The Volkswagen Atlas represents a new chapter in Volkswagen’s U.S. story. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the seven-passenger Atlas offers competitive levels of technology and spaciousness combined with hallmark Volkswagen driving dynamics and attention to detail, all at a price designed to draw attention in the crowded family SUV segment.
As the newest and biggest member of the Volkswagen lineup, the midsize Atlas SUV offers family-ready passenger and cargo volume, as well as everyday usability and utility.
New for 2019
For the 2019 model year, the Atlas is available in seven trims levels —S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line®, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium. The Atlas family receives a modest value alignment, with driver- assistance and innovation features moving to lower trims. Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now standard on all models. Volkswagen Digital Cockpit—the high-tech configurable instrument cluster—is now standard on SEL models.
In addition to the new driver-assistance features, the entry-level Atlas S also adds standard automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated side mirrors. The Atlas SE adds tri-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control. Atlas SE w/ Technology models add two options: a panoramic sunroof with Homelink® garage door opener and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Atlas SEL models add upscale features for the 2019 model year: Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, Media Control, LED taillights, Discover Media navigation, and a heated steering wheel.
Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0-liter starts at $30,895 for the S model; 3.6-liter models start at $34,095 for the S 4Motion. The destination charge for all Atlas models is an additional $995.
Exterior
Debuted for the 2018 model year, Atlas built on the latest Volkswagen design DNA to create a bold new look in the SUV segment. Its modern and muscular design retains classic proportions and clean lines, while still offering a low coefficient of drag of 0.34.
Engineered from Volkswagen’s award-winning Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture, Atlas sits 198.3 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70.0 inches high—larger than any other Volkswagen model on sale in the U.S.
All Atlas models feature full LED front lighting, including low beams, high beams, turn signal indicators, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and side marker lights. LED taillights are standard on SEL and SEL Premium models. Overhead, a large panoramic sunroof measuring 4.46 feet by 2.85 feet, with a two-part glass opening system and powered sunshade, is available on SE w/ Technology models and standard on SEL and SEL Premium models.
SE w/ Technology trims offer a standard power tailgate, while SEL and SEL Premium models add the Easy Open feature. Easy Open works in conjunction with KESSY keyless access on all doors to enable opening of the tailgate with just a kick of the foot below the rear bumper, providing the key is in range.
All Atlas models feature standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in 245/60 all-season tires, except the R-Line models and SEL Premium models, which boast 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 255/50 all- season tires. SE w/ Technology and higher models can be outfitted with available 20-inch wheels (silver on SE w/ Technology and SEL, and black on SEL and SEL Premium) and SEL Premium models can also be outfitted with available 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/45 all-season tires (late availability). All Atlas models feature 8.0 inches of ground clearance and departure angles of 20.4 and 22.2 degrees (front/rear).
R-Line models include R-Line badging; unique front and rear bumpers that incorporate stylish air intakes at the front and a diffusor in glossy black paint at the rear; and side skirts. SEL models also include a heated leather- wrapped multifunction steering wheel.
Interior
The Atlas’ interior design is classic Volkswagen—clean and functional, with a premium feel. Driver controls are positioned for optimal ergonomics and usability, and simple, driver-centric displays enhance involvement behind the wheel rather than distracting from it. The seat position, shifter height, and the spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for driver comfort. Ambient lighting, standard on the Atlas SEL Premium, further highlights this upscale character, as does the use of premium materials throughout.
Inside, Atlas makes maximum use of its three-row seating layout to offer space for up to seven adults, boasting a cavernous 153.7 cu-ft of total passenger volume. Headroom is 41.3/40.4/38.3 inches (first/second/third rows), while legroom is 41.5/37.6/33.7 inches, respectively. Standard second-row bench seating offers a 60/40 split, a 14-degree backrest recline function, and a 7.7-inch sliding range (each side sliding separately). An innovative folding mechanism for the second row offers improved entry and exit room on both sides by enabling the second-row bench to tilt and slide forward, even with child seats in place.
Additional Auto Reviews by TestDriveNow[/vc_message]
