2019 Volkswagen Atlas Review

Name: 2019 Volkswagen Atlas Review
Brand: Volkswagen
Price: 17500 USD

Volkswagen Atlas V6 SE 4MOTION 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL Premium 4MOTION 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Volkswagen Atlas V6 SE 4MOTION 4dr SUV Exterior

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Volkswagen Atlas model years

2018

Volkswagen Atlas for Sale

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byTravis Langness^{Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

Pros

Spacious interior offers ample room for passengers in all three rows
Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort
Straightforward cabin design makes everything easy to use

Cons

Not very quick to accelerate, even with the optional V6
Fuel economy lags that of some competitors

What's new

Two new trim levels debut
Expanded availability of features for 2019
Part of the first Atlas generation introduced for 2018

Volkswagen designed its Atlas specifically for the American market, so that explains this big SUV's abundance of passenger and cargo space. It's got three rows of seating and one of the highest cargo capacities you'll find. But it also possesses all of the typical Volkswagen touches such as high-quality interior surfaces, abundantly available safety tech and excellent on-road performance.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $5.12 per gallon for premium unleaded in Washington.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Washington

$282/mo

$308/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

On the highway, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is comfortable and quiet. In the city, it's easier to maneuver than you'd expect. Power is lacking a bit when you compare it to top rivals, but that's the one minor flaw we've been able to find in its on-road performance. Otherwise, the Atlas has a long list of virtues.

You also get more standard features on some trim levels this year. We specifically like that every Atlas now comes with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. On the SE, you get three-zone climate control, and on the SEL you get Digital Cockpit instrumentation, LED taillights, a navigation system and a heated steering wheel.

Overall, we're quite pleased with the 2019 Atlas. Alongside other top rivals such as the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-9, it should be one of your top models to consider for a three-row crossover SUV this year.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Atlas as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs for this year.

What's it like to live with?

Want to know even more about the Atlas? Edmunds added a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE to our long-term road test fleet. Our editors spent a year driving Volkswagen's biggest SUV, racking up more than 20,000 miles. Check out our VW Atlas long-term test coverage to read more about our experience, from real-world fuel economy to reliability. Note that while the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas differs slightly from our long-term 2018 model, nearly all of our observations still apply.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.8 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium (3.6-liter V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.8 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	8.0
Technology	8.0

Driving

8.0

With the exception of a horsepower deficit, the Atlas is a pretty pleasant crossover to wheel around, especially considering its size. Effortless but direct steering, a quick-shifting transmission and confident brakes are the main components to credit for the enjoyable driving experience.

Acceleration

7.0

The optional V6 engine delivers decent acceleration off the line, but it feels just barely adequate when merging at speed, even with an empty cabin. Both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander are quicker, with the Atlas needing a full 8 seconds to cover 0-60 mph.

Braking

8.0

Braking in the Atlas is confident, smooth and effortless. It's also one of the SUV's stronger performance qualities, needing only 115 feet to execute a panic stop from 60 mph. That's not only better than average, but it's also a surprise because the Atlas is heavier than most of its segment competition.

Steering

9.0

The way the steering is tuned is a big reason the Atlas drives much smaller than it is. It feels light, quick and precise, but it also manages to avoid feeling disconnected like so many overboosted steering systems. It is a hard balance to achieve, but Volkswagen managed to get it right.

Handling

7.5

As much as the steering helps the Atlas feel nimble, it's no athlete. Sure, its ultimate road-holding grip is above average, but mostly it feels heavy and resistant to midcorner adjustments. The Atlas is great to wheel around town; just don't expect agility on curvy roads.

Drivability

8.0

The eight-speed automatic is a good match to the V6, delivering smooth and quick shifts in both casual and spirited situations. We thought we might have heard some odd noises at some point during the test, but it didn't affect performance and we couldn't replicate it a second time.

Off-road

7.5

With an approach angle that's top of the class, a departure angle that's squarely midpack, and VW 4Motion all-wheel drive, the Atlas should hold its own against the rest of the class. Three-row unibody crossovers are meant for light off-road duty and inclement weather, not trailblazing exploration.

Comfort

8.0

The Atlas is well-suited to long-distance trips. Ample climate system capacity and vents for all rows will keep passengers from fighting over the controls. Ride quality is good, too, even with the optional 20-inch wheels. But we found the front seats a little flat and lacking in adjustability.

Seat comfort

7.0

The front seats lack some adjustability, and the bottom cushions feel a little flat and long, which might be uncomfortable for short drivers. Both back rows recline; the second row slides and has a slightly firmer middle seat. All armrests have excellent padding with the exception of the third row.

