2019 Volkswagen Atlas

As we expected, the new Atlas draws a ton of DNA from the CrossBlue Concept, but that’s not necessarily a good thing as that means its excessively similar to the Audi Q7 and the Skoda Kodiaq. Up front, we see that the grille from the CrossBlue carried over into this production model, albeit with a few minor changes. For one, the grille is actually rectangular in shape and rests perfectly between both headlight and blinker assemblies. It’s painfully clear that the headlights from the Crossblue are used on the Atlas, however, just below them is another lens that is presumably for the running lights and turn signals. Down below the air dam on the Atlas is shaped the same as the CrossBlue, however, it is much taller on this production model. As such, there is no opening above the air dam. Where there would normally be corner air vents sit a pair of last year’s fog lights, outlined in gray to accent the black coloration of the lower fascia.

The hood on the Atlas it identical to that of the CrossBlue and the Q7, so there’s certainly no originality there. Moving over to the side profile, you’ll notice the same general design found on the Q7 and Kodiaq. There’s that weird body insert on the lower doors that rests above the side skirts. The fender flares are more pronounced on the Atlas compared to the Q7 and Kodiaq and are connected by that bodyline right in the middle of the vehicle. To be honest, it looks like engineers took this area of the Kodiaq, flipped it upside down, and applied it to the Atlas. There’s also another body line that connects the front and the rear that is also integrated into the waistline. Around back, the Atlas takes on a bit of its own identity, but it’s still pretty similar to other offerings from the VW umbrella of companies. The taillights offer one of the most unique lens layouts we’ve seen recently, which is nice. The reviews lights are accented by a chrome strip that runs the width of the rear hatch to create a visual link between the two.

The little rear overhang on the top of the hatch is reminiscent of the Kodiaq. Down below, the black cladding surrounds the entire bottom of the rear fascia while the rectangular exhaust pipes are surrounded by a gray insert that matches the insert used around the front fog lights. Fortunately, for VW, this design works, however, one could write it off as badge engineering at its best. But, before we give full judgment, we’ll take a look at everything else on offer from the new Atlas. So, here’s the deal. The new Atlas is 198.3-inches long, 77.9-inches wide, and 69.6 inches high. The interior of the Atlas is pretty upscale and features a number of handy features. To start off, we’ve got a sporty steering wheel that has a mild flat bottom to it, along with thumb buttons on the side spokes. Ahead of the steering wheel sits VW’s digital cockpit - a setup that is remarkably similar to the Audi Virtual cockpit. A small storage compartment sits in the center of the dash on the very top. Down below you’ll find a large infotainment display.

Volkswagen’s Car-Net system is available as an option and includes the availability of phone connectivity via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or MirrorLink. A Fender Premium audio system can also be opted for, which includes a 480-Watt amplifier and 12 speakers. Volkswagen claims this is the most sophisticated audio system available in a VW to date. While we don’t have exact dimensions for the interior quite yet, VW says there’s ample room for seven adults and their luggage. The middle rows fold downward to allow for easy access to the third-row seats. BW says that the second row can fold even with child seats installed, however, we have yet to see how and early sketches of the design don’t lend any assistance in understanding how this is possible either. Originally thought to borrow drivetrain options from the Q7, the Atlas will first be offered with one of two different engines. On the four-cylinder front, there’s a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct injected, four-banger that delivers 238 horsepower.

For those with a bit a hunger for power, there’s also a 3.6-liter VR6 that delivers some 280 horsepower. VW has yet to announce specs for torque, towing capacity or the like, but the good news is that models equipped with the 3.6-liter can be equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive. That system has a driving mode selection that will cater to the needs of various driving and road conditions. More information and full specs will be available closer to the Atlas’ official launch in spring of 2017. Shifting duties are handled by an eight-speed automatic transmission regardless of what engine choice you go for. The Atlas is available in three primary trim levels. 48,490 for the SEL Premium. 19,000 less than the entry-level Touareg. The Nissan Armada entered its second generation for the 2017 model year, so it’s nice and fresh in terms of competing with the likes of the Volkswagen Atlas. The one major benefit over the Atlas is that the Armada can actually seat eight passengers.