2020 Volkswagen Atlas

The mid-size SUV segment is dominated by American and Japanese products with a conspicuous absence of a German product. That’s changed with the introduction of Volkswagen Atlas – the first German mid-size SUV for the masses with a starting price of $30,750. It’s available with an efficient 2.0L TSI engine but most Atlas comes with a larger 3.6L V6. However, the V6 feels gutless among some competitors.

The 2020 VW Atlas is not a new car altogether. The age can be felt on the outside. The advanced driver assistance tools on-hand, next-generation technology and reliability features insulate it. While its base 2.0L four-cylinder engine feels underpowered for fully loaded Atlas, the optional 3.6L V6 engine is quite competitive.

The 2020 VW Atlas like a rainbow offers seven-trim levels. In the spectrum of choices, the base model is placed with a standard 235 hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, starting at $31,545. While most Atlas can be configured with a 276 hp 3.6L V6 engine either in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The base atlas is pocket-friendly for a family utility, the premium versions costing upward $45,000 are generously luxurious.

Trims	S	SE	SE w/Tech	SE w/Tech R-line	SEL	SEL R-Line	SEL Premium
MSRP (2.0L 4-cyl FWD)	$31545	$34695	$37045	-	$40795	-	-
MSRP (3.6L V6 FWD)	-	$36095	$38445	$40645	$42595	$44295	-
MSRP (3.6L V6 AWD)	$34745	$37895	$40245	$42445	$44395	$46095	$49195
Key Features	LED Headlights and DRLs	Add/Upgrades from S	Add/Upgrades from SE	Add/Upgrades from SE w/Tech	Add/Upgrades from SE w/Tech R-Line	Add/Upgrades from SEL	Add/Upgrades from SEL R-Line
	Heated side-mirrors	Heated washer nozzles	Remote Start	Power Liftgate with Easy Open	Panoramic Sunroof	stainless steel pedal caps	Overhead view camera
	18-inch alloy wheel	Keyless access	20-inch wheel	Park Distance control	Media Control	Discover Media	21-inch Wheel
	Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking	Blindspot monitor	Active blind spot monitor				Parking steering Assist
	Cruise control	Leather/Piano Black Steering Wheel	Power Liftgate
	Heated Rear Seats	Heated Front Seats
	FM/AM radio	Sirius XM radio

With lots of safety features and amenities, this spacious SUV is a family-friendly car. For someone looking for the most comfort stimulated by modern technology, SEL with optional packages ranging to $50,000 is the pandora's box.

What do we recommend?

The best choice to pick here would be the mid-level SE, which adds useful convenience features like keyless access on all five doors, push-button start and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel apart from standard active safety features.

Volkswagen Atlas comes with two engine options. The smaller 235 hp turbocharged 2.0L Inline-4 develops almost as much torque as the larger V6 – 258 lb-ft. However, even the more powerful 3.6L V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque can struggle at times pushing this over 4000 pounds VW SUV.

Regardless of the engine, a silky smooth 8-speed automatic is the only available transmission. While the base 2.0L I4 is only available with FWD, the 3.6L V6 can be equipped with Volkswagen 4Motion All-Wheel Drive system. The VW Atlas AWD offers excellent traction even in slippery situations and is a worthwhile upgrade for handling inclement weather conditions. 

Models	VW Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota highlander
MSRP	$31545	$33550	$34,900	$32775
Engine	2.0L 4-cyl	3.5L V6	3.6L V6	3.5L V6/Hybrid
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	235 hp	280 hp	310 hp	295 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft	262 lb-ft	266 lb-ft	263 lb-ft

When we analyse power output, Chevy Traverse grants 310 hp followed by Ford's 288 hp output. On paper, VW Atlas has 276 hp yield but when we acknowledge drivability the Atlas can be a little slow when the going gets a bit rough. Though Atlas is not a joy to drive as its opponents, it still is a much-appreciated treat from the German carmaker.

Acceleration

The Atlas equipped with the 2.0L TSI does 0-60 in 7.2 seconds. Surprisingly, the Atlas V6 is slower to 60 taking 7.9 seconds despite having 41 hp more power and 8 lb-ft more torque. However, Atlas V6 also weighs 500 pounds more. This explains the ambiguity in acceleration.

The modern 8-speed automatic transmission united with V6 acts evenly and sends the power to the ground which might not conquer you a drag race but can lug 5,000 pounds worth of trailer. But with all-wheel arrangement, the same is lacking. The Atas on full load strives on an upward trajectory and dumps gas like a river. 

Models	VW Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota highlander
0-60 MPH	7.2	6.3	7.1	8.9
Quarter mile	14.9*	14.4	15.5	N/A
Engine	2.0L	3.5L	3.6L	3.5L
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	9.3	8.0	8.4	7.6

Still, even the fastest Atlas is noticeably slower than some competitors. The Honda Pilot does 0-60 over a second faster in 6.3 seconds thanks to its higher power output and lighter curb weight. The Chevy Traverse is also significantly faster taking 7.1 seconds for the same run. Only the Toyota Highlander is slower – significantly slower, taking 8.9 seconds to do 0-60 mph.

