat straightforward. The standard third row folds flat when not in use and affords good house even for adults. As a bonus, a toddler seat may be left within the second row when it’s folded ahead for entry to row three, something few rivals can say. Neither crossover is especially thrilling to drive, but both the Tiguan and Atlas ride comfortably and have light, accurate steering.
Both crossovers come standard with 2.0-liter turbo-4 engines with totally different power outputs. The Tiguan’s 184 horsepower is satisfactory, however not rubber-burning, while the Atlas’ 235-hp output is extra in line with its 4,500 pound curb weight. Optional on the Atlas—and required with all-wheel drive—is a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 276 hp that gives extra lively acceleration. Both crossovers use 8-pace computerized transmissions and both include several drive modes that modify throttle response, shift factors, and steering heft. With their low-riding, softly sprung suspensions, neither crossover is geared toward off-roaders. Around town, the Tiguan’s smaller measurement makes it way more nimble than the lumbering Atlas. Conversely, the Atlas tracks higher at freeway speeds and lets in much less highway rumble. Given its smaller engine and lighter weight, it’s no shock that the Tiguan is extra fuel efficient. With all-wheel drive, it rates 23 mpg mixed on the government’s check. The Atlas, when fitted with all-wheel drive, guzzles at a price of simply 19 mpg combined in response to the EPA.
