2023 Volkswagen Atlas
Overview
Living in a box isn’t so bad when the box is Volkswagen’s cavernous three-row Atlas SUV. Unlike many others in the platoon of three-row mid-sizers, the Atlas has a big enough rearmost seat to comfortably handle adults. The Atlas gets power from either a 235-hp turbocharged four-cylinder or a 276-hp V-6 that can tow up to 5000 pounds. Both powertrains come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and can be ordered with either front- or all-wheel drive. While we found the interior materials to be a little more corporate than in competitors such as the plusher Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-9, the Atlas’s vast interior space makes it more practical thanks to greater cargo room when the third row is folded. If seating and cargo space aren’t as important to you as style, the Atlas Cross Sport, which we review separately, puts a sporty spin on Volkswagen’s big German carton.
What’s New for 2023?
Volkswagen simplifies the Atlas’s trim levels and makes a minor equipment change for 2023. The base Atlas SE starts the new five-trim lineup, as the previously offered Atlas S is no longer on the menu. VW has added its 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster as standard equipment for all trims above SE.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d recommend the V-6-powered SE with the Technology package. Those who want 4Motion all-wheel drive can add it for $1900. Our example includes a wide range of features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, and remote start. To that, we’d add the second-row captain’s chairs and the tow hitch that unlocks the Atlas’s maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Atlas comes with one of two engines—a 235-hp four-cylinder or a 276-hp V-6. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The V-6 feels and sounds refined, transmitting nary a shiver into the cabin. Though the last four-cylinder and V-6 models we tested had ordinary acceleration, out on the road, they rarely felt underpowered. While it’s not as much fun to drive as the Mazda CX-9, the Atlas responds obediently to steering inputs and never feels clumsy. It is composed on the highway and nimble in the city. The ride is smooth, and all but the harshest potholes are absorbed.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Volkswagen puts a factory-installed trailer hitch on every Atlas with the 276-hp V-6. The six-cylinder models have a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, as much as the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Ascent. The Atlas’s pulling strength drops to 2000 pounds for four-cylinder models.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Atlas’s fuel-economy ratings aren’t groundbreaking for this class of big-box family haulers, but its real-world performance isn’t far off from the segment’s fuel sippers. The four-cylinder model is the most efficient with the front-wheel drive version scoring ratings of 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The thirstier V-6 model is rated at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. We ran both powertrains on our 75-mph real-world route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and the V-6 Atlas returned 24 mpg; the four-cylinder model delivered 27 mpg. For more information about the Atlas’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Family-friendly interior space, a straightforward control layout, and an overabundance of cupholders make the Atlas a practical choice, even among other highly practical rivals. Plus, a third row of seats that can comfortably accommodate full-size adults is a definite win. The interior design of the Atlas is uncomplicated and utilitarian—perfect for families but less so for style mavens. The cabin should accommodate just about anything a suburban family can throw at it, and there are plenty of thoughtfully placed storage nooks to stash small items. In our luggage testing, the Atlas impressed us by fitting four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 38 behind the first, same as the enormous Honda Pilot.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
No matter which trim you choose, the Atlas comes well connected and ready to entertain. The touchscreen interface is intuitive and about as responsive as an average smartphone. The SE has a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a six-speaker sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports. Starting on SE trims with the Technology package, the touchscreen grows to 8.0 inches, the back seats share three USB ports, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio (subscription required) joins the party, and there’s a wireless phone charging pad.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Atlas comes with a bevy of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Atlas’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volkswagen provides an above-average limited warranty, but its powertrain coverage falls short of most competitors’. VW does sweeten the deal with complimentary scheduled maintenance that is similar to what Toyota offers.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Volkswagen Atlas
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front- or all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
BASE PRICE
S, $32,565; SE, $35,915; V6 SE, $39,315; V6 SE R-Line, $40,715; V6 SEL, $43,315; SEL 4Motion, $43,415; V6 SEL R-Line, $40,015
ENGINES
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 235 hp, 258 lb-ft; DOHC 24-valve V-6, 276 hp, 266 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.3 in
Length: 200.7 in
Width: 78.3 in
Height: 70.1 in
Passenger volume: 155 ft3
Cargo volume: 21 ft3
Curb weight (C/D est): 4300–4750 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 7.1–7.8 sec
¼-mile: 15.5–16.0 sec
Top speed: 115 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 18–22/16–21/22–24 mpg
More Features and Specs
