The Volkswagen Atlas: A Comprehensive Guide to the Midsize SUV

The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize SUV that was first introduced in the North American market for the 2018 model year. It is designed to compete with other popular midsize SUVs such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. The Atlas is available in several trim levels, including the S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium.

Design and Features

The Volkswagen Atlas has a sleek and modern design that is both functional and stylish. It features a bold front grille, LED headlights, and 18-inch aluminum wheels on the base model. The Atlas also boasts a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats can be folded flat to create a large cargo area, perfect for road trips or hauling bulky items.

Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen Atlas is available with two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder (TSI) that produces 235 horsepower, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 276 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive capabilities.

Dimensions

The Volkswagen Atlas has the following dimensions:

  • Length: 192.1 inches (4.88 meters)
  • Width: 76 inches (1.93 meters)
  • Height: 68.3 inches (1.73 meters)
  • Wheelbase: 117 inches (2.97 meters)

Interior and Comfort

The interior of the Volkswagen Atlas is designed to provide a comfortable and premium driving experience. It features a range of standard amenities, including:

  • 6-way adjustable driver’s seat
  • 8-way adjustable front passenger seat
  • Leatherette upholstery on base model
  • Cloth seats with leather trim on higher trims

Safety Features

The Volkswagen Atlas comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including:

  • Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist)
  • Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Volkswagen Atlas offers a range of infotainment systems, including the MIB II system with an 8-inch touchscreen display. It also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Bluetooth hands-free phone and music streaming.

Comparison to Competitors

When compared to its competitors, the Volkswagen Atlas offers:

  • More passenger space than the Honda Pilot
  • More cargo capacity than the Ford Explorer
  • Better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander

Trim Levels and Pricing

The Volkswagen Atlas is available in several trim levels, including:

  • S: Starting at $31,425 (front-wheel drive), $33,025 (all-wheel drive)
  • SE: Starting at $34,325 (front-wheel drive), $36,925 (all-wheel drive)
  • SEL: Starting at $37,525 (front-wheel drive), $40,125 (all-wheel drive)
  • SEL Premium: Starting at $43,825 (front-wheel drive), $46,425 (all-wheel drive)

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Atlas is a solid option for anyone in the market for a midsize SUV. With its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and range of standard amenities, it offers a compelling value proposition. However, its fuel economy could be improved, and some may find the infotainment system to be less intuitive than others on the market.

Technical Specifications Comparison

ModelEngineHorsepowerTorqueTransmissionDrive Type
Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T2.0L Turbo I4235 hp258 lb-ft8-speed automaticFWD/AWD
Honda Pilot 3.5L V63.5L V6280 hp262 lb-ft6-speed automaticFWD/AWD
Toyota Highlander 3.5L V63.5L V6295 hp263 lb-ft8-speed automaticFWD/AWD

Note: The specifications listed are for the base model of each vehicle and may vary depending on trim level and options chosen.

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