Volkswagen Atlas Review: Pricing, Specs & More

Volkswagen Atlas Review: Pricing, Specs & More

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Volkswagen is known for producing cars with a certain European flavor, no matter the category.

The VW Golf features handsome styling, utility, and efficiency that’s among the best in its class.

The VW Tiguan midsize SUV offers personality and handling that tops many rivals.

And the VW Jetta is a smart and sensible compact car with peppy acceleration, taut suspension, and plenty of room for people and cargo.

While each of these cars is excellent, they're somewhat compact and may not have the carrying capacity drivers need. 

Enter the VW Atlas SUV, an intriguing choice for the buyer who wants something unique among the many midsize options on the market.

Read on for our complete Volkswagen Atlas review, and learn why its European design makes it a great option if you’re in the market for a midsize SUV.

VW Atlas pricing

For 2022, the VW Atlas comes in four trim levels:

  • Atlas SE — $35,095 MSRP
  • Atlas SEL — $44,865 MSRP
  • Atlas SEL R-Line — $48,015 MRSP
  • Atlas SEL Premium — $52,265 MRSP

The SE trim has excellent standard features like an infotainment system with a turbo four-cylinder engine, an infotainment system, and a digital gauge cluster. 

SEL models include 20-inch wheels, all-wheel drive, and an optional V6 engine. 

SEL R-Line editions feature aggressive styling, a special front grille and bumper, unique badges, adaptive front lighting, 20-inch wheels, and a standard V6 motor. 

The SEL Premium trim level also has R-Line styling touches, 21-inch wheels, a V6 engine, and ventilated front seats. 

The V6 SE with technology package is an outstanding value. At around $40,000, it includes standard features like adaptive cruise control, remote start, and three-zone climate control. And for extra comfort, you can add second-row captain's chairs.

When you're in the market for a used SUV like the VW Atlas, finding one in excellent shape can be a hassle. Driving around town and looking at different vehicles is time-consuming and may not be productive. And even if an advertisement looks good, how can you know a pre-owned SUV isn't hiding mechanical issues? But when you buy a used SUV from Shift, there's no need to worry. You can buy any of Shift's cars directly online from the comfort of your home, know it has no hidden issues (from our 150-point inspection) and get a fair, up-front price.

Shift's website has a large selection of fully inspected cars located across the country that are ready to go. The website is user-friendly, and you'll be able to find various makes and models to suit your needs and budget. With Shift's expertise and experience selling used vehicles, you can rest assured your used car purchase will be good to go from the moment you take delivery.

VW Atlas mpg

The VW Atlas' two powertrain options produce respectable horsepower while achieving good fuel economy for such a large vehicle.

The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. 

The upgraded 3.6-liter V-6 offers additional muscle, with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.

Either engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.

If you're after the most miles per gallon, the four-cylinder with FWD tops the range at an EPA-rated 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. 

When you opt for the V-6 engine, those numbers decrease to 18 city and 24 highway with front-wheel drive, and 16 city and 23 highway with all-wheel drive.

VW Atlas interior

With its third-row seating, many cupholders, and easy-to-use controls, the VW Atlas is a great choice when you need space and convenience.

The roomy interior of the VW Atlas exudes elegance, with its high-quality materials, restrained design, and plenty of legroom to make for an all-around pleasant drive.

When you need to buy groceries for the week or set out on a long trip, the VW Atlas has cargo space to spare. And with many strategically placed storage compartments, you can keep various items organized and secure. 

The trunk has a capacity of 20.6 cubic feet, plenty of room for groceries or a few bags. But when you fold down all of the seats, that grows to a substantial 96.8 cubic feet, enough to fit 38 carry-on bags.

The VW Atlas’ infotainment system provides excellent connectivity, whichever version you choose. The SE trim comes equipped with a 6.5 touchscreen, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, two USB ports, a six-speaker sound system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

SE models with the Technology package and SEL trims add an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging pad, three USB ports in the back seat, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio (which requires a subscription).

2021 Volkswagen Atlas (from $33,450)

2021 Volkswagen Atlas (from $33,450)
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2021 Volkswagen Atlas (from $33,450)
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VW Atlas safety features

The VW Atlas’ superior driver assistance technology comes standard, with optional upgrades for even more safety and security.

Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology is optional. 

The VW Atlas received a "great" rating during Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests in all crashworthiness categories.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas (from $30,450)

2018 Volkswagen Atlas (from $30,450)
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2018 Volkswagen Atlas (from $30,450)
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VW Atlas review in summary

The 2022 model year VW Atlas is a well-designed midsize SUV with excellent comfort, cargo capacity, and driving performance.

You get competent power, acceleration, and good fuel economy, whether you go with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine or opt for the upgraded V-6 drivetrain.

Available 4Motion AWD allows the Atlas to handle poor weather conditions, so you and your passengers arrive safely. 

The interior of the VW Atlas is not only elegant and made of high-quality materials, but it also has abundant storage space for anything you may need to transport, including functional compartments throughout. And the infotainment system has excellent connectivity with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. 

The Atlas also has optional interior perks like available wireless charging, back seat USB ports, and a larger 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. 

The VW Atlas's reassuring driver assistance technology helps you detect and avoid collisions while driving, with features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. 

With the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) giving the VW Atlas a “great” rating in all crashworthiness categories, you have added peace of mind during your travels. 

Owning an SUV like the Volkswagen Atlas brings many expenses like fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Finding ways to save on auto-related costs keeps extra money in your bank account for other essential obligations. One way of doing that is by securing a good auto loan. Shift works with a network of trusted lenders who compete for your business, so you get the best deal on financing. Applying for financing with Shift is quick and easy, with no cost or obligation.

Many applicants are approved within minutes instead of days. Financing with Shift is so convenient that nine out of 10 customers choose us when they need a loan. If you have low credit, don't worry because we welcome co-signers. And Shift takes the stress out of car buying with their fair, no-haggle prices driven by powerful machine learning algorithms and tons of data. Whether you want a VW Atlas, Toyota Highlander, or a Ford Escape, Shift has what you need.

2019 Volkswagen Atlas (from $25,950)

2019 Volkswagen Atlas (from $25,950)
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30-Day warranty
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No-Contact Test Drives
Shop Used Volkswagen Atlas
2019 Volkswagen Atlas (from $25,950)
30-Day warranty
Free 7-day return
Free 7-day trial return
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No-Contact Test Drives
Shop Used Volkswagen Atlas
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Author
Shift Editorial Team