Braking Performance

The Atlas comes with 13.2-inch brake rotors up front and 12.2-inch brake rotors at the rear wheels. These can haul the Atlas from 60 mph in 115 feet. That’s best in the segment. Apart from raw numbers, the Atlas brake pedal also delivers best in class pedal response.

 

Model	VW Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota highlander
Brake Front(in)	13.2	12.6	12.6	N/A
Brake Rear(in)	12.2	13	12.4	N/A
Curb weight(lbs.)	4500	4097	4362	4134
60-0 MPH (ft.)	115	119	197(70-0)	N/A

In readiness for the worst scenario, VW is bundling features like an automatic post-collision braking system that reduce the chances of additional damage applying brakes automatically without pushing the brake pedals. The unique ABS programming for different drive-modes available in VW atlas adjusts the braking effect on a shift of a knob.

Ride and Handling

The Atlas rides with excellent compliance and all but the harsh bumps are smoothened out effortlessly. This combined with excellent noise insulation (second only to the whisper-quiet Chevy Traverse) and famed German high-speed stability to make this VW SUV a true long-distance liner. This does not imply the Atlas can’t handle corners.

The driver-selectable Sport Mode sharpens up the steering, throttle, and transmission transforming this German SUV into a machine capable of handling corners well. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act alongside, eludes wheel slipping and allows the constant and steady drive. Also, its steering complies with the coveted course and keeps the vehicle in a straight line. The atlas has on-point handling and never feels tactless.

Towing Capacity

Including a factory-installed trailer hitch (SEL and SEL Premium) the V-6 engine can pull a maximum around 5000 lbs of braked trailer, while all other models demand dealer or port-installed hitch which then allow a maximum towing capacity of 2000 lbs. Also, the standard engine feels underpowered to pull the loaded Atlas further reducing the towing capacity. 

Model	VW Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota highlander
Capacity (lbs.)	2000	5000	1500	2000
Drive Train	FWD	FWD	AWD	AWD

As stated above, it is not a powerful drive but if equipped correctly may satisfy. The S trim with 2.0L form will not go great for someone prioritizing the pulling capacity.

With the base 2.0L TSI engine, the Atlas delivers 22 mpg in city and 36 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 24 mpg. While that’s better than the competition, the competition uses significantly more powerful V6 engines. The Atlas V6 is significantly thirstier delivering 17 mpg in city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Model	VW Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota highlander
MPG (city)	22	19	18	21
MPG (highway)	36	27	27	27
MPG (combined)	19	22	23	23

The Atlas fall back from its opponents in this category. The likes of Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse command better mpg ratings with higher hauling capacity. 

The Atlas interior has a typical Volkswagen look and feel with clean elegant lines and intuitively arranged controls. However, what’s more, impressive is the space. While the front and secondary room are up with the segment best, the third row beats all of them outright. Third-row access is easy and once seated, even 6-feet adults will find decent headroom and legroom.

Its utility interiors and laid on the line interior switches make it the best option for a family with its highly-anticipated competitors. Your spine will acknowledge the Atlas. Each and every amenity is within the reach of the driver and he doesn't have to take his eyes off the road for the most part. The fit and finish of the materials are true to its German genes and feel robust to touch

Model	VW Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota highlander
Passenger capacity	7	8	8	8
Passenger Volume (ft. cube)	153.7	152.9	153.3	N/A
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	41.3/61.5/41.5	40.1/62.0/40.9	41.3/62.1/41	41/59/44.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.4/60.8/37.6	40.2/62.0/38.4	40/62.2/38.4	40/60/38.4
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.3/54.9/33.7	38.9/57.6/31.9	38.2/57.5/33.5	N/A

The VW atlas bartered its ample space and abundant of storage cubbyholes to stash small items with expensive styling, degrading its acreage among style mavens. Also, the leatherette seating cover is standard except in base trim which comes in tough-feeling cloth deserving prospect for drivers unconcerned by spillovers. You can also opt for Captain's Chair package which comes with second-row captain's chairs and third-row easy access.

Interior Features

The most notable offerings include

• Keyless access w/push-button start (KESSY)
• 3-zone Climatronic climate control
• Ambient lighting
• Leather-wrapped multifunction, heated steering wheel
• Leather seating surfaces
• Heated rear seats
• Overhead view camera
• Ventilated, 10-way power driver's and 8-way passenger seat w/ memory

 Infotainment System

The base Atlas S gets 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and six-speaker audio system. Splurging to the Atlas SE gets you larger 8.0 -inch touchscreen infotainment system and two additional speakers apart from three USB ports and Sirius XM satellite radio. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit is available exclusively in Atlas SEL premium.

On up-gradation to the SE or SEL models, three extra USB ports in the console, SiriusXM radio and two extra speakers to magnify the volume are added. This interface is instinctive and as responsive as a decent smartphone. 

