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 rearmost seat to comfortably handle adults. In fact, the Volkswagen lineup has the most comfortable rides.
The 2023 Volkswagen 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.
The interior materials are more corporate than in competitors such as the Mazda CX-9 and Kia Telluride, the Atlas’s vast interior space makes it more practical thanks to greater cargo room when the third row is folded.
Engine & 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.
Fuel Economy
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.
Interior
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.
Safety & Driver-Assistance Features
The Atlas comes with a range of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. The major safety features include: Automated emergency braking, standard forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology.
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