Volkswagen Atlas

Stepping inside the cabin of the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas, one is greeted by a very utilitarian and simple layout. The cabin space is very sturdy and comes equipped with several cubby storage spaces and cup holders. The interiors of the 2019 Atlas SUV are nothing to brag about and the design is very straight forward, uncomplicated and quite simply put uninspired. Like other cars in the Volkswagen range, even the Atlas comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system as standard. The 6.5-inch unit comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the Atlas range and comes mated to a 6 speaker stereo system. Other standard connectivity features include Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports, and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. The more expensive S and SEL variants get a much larger 8-inch infotainment unit and up to 3 additional USB ports located on the center console. The more expensive units are also offered with two additional speakers and Sirius XM satellite radio.

The overall design of the outgoing Volkswagen Atlas model remains unchanged and gets the same styling as the 2018 model year. The cars’ SE variant now rides on 20-inch wheels and the SEL premium variant now features 21-inch alloys. The highlight of VW Atlas’ design has to be its panoramic sunroof which runs across the length of the SUV’s roof covering almost all of the three rows. The design language incorporates creased lines in the front as well as on the sides which bestow the SUV with a lean appearance and the bodywork has been sculpted to incorporate muscular panels.

The steering unit in the 2019 Atlas manages to relay accurate and immediate response which along with a capable 8-speed transmission and powerful brakes manages to compensate for the underpowered engine option thereby offering a pleasant driving experience. Atlas is one of the heavier offerings in the segment which means that even though the car grips the road well, it does not feel agile around the corners. The ride quality is comfortable considering the car’s size even when riding on the optional 20-inch alloys.

The entry-level variant of 2019 VW Atlas comes equipped with a turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that produces 235 bhp of power and 258 lb-ft of peak torque. The more expensive trims feature 3.6-liter V6 motor under the hood which produces 276 bhp of power and 266 lb-ft of torque. All variants are offered with front-wheel drive as standard, however, the more expensive V6 variants can be equipped with an all-wheel-drive system which is offered as standard on the SEL Premium model. Both 4 cylinder and V6 motors come mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. Prices for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas start from the entry-level S trim at $30,895 followed by the SE variant with prices starting from $34,095 going all the way up to the V6 SEL Premium 4 Motion tri, priced at $48,395 which sits at the top of Atlas’ 18 variant lineup.

Volkswagen Atlas cannot help but offer underwhelming fuel efficiency as the V6 models struggle to even achieve 24 mpg of combined fuel economy which marginally improves in the case of the four-cylinder model which delivers 27 mpg of combined fuel economy.

Atlas manages to offer impressive and comfortable braking characteristics. The brake pedal feels smooth and bestows confidence in the driver. The car only takes 115 feet to come to a complete halt from 60 mph. The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas was awarded a five-star crash test safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, however, the SUV did not manage to perform as well in tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, as the organization was unimpressed by the performance of the car’s headlamps. Volkswagen Atlas is offered with forward collision warning and automated emergency braking as optional extras. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, forward collision mitigation, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Volkswagen offers 2 years of complimentary maintenance on the 2019 Atlas but this comes at the cost of the shortened warranty package which now stands at 4 years or 50,000 miles instead of the six-year 72,000 bumper to bumper warranty that the German automaker offered earlier on the SUV. Even though the multiple engine options manage to keep the price tags competitive and inexpensive, the four-cylinder motor feels underpowered when the SUV is at full occupancy whereas the more capable V6 fails to deliver inspired fuel economy. When it comes to cabin and cargo space Volkswagen Atlas manages to outshine other offerings in the segment include the Honda Pilot. Add to this the impeccable fit and finish and the overall upscale design and Volkswagen Atlas becomes an offering that demands your consideration as a formidable contender in the segment.