• AM/FM Stereo HD Radio
• Car-Net 2.0 telematic system
• Satellite Radio Service
• USB Connection
• 12-speaker Fender Premium Audio System
• App-Connect
• Voice Control and Media Control
• Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Navigation System

Cargo Capacity

Aloof from the majestic passenger volume, the Atlas also dazzles with its spacious boot. Behind the third row, the Atlas offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s up with the segment best Chevy traverse. Folding third-row liberates 55.5 cubic feet of space, again better than all others except Chevy Traverse.

Finally, with all seats folded, Atlas offers an impressive 96.8 cubic feet of luggage capacity. 

Model	VW Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota highlander
Behind 3rd Row (ft. Cube)	20.6	18.5	23	16.1
With 3nd row folded (ft. Cube)	55.5	55.9	57.8	40.6
With All Seats folded (ft. Cube)	96.8	109	98.2	73.3

Overall, the cargo and passenger space is adequate for an urban family, a cabin full of passengers, or you moving furniture with a friend. It is not going to fail you by making your daily tasks a whole lot  indulgent.

The Atlas is styled like a typical Volkswagen product with clean lines and an understated demeanour. It relies on proportions to exude a confident stance. However, this Volkswagen SUV also has plenty of muscular details befitting its size. Speaking of size, it spans 198.3 inches in length and 78.3 inches in width. At 69.7-inch it’s just as tall as any other SUV here.

The Atlas isn't the largest SUV in its category. This suggests parking the Atlas in crowded places won't be much of a concern. Passing through congested areas will be more relaxed as well when you take into record, the other opponents.

Model	VW Atlas	Honda Pilot	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
Curb Weight(lbs.)	4500	4217	4362	N/A
Length(in)	198.3	196.5	204.3	195
Width(in)	78.3	78.6	78.6	N/A
Height(in)	70	70.6	70.7	N/A
Ground clearance(in)	8	7.3	N/A	N/A
Wheelbase(in)	117.3	111	120.9	N/A
Track width(in) F/R	67.2/67.8	66.3/66.3	67.3/67	N/A

The mid-size three-row SUV has been the german’s best effort at landing a US-centric crossover. Its long 117.3-inch wheelbase assists in soft piloting through an abyss. The German automakers will have to rise up its effort to make it look sporty, energetic and appealing in order to keep up the selling aginst the bold styling toppers from the Honda, Chevrolet, and Toyota.

Exterior Features

Here are the most notable features on offer :

• LED Headlights with LED DRLs and taillight
• Heated washer nozzles
• Power-adjustable, heated side mirrors
• Power-folding side mirrors with puddle lights
• Panoramic sunroof
• 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approved the 2020 VW Atlas a five-star rating. Key safety features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist). Higher trims come with the option for advanced driver-assistance technology features not offered much in its arch-rivals.

Some important key features include :

• Dual front & side airbags, front & rear curtain airbags
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Intelligent Crash Response System
• High Beam Control
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control 
• Active Blind Spot Monitor 
• Parking Steering Assistant
• Park Distance Control
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking System

VW Atlas vs Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot is one of the most well rounded midsize SUV with well-equipped, roomy seats and high-quality elements. An effective and powerful engine pulls the pilot quickly along the road. On top of that, the Pilot arrives with Honda’s status for reliability and has great resale value too. However, the Atlas comes with a better third row and it’s almost as good in other areas.

Where VW atlas has enhanced comfort, ample space and quality ride, the honda pilot’s 3.5L V6 engine powering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft torque raises the adrenaline much better. It is a trade-off between great styling and better performance of honda pilot against slightly bigger cargo capacity and quality in VW Atlas.

VW Atlas vs Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet Traverse combines charismatic styling with plenty of passenger space and cargo capacity. The seats are supportive and higher trims cover them in soft materials. This is accompanied by a plush ride and composed highway manners. Also, the traverse is one of the quietest in the class. That said, the Atlas is almost in many ways and better in some – like handling.

 

The Chevrolet Traverse is neck to neck with VW Atlas in terms of cargo room and towing capacity. Still, the standard 3.6L V6 engine of Chevrolet Traverse generating 310 hp is best in its class, though it comes at MSRP of $35,000 estimated.

VW Atlas vs Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander rams an upscale interior, a robust V6 engine and loads of advanced active safety features as standard. It’s also available with an efficient four-cylinder motor. However, while the Highlander can seat 8, its third row is significantly tighter than the third row in Atlas.

The Toyota highlander founders in terms of internal cargo volume with reference to its opponents. However, Toyota has endured improving the performance capability of its highlanders with one of the best in class fuel economy.

After a long time, Volkswagen has a product that’s competitive in the segment. It’s immensely spacious inside with a third row that’s easily among the best in the segment. On top of that, the cabin is impressively quiet even at high speeds and rides of supple suspension.

That the Atlas can also excite you through curvy roads is just icing on the cake. There are shortcomings though mainly in the powertrain department. The V6 does not pack enough punch and is not particularly efficient either. Also, the base 2.0L TSI engine is unavailable with AWD. Still, the Volkswagen Atlas offers a genuinely appealing package and is an easy recommendation if want a family-friendly SUV.