The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize SUV that has made a significant impact in the competitive world of family-friendly vehicles since its introduction in 2018. Specifically designed with the American market in mind, the Atlas was Volkswagen’s response to the growing demand for larger SUVs that combine practicality, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. It is the first Volkswagen SUV to offer three rows of seating, making it ideal for large families or anyone who needs extra passenger space. With its bold design, robust performance, and a suite of modern features, the Atlas has quickly become a popular choice for those seeking an SUV that balances style, function, and advanced technology.
However, like any vehicle, the Volkswagen Atlas comes with both advantages and disadvantages. It excels in certain areas, such as its spacious interior, family-friendly features, and versatile performance, but there are also challenges that potential buyers should consider. Issues like fuel economy, maintenance costs, and handling may not meet the expectations of all drivers. For some, the Atlas offers an excellent blend of utility and comfort, while others might prefer a more luxurious or sportier ride.
In this article, we will explore 15 pros and 10 cons of the Volkswagen Atlas in detail. We’ll cover the reasons why the Atlas stands out in the crowded SUV market, as well as some of the factors that might make it less appealing to certain buyers. Whether you’re looking for a reliable family vehicle or you’re curious about how the Atlas compares to other SUVs, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the key aspects of ownership. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of whether the Volkswagen Atlas is the right fit for your needs and lifestyle.
Pros Of The Volkswagen Atlas
1. Spacious Interior For Families
One of the Volkswagen Atlas’s greatest strengths is its spacious interior. Designed to comfortably seat up to seven passengers, the Atlas offers generous legroom in all three rows, making it a perfect choice for families or those who often travel with multiple passengers. Unlike many other three-row SUVs, the Atlas provides enough space even for adults in the third row, which is a major advantage over competitors that often reserve the back row for children. This makes long trips more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone on board.
2. User-Friendly Infotainment System
The Volkswagen Atlas comes equipped with a highly intuitive infotainment system that includes a responsive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports. The system is praised for its ease of use, with straightforward menus and controls that make navigating through media, navigation, and settings a breeze. Families with tech-savvy teens or passengers who enjoy staying connected on the road will appreciate how seamlessly the Atlas integrates with smartphones and other devices.
3. Outstanding Visibility
One of the often-overlooked advantages of the Volkswagen Atlas is its excellent visibility. Thanks to its tall driving position and large windows, drivers can enjoy a commanding view of the road, which improves confidence in tight situations like parking, merging, or navigating busy intersections. The Atlas’s wide windshield and minimal blind spots enhance overall safety by making it easier to spot other vehicles and pedestrians, particularly when driving in urban areas.
4. Comfortable And Smooth Ride Quality
Comfort is a key factor in the Atlas’s appeal, especially on long trips or uneven roads. The Atlas’s suspension is designed to absorb road imperfections, delivering a smooth and comfortable ride even over bumpy surfaces. Whether you’re commuting to work or driving across the country, the Atlas provides a quiet and comfortable cabin experience for both the driver and passengers, minimizing fatigue during extended trips.
5. Advanced Safety Features
Volkswagen has equipped the Atlas with an impressive array of safety features, even at its base trim level. These include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. Higher trims offer even more advanced safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. These features contribute to the Atlas’s excellent safety ratings and make it a strong contender for families who prioritize safety in their vehicles.
6. Excellent Towing Capacity
For those who need a vehicle with towing capabilities, the Atlas delivers. When equipped with the optional V6 engine and towing package, the Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This makes it a versatile option for families who enjoy boating, camping, or hauling trailers. Whether it’s towing a boat to the lake or a trailer for a weekend getaway, the Atlas provides enough power and stability to handle the job confidently.
7. All-Wheel Drive Option (AWD)
The Volkswagen Atlas offers an optional 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, which enhances traction and stability on slippery roads, such as during rain or snow. This makes the Atlas a practical choice for drivers living in regions with variable weather conditions. The AWD system distributes power between the front and rear wheels as needed, improving control and confidence when driving in poor conditions or off-road terrains.
8. Flexible Cargo Capacity
The Atlas offers impressive cargo space, especially with the second and third rows folded down, providing up to 96.8 cubic feet of storage. Even with all seats in use, there’s still ample space for groceries, luggage, or sporting equipment. This flexibility makes the Atlas ideal for families who need a vehicle capable of carrying both passengers and plenty of cargo. Whether you’re running errands or embarking on a cross-country road trip, the Atlas offers the space needed to accommodate everything comfortably.
9. High-Quality Interior Materials
Volkswagen is known for paying attention to detail when it comes to the quality of its interiors, and the Atlas is no exception. The cabin is well-crafted, featuring high-quality materials such as soft-touch surfaces and premium upholstery. Even the lower trims offer a sophisticated and comfortable interior, and higher trims add even more luxurious features like leather seating and a panoramic sunroof, giving the Atlas a premium feel without the premium price.
10. Easy Access To The Third Row
Unlike some three-row SUVs that make accessing the third row a hassle, the Volkswagen Atlas is designed with convenience in mind. The second-row seats slide forward easily, even with a child seat installed, allowing for quick and hassle-free access to the third row. This feature is particularly beneficial for families with small children or those who frequently transport multiple passengers, as it simplifies the process of getting everyone in and out of the vehicle.
11. Powerful Engine Options
The Atlas comes with two engine choices: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an available 3.6-liter V6. The turbocharged engine offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency for everyday driving, while the V6 provides additional horsepower for those who need more towing power or prefer a stronger performance on the road. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and ensures the Atlas is responsive in a variety of driving situations.
12. Quiet And Refined Cabin
The Volkswagen Atlas offers a quiet cabin, which makes it a comfortable vehicle for long road trips. The use of sound-deadening materials and effective insulation minimizes road noise and wind noise, creating a serene atmosphere even at highway speeds. This quiet cabin is especially beneficial for families with children or for those who simply enjoy a peaceful driving experience.
