2019 Volkswagen Atlas (VW) Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, And Photos
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row crossover that couldn't come soon enough for the automaker. Available in S, SE, and SEL trim levels, the Atlas gets everything right on paper, but its execution leaves a little to be desired. In our testing, it's a 6.5 out of 10, which puts it a hair above average. We've knocked it down for its lackluster fuel economy not offset by particularly impressive performance and for an interior that feels low-rent compared to virtually all rivals. On the flip side, it's exceptionally roomy and versatile inside, and its conservative looks should hold up well. Unlike VW's previous crossover efforts, the Tiguan and the Touareg, the new Atlas is a decidedly American-oriented model, so much so that it is built in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Now, VW has been down this road before with its Passat, which was also designed for Americans and is built alongside the Atlas. While the Passat hasn't exactly been a hit, the Atlas shoots for the fast-growing crossover SUV segment instead of the slowing sedan market.
The Atlas is offered in five trim levels and with a choice of 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or 3.6-liter V-6 engines mated to either front- or all-wheel drive, but only the V-6 can be ordered with winter weather-friendly AWD. At just shy of 200 inches from head to toe, it's on the large side compared to its rivals, which includes the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder. Stylistically, the Atlas shares more in common with the five-seat and more Euro-oriented (and pricier) Touareg, although its flared fenders and slightly more angular overall look have a lot in common with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Full LED headlights are standard on even the base model, but LED taillights are on the options list. Inside, the Atlas' dashboard could easily have been lifted from the Passat. VW's Car-Net infotainment system takes center stage on the dashboard and it's flanked by a pair of large air vents. The megabuck SEL Premium offers a full LCD instrument cluster, which displaces with conventional gauges in favor of a multi-configurable screen. All three rows of the Atlas offer better-than-average interior room.
The second row slides fore and aft as in most competitors, but the Atlas joins only the Pathfinder in allowing a child seat to remain in the second row when it is slid forward for access to the rearmost seats. And that third row is reasonably roomy, providing what may be the most capacious accommodations in its class. 650 extra), meaning it can seat either seven or six passengers depending on configuration. S models feature cloth seats and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, but they do have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SE shoots for mainstream and adds leatherette upholstery and an 8.0-inch upgraded infotainment system. 50,000. Additionally, an R-Line styling package is available on SE and SEL models to give them a slightly sportier look (but the package doesn't actually improve performance aside from including its own 20-inch alloy wheels). What's under the hood isn't much of a surprise if you're familiar with the VW lineup. Base models utilize a familiar 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine rated here at 238 horsepower.
It's the same powertrain we've seen in numerous other VW products, ranging from the Golf GTI all the way to the large Audi Q7 SUV (with which the Atlas shares very little). That engine, however, is only mated to front-wheel drive, meaning it's not likely to be a big seller in the places where snowfall is a regular thing. That's an odd decision, if you ask us, as it significantly limits the Atlas' appeal鈥攅specially as all-wheel-drive market share continues to grow. Optional is a 280 hp, 3.6-liter V-6, which comes standard with front-drive and offers all-wheel drive as an option. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic regardless of drive wheels. Fuel economy won't be a selling point; the V-6 all-wheel drive model is rated at 17 mpg city, 23 highway, 19 combined, while the front-wheel drive comes in at 18/25/20 mpg. The 4-cylinder rates 22/26/24 mpg. We've only driven the V-6; it's refined and muscular, although it doesn't match the thrust of the optional twin-turbo V-6 in Ford's Explorer Sport. The Atlas rides softly, even on its optional 20-inch alloy wheels, but it remains composed when pushed hard into corners. Ultimately, the Atlas drives well, among the best in its segment, deftly hiding its size and 4,500 pound girth. What's missing, and what should have set the Atlas apart from its rivals, is a turbodiesel option. After VW admitted to cheating in the EPA's emissions testing, the automaker pulled the plug on diesels here. While there's a remote chance of a compliant diesel showing up in the automaker's lineup in the future, we aren't holding our breath. Crash-test scores are good, but not great. Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning come on the SE with the Technology group and the SEL, but aren't optional on the SE.
A car manufacturer using a video game as a promotional tool is nothing new; Toyota generated a lot of buzz with its laughably bad (but free!) Yaris on Xbox Live Arcade two years ago. However, Volkswagen is taking the adver-gaming concept a huge step forward, by releasing a free iPhone game in lieu of a traditional advertising campaign. Don't expect to see any television commercials for the 2010 GTI -- for now, Volkswagen is committed to promoting its new vehicle exclusively through its App Store game. Real Racing GTI should be available for download right now, and thankfully, it's no Yaris. Instead of crafting an entirely original game, Volkswagen collaborated with developer Firemint to release a free "lite" version of its popular Real Racing game that exclusively features the new GTI car. Tim Ellis, Volkswagen's VP of Marketing, said in an advance press release. While it's true a free game will give individuals lengthy exposure to the brand, we still have our doubts about its reach. You can check out a video of the original Real Racing after the break.
