2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV. 1st generation
The Volkswagen Atlas is a large, powerful SUV manufactured since 2017 in Tennessee. For the US market, the vehicle initially comes in a three-row 7-seater configuration. The SUV is built on the MQB platform with a transverse engine arrangement, which is also used for the production of the Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia hatchbacks. The large SUV was the first MQB model to be produced in the United States.
The Atlas/Teramont conceptual diesel plug-in hybrid SUV was first introduced in 2013. But before entering the target market, dealers asked to change the name. Thus, the name Atlas is the only name used for the US. Later the Atlas appeared at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. In 2017, the 2018 Atlas SUV started being sold in the US and Canada. However, it was no longer a hybrid, but an ordinary powerful vehicle.
Exterior
The new Volkswagen Atlas is a large SUV with a wheelbase of 2.9 m. It is 5 m long, 1.9 m wide and, 1.78 m high, while its curb weight reaches 2 tons. It looks as a true ‘American’ brutal vehicle, featuring a wide radiator grille, massive front face and massive body, muscular wheel arches. It is distinctly more conservative than the European models. But, nevertheless, it has inherited something from the Tiguan and Touareg.
The Atlas is a good SUV, designed for long journeys with a fully loaded trunk, but exclusively on the highway. The entry-level front-wheel drive version can handle the dirt road. There is an optional 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which increases the clearance to almost 20 cm, but if someone calls the Atlas driver to chase through the jungle, then it is better to refuse. But according to reviews, the Atlas feels great on the asphalt. It has a flexible suspension, thanks to which it can easily handle the road irregularities. The SUV remains balanced when cornering, featuring the well-tuned steering and brakes.
Engines
The 2018/2019 Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 238 hp. There is more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine with 280 hp. There is an 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle can be front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Such an SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 190 km/h.
Interior
The 2019/2020 Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row SUV that can sit from five to seven passengers, depending on configuration. The second row can be a bench seat or a pair of seats. The second row seats can slide and recline to accommodate taller passengers. All three rows are quite roomy, which sets the Atlas apart from other models. Plus, the new Atlas has three complete sets of connectors for attaching two full-fledged child seats.
Each model features up to 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition to modern touchscreens, there are traditional buttons and knobs for controlling sound and climate, which are preferred by Americans. There is an original digital dashboard, called the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. The vehicle offers Bluetooth, a USB port and six speakers, a navigation system, satellite radio, and a stereo system. The basic cool options include:
- keyless access;
- push-button engine start;
- remote engine start;
- three-zone automatic climate control;
- electric tailgate;
- luggage compartment door with speakerphone function;
- sunroof, etc.
It is noted that the finish of the American Volkswagen is not as high quality as that of European models in this segment. But seven cup holders allow you to dismissively ignore this drawback.
Trim levels
The Volkswagen Atlas S is a base trim level with rearview camera, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB port, six speakers, cruise control, keyless entry, and LED lighting.
The Volkswagen Atlas SE is a more advanced trim level with 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, eight speakers, blind spot monitoring system, automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, keyless entry, heated front seats and rear sun visors.
The Volkswagen Atlas SEL is the same as the SE, but it also has parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof and an electric tailgate with hands-free (and footless) opening/closing.
The Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium is a luxury trim level with leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an advanced navigation system, a 12.3-inch VW Digital Cockpit and other elements of a beautiful life in American abundance.
Safety
A Volkswagen is always a Volkswagen, so the Atlas has a basic set of safety options, which are complemented by the following advanced features:
- rear view camera;
- blind spot monitoring system;
- rear intersection warning;
- forward collision warning with emergency braking system;
- adaptive cruise control;
- lane keeping assist;
- front and rear parking sensors;
- parallel parking system and much more.
The US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the new 2018/2019 Volkswagen Atlas the highest ratings in all crash tests. However, the SEL Premium received a low 'Marginal' rating for road illumination. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in turn, gave the vehicle five out of five stars in forward and side crash tests, as well as four stars in rollover tests.