Ride comfort

8.0

Ride comfort in the Atlas is pretty nice even with the large 20-inch wheels. The ride feels settled and not floaty, yet it manages to suppress most small and large bumps it rolls over. The standard 18-inch wheels might even ride a little better, but they don't look nearly as nice.

Noise & vibration

7.5

Some big vehicle cabins can sound boomy when empty, but the Atlas' isn't one of them. There's some road noise, and the large mirrors generate wind noise at highway speeds, but it's nothing the audio system can't conceal. The VR6 engine makes a pleasant noise when you rev it out.

Climate control

9.0

The front seats are heated and ventilated, with heating available for the second row. The climate dials provide easy access, but you can also control everything through the touchscreen, even adjusting, syncing or locking out the rear controls. The system provides plenty of heating and cooling capacity, and the third row has air vents.

Interior

8.0

Space, space, space! That's what the Atlas is all about. But it also gets high marks for its clever sliding second-row seat with good rear visibility to boot. The available Digital Cockpit interface offers a ton of functionality to go with its good looks.

Ease of use

7.5

The Atlas is pretty easy to figure out. It does take some time to become familiar with VW's Digital Cockpit, but once you're accustomed, functionality is wide-ranging. One downside to the touchscreen interface is having to look at what you're pressing, which takes attention away from driving.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

Entry and exit are about as easy as they get for this class. The Atlas is low enough that it doesn't require a step rail, and there's virtually no sill to step over. Third-row passengers have decent access to the back because of the clever sliding second-row seat, but you'll need to be somewhat limber.

Driving position

7.5

You can sit low to maximize headroom or high for a more commanding view of the road, which is what most people want in an SUV. The steering column has a good range of tilt and reach adjustments, too. The driver's seat lacks a little bit of fine-tuning in terms of adjustment, but that doesn't compromise the driving position.

Roominess

9.5

Space is one of the Atlas' biggest strengths. Up front, it has plenty of room in all directions and enough second-row seat width for three adults across. Also, the third row will accommodate adults 6 feet tall or shorter with surprisingly little compromise to comfort. This roomy cabin uses space well.

Visibility

8.0

Visibility is good for a vehicle this big. The windows are large all around, and the rear headrests don't impede the rear view unless people are seated in the third row. Big side mirrors create small blind spots at the 45-degree front view, but the available 360-degree camera system helps.

Quality

7.5

The cabin's build quality is a mixed bag. Up front, the Atlas feels like a near-luxury car at this trim level, especially with the Digital Cockpit option. Everything behind the front seats is more durable hard plastic, appropriate with the high likelihood of kids sitting in back. Overall, the Atlas feels solid.

Utility

8.0

If it's utility you value most in your midsize crossover, then the Atlas could rise to the top of your list. Impressive cargo-carrying capacity and easy-folding seats are strong selling points. Small-item storage isn't as clever as in other competitors, but the sliding second-row bench more than makes up for it.

Small-item storage

7.5

There's a good amount of storage space for small items, but the Atlas' cabin isn't quite as clever as the Honda Pilot's. There's no clear storage defined for items such as sunglasses or sectioned compartments within the center armrest bin. The rear cabin cubbies are also sparse and relatively basic.

Cargo space

10.0

At 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row and a maximum of 96.8 cubic feet with all rows folded, the Atlas dominates the midsize segment competition. The flexibility of the manual-folding flat seats is great, and our tester also had a hands-free tailgate feature.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

There's plenty of space in the second row, but the anchors are tucked behind slits in the backseat cushion, which makes them a little difficult to access. Otherwise, there shouldn't be any issues fitting a rear-facing car seat in the second row. A thoughtful added touch is that the rear seat is designed to tilt and slide even with a forward-facing child seat installed.

Towing

7.5

With a maximum tow capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Atlas matches both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander and will pull 1,500 pounds more than the Mazda CX-9. The 2-inch receiver is nicely integrated into the rear bumper.

Technology

8.0

The Atlas shows strong on the tech front at the SEL Premium trim level. The Digital Cockpit interface looks of Audi quality, and the advanced driver aids are some of the better-tuned systems we've experienced in this class. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make smartphone integration a snap.

Audio & navigation

8.5

The audio-navigation system is really slick. The SEL Premium's Fender audio system delivers great sound and tons of bass from a trunk-mounted subwoofer. The infotainment proximity sensor cues additional menus when your hand gets close, and the navigation display responds quickly to swipe and pinch-to-zoom gestures.

Smartphone integration

8.0

The Wi-Fi hotspot works pretty well, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make smartphone connections easy. Bluetooth is also fairly quick and simple to pair.

