2018 Volkswagen Atlas

The mid-size SUV segment is dominated by American and Japanese products with a conspicuous absence of a German product. That’s changed with the introduction of 2018 Volkswagen Atlas – the first German mid-size SUV for the masses with a starting price of $30,750. It’s available with an efficient 2.0L TSI engine but most Atlas comes with a larger 3.6L V6. However, the V6 feels gutless among some competitors.

With a starting price of $30,750, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is one of the cheapest mid-size SUV you can buy. While its base 2.0L TSI is impressive, you have to get the V6 for unlocking AWD if you live in snow-affected areas. Advanced active safety features start pouring in from V6 SE with technology package and the V6 SEL premium tops the range with a price tag of $48,740 – in Acura MDX territory.

Trims	S	V6 S	V6 SE	V6 SE w/Technology	V6 SEL	V6 SEL Premium
MSRP (FWD)	$30,750	$32,150	$35,240	$37,340	$41,140	N/A
MSRP (AWD)	N/A	$33,950	$37,040	$39,140	$42,940	$48,740
Features	The S includes: Dual-zone manual climate control Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect LED headlights	The V6 S includes: Dual-zone manual climate control Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect LED headlights	The V6 SE includes: Four USB ports Composition Media touchscreen sound system Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert	The V6 SE w/ Technology includes: Climatronic three-zone climate control Remote power liftgate with closing assist Front Assist	The V6 SEL includes: Power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof Front seats, 10-way power Adaptive Cruise Control	The V6 SEL Premium w/ 4MOTION includes: 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Discover Media touchscreen navigation

"With the exception of a horsepower deficit, the Atlas is a pretty pleasant crossover to wheel around, especially considering its size."-Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas comes with two engine options. The smaller 235 hp turbocharged 2.0L Inline-4 develops almost as much torque as the larger V6 – 258 lb-ft. However, even the more powerful 3.6L V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque can struggle at times pushing this over 4000 pounds VW SUV.

Models	Volkswagen Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
MSRP	$30,750	$30,900	$30,925	$31,030
Engine	2.0L inline four-cylinder, 16V, FSI	3.5L, V6	3.6L V6 SIDI VVT	2.7L 4-Cylinder(DOHC) 16-Valve
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Power	235 hp	280 hp	310 hp	185 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft	262 lb-ft	266 lb-ft	184 lb-ft

Regardless of the engine, a silky smooth 8-speed Automatic is the only available transmission. While the base 2.0L I4 is only available with FWD, the 3.6L V6 can be equipped with Volkswagen 4Motion All-Wheel Drive system. The VW Atlas AWD offers excellent traction even in slippery situations and is a worthwhile upgrade for handling inclement weather conditions.

Acceleration

The Atlas equipped with the 2.0L TSI does 0-60 in 7.2 seconds. Surprisingly, the Atlas V6 is slower to 60 taking 7.9 seconds despite having 41 hp more power and 8 lb-ft more torque. However, Atlas V6 also weighs 500 pounds more. This explains the ambiguity in acceleration.

Models	Volkswagen Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
0-60 MPH	7.2 sec	6.1 sec	6.5 sec	8.9 sec
Quarter mile	16 sec @ 81.6 mph	15.1 sec @ 91.2 mph	15.6 sec @ 97mph	15.4 sec @ 90 mph
Engine	2.0L	3.5L	3.6L	2.7L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.3	8.0	8.4	8.0

Still, even the fastest Atlas is noticeably slower than some competitors. The Honda Pilot does 0-60 over a second faster in 6.1 seconds thanks to its higher power output and lighter curb weight. The Chevy Traverse is also significantly faster taking 6.5 seconds for the same run. Only the Toyota Highlander is slower – significantly slower, taking 8.9 seconds to do 0-60 mph.

Ride and Handling

The Atlas rides with excellent compliance and all but the harsh bumps are smoothened out effortlessly. This combined with excellent noise insulation (second only to the whisper-quiet Chevy Traverse) and famed German high-speed stability to make this VW SUV a true long-distance liner.

This does not imply the Atlas can’t handle corners. The driver-selectable Sport Mode sharpens up the steering, throttle, and transmission transforming this German SUV into a machine capable of handling corners well.

Braking

The Atlas comes with 13.2-inch brake rotors up front and 12.2-inch brake rotors at the rear wheels. These can haul the Atlas from 60 mph in 115 feet. That’s best in the segment. Apart from raw numbers, the Atlas brake pedal also delivers best in class pedal response.

Model	Volkswagen Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
Brake Front(in)	13.2	12.6	12.8	12.9
Brake Rear(in)	12.2	13.0	13.0	12.2
Curb weight(lbs.)	4222	4288	4713	4165
60-0 MPH (ft.)	115	128	126	126

With the base 2.0L TSI engine, the Atlas delivers 22 mpg in city and 36 mpg on highway for a combined rating of 24 mpg. While that’s better than the competition, the competition uses significantly more powerful V6 engines. The Atlas V6 is significantly thirstier delivering 17 mpg in city and 23 mpg on highway.