13. Competitive Warranty Coverage
Volkswagen offers competitive warranty coverage for the Atlas, including a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a 2-year/20,000-mile Carefree Maintenance program. This warranty provides peace of mind to buyers by covering major components and offering free scheduled maintenance for the first two years. For buyers concerned about long-term reliability or repair costs, Volkswagen’s warranty package is a significant advantage.
14. Strong Resale Value
Despite being a relatively new model in Volkswagen’s lineup, the Atlas has demonstrated strong resale value compared to other vehicles in its class. This is especially important for buyers who plan to sell or trade in their vehicle after a few years. Volkswagen’s reputation for building durable, reliable vehicles helps boost the Atlas’s resale value, making it a smart long-term investment.
15. Attractive Exterior Design
The Atlas boasts a bold and modern design that stands out on the road. Its rugged, muscular stance, sharp lines, and stylish front grille give it a commanding presence. For buyers who want an SUV that looks as good as it performs, the Atlas delivers with an exterior design that exudes both strength and sophistication. It strikes a perfect balance between family practicality and adventurous appeal.
Cons Of The Volkswagen Atlas
1. Mediocre Fuel Economy
One of the most notable downsides of the Volkswagen Atlas is its below-average fuel economy, especially when equipped with the V6 engine. The Atlas’s size and weight contribute to its higher fuel consumption, with the V6 engine returning an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. This may not be a major concern for those who prioritize space and power, but for buyers looking to minimize fuel costs, the Atlas’s fuel efficiency could be a drawback.
2. Large Size Makes It Difficult To Maneuver
While the Atlas’s large size contributes to its spacious interior, it also makes the vehicle more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces or crowded urban areas. Parking can be difficult, especially in compact spaces, and navigating through narrow streets requires extra attention. Some drivers may find the size intimidating, especially if they are not accustomed to driving larger vehicles.
3. Stiff Ride On Rough Roads
Although the Atlas offers a generally smooth ride, some drivers have reported that it can feel stiff or jarring on rough or uneven road surfaces. The suspension system, while designed for comfort on highways, may not absorb bumps and potholes as well as some competitors. This could be a downside for buyers who frequently drive on less-than-ideal roads or those who prioritize ride comfort over handling.
4. Lack Of Sporty Handling
The Volkswagen Atlas focuses more on comfort and space than on sporty driving dynamics. While it performs well in a straight line, its handling is less sharp than some of its rivals, particularly when navigating tight corners or winding roads. Drivers who enjoy a more engaging driving experience might find the Atlas’s handling a bit uninspiring, especially compared to more performance-oriented SUVs.
5. Higher Ownership Costs
While Volkswagen vehicles are known for their quality, the cost of parts and maintenance for the Atlas can be higher than some competitors, particularly after the warranty period expires. Repair costs for Volkswagen vehicles tend to be higher than average, and some specialized parts may require visits to a dealership rather than independent mechanics. This can lead to higher ownership costs over time, especially if the vehicle is not kept within warranty.
6. Limited Off-Road Capability
While the Volkswagen Atlas offers all-wheel drive, it’s not designed for serious off-roading. Its ground clearance and overall design are better suited for on-road driving and light off-road use, such as dirt paths or gravel roads. For buyers who prioritize off-road capability, the Atlas may not meet expectations compared to more rugged SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Toyota 4Runner.
7. Less Luxurious Than Premium Competitors
Although the Atlas offers a high-quality interior, it lacks some of the luxury features found in premium competitors like the Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90. For buyers seeking top-tier materials, advanced technology, and a more luxurious cabin experience, the Atlas might fall short. While it’s well-equipped for its price range, those looking for a more premium feel may need to consider higher-end alternatives.
8. Resale Value Concerns Over Time
While the Atlas holds its value better than many competitors, Volkswagen vehicles can experience higher depreciation rates compared to Japanese brands like Toyota or Honda. Buyers who plan to sell their vehicle after a few years may find that the Atlas doesn’t retain as much of its value as some of its competitors. This is especially important for those who are considering long-term cost considerations.
9. No Hybrid Option
In an era where fuel efficiency and environmental consciousness are becoming more important, the lack of a hybrid option in the Volkswagen Atlas could be seen as a drawback. Many competitors in the midsize SUV market offer hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants, which provide better fuel economy and reduced emissions. For buyers looking for a greener option, the Atlas’s lack of a hybrid model might be a disadvantage.
10. Engine Noise With The Four-Cylinder
While the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency, it can be noisy under heavy acceleration. Some drivers have noted that the engine noise becomes more noticeable when pushing the vehicle to its limits, which may detract from the otherwise quiet and refined cabin experience.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Atlas is a well-rounded SUV that offers an impressive array of features, particularly for families in need of space, comfort, and versatility. Its roomy interior, advanced safety features, and high-quality design make it a strong contender in the midsize SUV market. For those seeking a vehicle that balances practicality with modern technology and style, the Atlas is a compelling choice.
However, the Atlas also comes with its share of drawbacks, such as below-average fuel efficiency, higher maintenance costs, and less sporty handling compared to some rivals. For buyers who prioritize fuel economy or off-road capabilities, other vehicles may be a better fit. The lack of a hybrid option and concerns over long-term depreciation are also factors worth considering.
Ultimately, the 15 pros and 10 cons outlined in this article provide a comprehensive look at what you can expect from the Volkswagen Atlas. Whether you’re drawn to its spacious cabin and family-friendly features or cautious about its higher costs and fuel consumption, understanding these key aspects will help you make a more informed decision about whether the Volkswagen Atlas aligns with your lifestyle and driving needs.