Driver aids

8.5

Driving aids work well and are easy to switch on and off. In particular, the adaptive cruise control maintained a really small gap for such a big car, and the lane keeping assist is subtle but effective. The camera system provides crisp, clear high-definition images on the infotainment system, which is handy for parking.

Voice control

5.5

The voice control system provides clear and convenient screen prompts, but it had a difficult time understanding our commands. Functions are limited to the usual navigation, audio and phone commands, but even simple tasks such as requesting a satellite radio station were a hassle for some reason.

2019 Volkswagen Atlas models

The Atlas is offered in seven trim levels: S, SE, SE with Technology, SE with Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium. The base S comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (235 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque). All other trim levels come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine (276 hp, 266 lb-ft). Front-wheel drive is standard, and V6 models can also be ordered with all-wheel drive (standard on the SEL Premium). Regardless of engine, every Atlas gets an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Base Atlas S models have cloth seating, a bench seat in the second row, LED automatic headlights, dual-zone manual climate control, a rearview camera and cruise control. For 2019, Volkswagen makes forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard for all Atlas trim levels. The Atlas S also has a 6.5-inch touchscreen interface that offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity.

Upgrading to the SE adds simulated-leather upholstery, push-button start, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, rear sunshades, three-zone automatic climate control, a larger 8-inch touchscreen interface, Car-Net subscription services, and the option of captain's chairs in the second row. The SE with Technology builds on the SE's equipment list with the addition of remote engine start, a power rear liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and an active blind-spot monitor.

Moving up to the SEL adds a panoramic sunroof, LED taillights, a power-adjustable front passenger's seat, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free rear liftgate, park distance control, an upgraded touchscreen display with navigation, and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. Digital Cockpit is a display that replaces the standard gauge cluster with a reconfigurable video screen that shows a wide variety of information beyond basic speed, fuel and temperature readings. Both the SE with Technology and the SEL are available with the R-Line upgrade, which adds 20-inch wheels, unique bumpers, side skirts and badging, and some unique interior trim.

The top-of-the-line SEL Premium adds standard all-wheel drive, automatic high-beam headlights, power-folding mirrors with puddle lamps, full leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a 12-speaker Fender sound system, a 360-degree surround-view parking camera, and a parking assist system. The SEL Premium also gets its own unique 20-inch wheels, with 21-inchers as an available option.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Volkswagen Atlas.

5 (53%)

4 (18%)

3 (4%)

2 (11%)

1 (14%)

3.8

83 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Legroom

Craig N, 03/27/2019

2019 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL Premium 4MOTION 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I'm 6'4" and can comfortably sit behind myself, don't know any other car or SUV where that is possible. Bought it on the spot just because of this. I've carried 8 people comfortably and loaded cargo that I couldn't believe it could swallow. Fully loaded it's every bit as good as an Audi and $20k less, so it's a bargain. Adaptive cruise is a treat, only complaint is that it has a …

Worst Auto Ive ever owned - Buyer Beware

Just a guy , 01/15/2020

2019 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SE w/Technology R-Line 4MOTION 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

we have owned our 2019 Atlas SE w/Tech 4 motion v6 rline for 13 months and 35k miles. This is by far the worst auto purchase of my adult life. We purchased this over the explorer because of the 72k warranty( now 50k on 2020 models) and it is a shame we have to use it so frequently. Pros: Ride quality. it ride very smooth, good visibility, good interior layout and third row is …

5 trips to the repair shop in 7 months

Albert Scott, 10/09/2020

2019 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I purchased a new SEL FWD R-Line in January 2020. We loved the aesthetics of the vehicle but soon became beyond frustrated. Multiple noises necessitated 5 trips to the dealership service department: a knocking noise in the front axle (replaced sway bar connection twice), a popping sound in the steering column (replaced power steering rack), and a whining sound behind the dash (replaced a …

Truly Impressive

J Denslow, 03/05/2019

2019 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL 4MOTION 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I previously owned a 2001 Nissan xTerra, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo E. My 2019 Volkswagen Atlas absolutely tops them all. The interior is spacious. The SEL trim level is loaded. I couldn't allow myself to be seen in a current generation Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, or Nissan PathFinder. All are too round-looking. I prefer a more square, somewhat …

See all 83 reviews of the Volkswagen Atlas

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2019 Atlas Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$30,895
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$282/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	6 years / 72,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Atlas models:

Blind-Spot Warning System: Alerts you with visual and audible warnings if other vehicles are in your blind spot.
Post-Collision Braking System: Applies the brakes once the airbags go off to reduce the possibility of further damage or injury after initial impact.
Lane Keeping Assist: Sounds an alert when you drift from your lane due to inattention and can automatically steer to help out.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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