Model	Volkswagen Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
MPG (city)	22	18	18	20
MPG (highway)	26	26	27	24
MPG (combined)	24	21	21	22

"The Atlas's interior design is elegant and clean, not unlike the simple modern layout of the upscale Audi brand. But the best part of the cabin is its versatility." -KBB

Seating and Comfort

The Atlas interior has a typical Volkswagen look and feel with clean elegant lines and intuitively arranged controls. However, what’s more, impressive is the space. While the first and second-row room is up with the segment best, the third row beats all of them outright. Third-row access is easy and once seated, even 6-feet adults will find decent headroom and legroom.

Model	Volkswagen Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
Passenger capacity	7	8	8	8
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	153.7	151.7	150.8	144.9
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg (In.)	41.3/61.5/41.5	39.5/62/40.9	41.3/62.1/41	40.7/59.3/44.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.4/60.8/37.6	39.9/62/38.4	40/62.2/38.4	39.9/59.6/38.4
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg (In.)	38.3/54.9/33.7	38.9/57.6/31.9	38.2/57.5/33.5	35.9/55/27.7

Cargo Capacity

Apart from the impressive passenger volume, the Atlas also impresses with its capacious boot. Behind the third row, the Atlas offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s up with the segment best Chevy traverse. Folding third row liberates 55.5 cubic feet of space, again better than all others except Chevy Traverse. Finally, with all seats folded, Atlas offers an impressive 96.8 cubic feet of luggage capacity.

Model	Volkswagen Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
Behind 3ndRow(ft. Cube)	20.6	16.5	23.0	13.8
With 3nd  row folded (ft. Cube)	55.5	46.8	58.1	42.3
With All  Seats folded (ft. Cube)	96.8	83.9	98	83.7

Infotainment System

The base Atlas S gets 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and six-speaker audio system. Splurging to the Atlas SE gets you larger 8.0 -inch touchscreen infotainment system and two additional speakers apart from three USB ports and Sirius XM satellite radio. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit is available exclusively in Atlas SEL premium.

"Its bricklike shape gives the Atlas a sturdy, off-road-ready appearance and enables a space-efficient interior. Its large size may be daunting to some, but from behind the wheel it feels more maneuverable than its bulk suggests." -Car and Driver

The Atlas is styled like a typical Volkswagen product with clean lines and an understated demeanor. It relies on proportions to exude a confident stance. However, this Volkswagen SUV also has plenty of muscular details befitting its size. Speaking of size, it spans 198.3 inches in length and 78.3 inches in width. At 69.7-inch it’s just as tall as any other SUV here.

Model	Volkswagen Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
curb weight(lbs.)	4222	4288	4713	4165
Length(in)	198.3	194.5	204.3	192.5
Width(in)	78.3	78.6	78.6	75.8
Height(in)	69.7	69.8	70.7	68.1
Ground clearance(in)	8.0	7.3	7.2	8
Wheelbase(in)	117.3	111	120.9	109.8
Track width(in) F/R	67.2/67.8	66.3/66.3	67.3/67.0	64.4/64.2

Towing Capacity

If the huge cabin and payload capacity of the Atlas is not enough for you, you can tow 5000 pounds trailer with a properly equipped Atlas. The competitors also have similar tow rating with only the Chevy Traverse edging slightly ahead with a towing capacity of 5200 pounds.

Model	Volkswagen Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
Capacity (lbs.)	5000	5000	5200	5000
Drive Train	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD

2018 Volkswagen Atlas comes with following safety features:

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system Air bag system.
• Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
• Rollover sensor system Rear Vision Camera
• Child security rear door locks
•  Passenger Sensing System
•  Rear seat reminder
•  LATCH System. Teen Driver.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
•  Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS)

 

NHTSA Ratings
Frontal barrier crash rating overall	5 Star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	4 Star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	5 Star
Side barrier rating overall	5 Star
Side barrier rating driver	5 Star
Side barrier rating passenger	5 Star
Side crash rating overall	5 Star
Combine side barrier and pole rating	5 Star
Rollover	4 Star

 

IIHS Ratings
Small overlap front passenger side	N/A
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

 

2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV vs Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is one of the most well rounded midsize SUV with well-equipped, spacious seats and high-quality materials. An efficient and powerful engine pulls the pilot briskly along the road. On top of that, the Pilot comes with Honda’s reputation for reliability and has great resale value too. However, the Atlas comes with a better third row and it’s almost as good in other areas.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV vs Chevy Traverse

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse blends charismatic styling with plenty of passenger space and cargo capacity. The seats are supportive and higher trims cover them in soft materials. This is accompanied by a plush ride and composed highway manners. Also, the traverse is one of the quietest in the class. That said, the Atlas is nearly in many ways and better in some – like handling.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV Toyota Highlander

The 2018 Toyota Highlander packs an upscale interior, a powerful V6 engine and plenty of advanced active safety features as standard. While its V6 is strong, it’s also available with an efficient four-cylinder motor. However, while the Highlander can seat 8, its third row is significantly tighter than the third row in Atlas.

 

After a long time, Volkswagen has a product that’s competitive in the segment. It’s immensely spacious inside with a third row that’s easily among the best in the segment. On top of that, the cabin is impressively quiet even at high speeds and rides of supple suspension.

That the Atlas can also excite you through curvy roads is just icing on the cake. There are shortcomings though mainly in the powertrain department. The V6 does not pack enough punch and is not particularly efficient either. Also, the base 2.0L TSI engine is unavailable with AWD. Still, the Volkswagen Atlas offers a genuinely appealing package and is an easy recommendation if want a family-friendly SUV.