In the realm of midsize SUVs, the Volkswagen Atlas stands out as a formidable contender. Is a Volkswagen Atlas a good car? Let’s delve into its performance, interior, technology, safety, and value to uncover the answer.
With a powerful engine, impressive fuel efficiency, and robust towing capabilities, the Atlas is a versatile performer. Its spacious interior boasts ample seating, comfortable seats, and generous cargo space.
Performance: Is A Volkswagen Atlas A Good Car
The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size SUV that offers a range of engine options to meet different performance needs. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
For those seeking more power, the Atlas is also available with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in all-wheel drive only.
Fuel Efficiency
The fuel efficiency of the Atlas varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, the fuel economy drops slightly to 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
The 3.6-liter V6 engine with all-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Towing and Payload Capacities, Is a volkswagen atlas a good car
The Atlas has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The maximum payload capacity is 1,543 pounds.
Interior
The Volkswagen Atlas boasts a spacious and well-appointed interior, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. It comes with seating for up to seven people, with the option of a bench seat in the second row or captain’s chairs for added comfort.
The seats are designed to provide a comfortable and supportive ride, featuring adjustable lumbar support and heated and ventilated options available on higher trims. The legroom is generous throughout the cabin, even in the third row, ensuring a comfortable journey for all occupants.
Cargo Space
The Atlas offers ample cargo space, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row of seats. This expands to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down and a massive 96.8 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.
Numerous storage compartments and organizers are strategically placed throughout the cabin for added convenience.
Technology
The Volkswagen Atlas is packed with cutting-edge technology that enhances the driving experience. The infotainment system, driver assistance features, and connectivity options make the Atlas a leader in automotive innovation.
The MIB3 infotainment system is the heart of the Atlas’s technology suite. It features a large touchscreen display, voice control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system is intuitive and easy to use, providing access to navigation, music, and other entertainment options.
Driver Assistance Systems
The Atlas offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems designed to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue. These systems include:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning with lane keeping assist
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
Connectivity and Mobile Integration
The Atlas offers a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB ports. The VW Car-Net app allows you to remotely start the car, lock and unlock the doors, and track the vehicle’s location. The Atlas also features wireless charging for compatible smartphones.
Safety
The Volkswagen Atlas is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ for 2023, receiving the highest rating of “Good” in all six crash tests: moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints. It also earned a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention and a “Good” rating for headlight performance.In
terms of reliability, the Volkswagen Atlas has a good reputation. It has received an average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 from J.D. Power and Associates, and it has been ranked among the top 10 most reliable SUVs by Consumer Reports.The
Volkswagen Atlas comes with a comprehensive warranty package that includes a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 7-year/72,000-mile corrosion warranty. Maintenance costs for the Volkswagen Atlas are average for its class, with an estimated annual cost of $500-$700.
Value
The Volkswagen Atlas is priced from $32,565 for the base S trim level to $52,865 for the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line trim level. There are five trim levels in total: S, SE, SE with Technology, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line.The
Atlas is competitively priced compared to other vehicles in its class. The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,450, while the Honda Pilot starts at $38,060. The Atlas offers more standard features than the Highlander and Pilot, including a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and a third row of seats.Overall,
the Volkswagen Atlas offers a good value for money. It is priced competitively, offers a long list of standard features, and has a spacious and comfortable interior.
Resale Value
The Volkswagen Atlas has a good resale value. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Atlas is expected to retain 58% of its value after three years. This is higher than the average for the midsize SUV segment, which is 55%.The
Atlas’s strong resale value is due to its popularity, its reliability, and its low maintenance costs. The Atlas is a popular vehicle, so there is a strong demand for used models. The Atlas is also known for its reliability, so buyers are confident that they are getting a vehicle that will last.
Finally, the Atlas has low maintenance costs, which makes it more affordable to own over time.