In Greek mythology, Atlas was a titan responsible for holding the earth on his shoulders and keeping the world from chaos. The Volkswagen Atlas is a full-size SUV and is more than capable for holding your entire family and keeping them safe on the road while towing much more.
The VW Atlas come with two different engine options, a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder making 235 horsepower; and a 3.6-liter V6 making 276 horsepower which can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The smaller displacement 2-liter gets 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway; while the larger engine gets 17 mpg city and 23 highway due to the all-wheel drive option that comes only on the V6 models.
The exterior styling of the Atlas isn’t particularly striking, with a fairly conservative design language. But all that aside, it has a very commanding feel on the road and gives a great riding position, even in traffic.
The interior feels incredibly spacious and getting into the unique third-row seating isn’t a chore like some other full-size SUVs.
This would be a fantastic place to spend hours on a road trip with the whole family, as well as a quick jaunt to the grocery store or ferrying one of the kids to a sports game. The trunk area provides plenty of room with more than 20 cubic feet of space with the seats up — and even more with the rear seats folded down.
The technology featured in Atlas SEL Limited I tested was really impressive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are commonplace now but no less impressive, rain-sensing wipers, and headlights that can sense when you pull into your driveway and will dim to keep the lights from pointing into your front windows — all just a few of the things that I found really cool on my Atlas.
My test model was top-tier trim and was priced accordingly at $49,415. For this price you could get an Audi or another luxury brand but it would be spartan compared to what the Atlas offers — and since Volkswagen owns Audi as well as Porsche and Bentley, finding similar quality materials is normal.
While driving the VW Atlas you don’t feel like you’re in a 4,500-pound SUV. The steering is neither too heavy nor is it too light.
There is body roll and the acceleration isn’t phenomenal but the Atlas is in no way a sports car or a performance SUV. The visibility is good as well, which helps while city driving, like when trying to find the perfect space where you can park.
Starting at $30,000, the Volkswagen Atlas is very competitive in the full-size SUV segment and it is only getting more crowded with companies like Subaru releasing new models and classics like the Honda Pilot continue to be updated.
The Atlas will hold its own. And I’ve been very satisfied with it, as I believe growing families will be.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
