Used 2019 Volkswagen Atlas for sale 

With the 2.0-liter turbo-4, A 2019 Volkswagen Atlas does 0-60 MPH in 7.2 seconds. Surprisingly, the larger V6 engine is slower to pass the 60 MPH marker. It takes 7.9 seconds despite having 41 horsepower more than the inline-four. However, Atlas V6 also weighs 500 pounds more which disturbs Atlas's power to weight ratio.

For something its size and character though, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas does show decent figures in the acceleration tests. Especially with the 2.0-liter turbo-4 which has a little more zest than the larger V6 pot. Credit also goes to its 8-speed automatic transmission which is quick in channeling the available power.

When stacked against its competition, the Volkswagen Atlas falls significantly behind the Honda and Chevrolet here in terms of acceleration. The Honda Pilot with its peppy engine and effective weight distribution, hits the 0-60 mark in a class leading 6.1-seconds. With its 185 hp standard engine, no wonder the Toyota Highlander is the slowest here. 

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 Chevrolet Traverse) and famed German high-speed stability to make this VW SUV a true long-distance liner. The suspension soaks up road undulations with ease and the comfortable seating further adds to the comfort inside. 

The driver-selectable Sport Mode sharpens up the steering, throttle, and transmission allowing confident handling around corners. The steering provides great feedback for a three row vehicle and lets you know the exact status of the front tires. When pushed around corners though, it will make you realize its heft with some visible body roll which is not surprising in this segment. Outward visibility though is good, you have wide side view mirrors and high seating and getting accustomed to driving the VW Atlas wouldn't take much time.

For its character which has occupant comfort at its core, Volkswagen has also blessed the Atlas with an efficient braking apparatus. As standard, it gets 4-wheel disc brakes and ABS alongside Emergency Braking Preparation. The mechanism allows a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas to stop from 60-0 MPh in just 115 feet. While the brake pedal feels firm and strong, harder applications do invite some evident nose-dive. 

Compared against its segment rivals here, the Atlas offers an economy which is on par with its rivals. However, that's the case with its smaller 2.0-liter engine. With the V6, its economy takes a significant drop. In contrast, rivals such as the Honda Pilot offer a healthy 22 MPG combined economy with a bigger V6 engine. Fuel economy doesn't seem to be one of Atlas' core essentials. 

You also get manual front seats as standard in the base model but based on your trim-choice and options, you can have heated and powered front seats. The seats though are wide and comfortable and offer good support over longer journeys. The range topping SEL-Premium enjoys exclusivities like heated and ventilated front seats as standard alongside full-leather upholstery and heated rear seats. Even the second and third-row seats in the Volkswagen Atlas check the comfort needs of occupants very well.

The second row is wide and can comfortably fit in adults while the third-row has a very good height for its class. Perhaps, cabin space is one of the strongest aspects of the Atlas. It may not have the extra legroom of a Toyota Highlander, it has the best-in-class headroom at both the front and second rows. Important of all, it also has a nicely proportioned space at the third row making it aptly comfortable even for adults. Even in terms of practicality, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas offers a humble 20.6 cu-fts of cargo space with all the seats up. It may not be as large as the Honda Pilot's 23.0 cu-fts but is surely better than a Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet traverse. 

For Infotainment, the base 2019 Volkwagen Atlas S gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and six-speaker audio system. Splurging to the Atlas SE gets you a larger 8.0 -inch touchscreen infotainment system and two additional speakers apart from three USB ports and Sirius XM satellite radio.

The screen is sharp and crisp and is easily visible in sunlight conditions as well. However. its complex menu and laggy responses at times may need some time getting used to it. However, that's compromised to some extent in the SEL trim which clubs an updated infotainment with navigation alongside Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit. The range topping SEL-Premium further adds a 12-speaker Fender premium audio. 

Infotainment Features:

• 6.5/8.0-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Bluetooth and USB
• Auxiliary input
• Navigation
• Digital cockpit
• Up to 12-speaker Fender audio

At the side, the Atlas keeps things elegant in true Volkswagen fashion. Its 193.8-inches long side-profile is beautifully highlighted by a rear tapering window-line surrounded by chrome. Also, the large and wide wheel-arches are seamlessly integrated by a deep shoulder-line making it look premium and bold at the same time. Credit also goes to the standard 18' inch wheels which can be extended up to 20' inches through the optional route.

At the rear, the Atlas keeps things clean with a chrome-bar integrating the LED tail lamps, chrome-badging and twin-chrome exhausts alongside a rear-spoiler. Overall, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas does have a nicely done exteriors with just the right amount of ingredients into it. Its tall body blends well with its long profile and deeper body creases give it a stron road presence. Plenty of chrome highlights and signature Volkswagen elements simultaneously add the right dose of premiumness into it as well.

Automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers also enter the standard feature tray for 2019. Higher models also include adaptive cruise control, park assist and a 360-degree surround-view parking camera on tap. No wonder, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas received a "5-Star'' safety rating from NHTSA. In a nutshell, some of its highlighted safety features are listed below:

Safety Features:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assist
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
• Rollover sensor system
• Rearview Camera.
• Child security rear door locks.
• 360-degree surround-view parking camera
• Parking assist
• Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS)

The Honda Pilot is one of teh strongest members of the midsize 7-seater SUV segment. It has the subtle looks, premium cabin and a comfortable ride as well. With a strong and energetic engine, the Pilot is quicker and offers better driver engagement as well. It scores good on the economy aspect too. Even in terms of passenger legroom and cargo space, the Pilot scores better than the Volkswagen Atlas. Above all lies the trustworthiness which the Pilot promises with its "Honda" badge. 

Volkswagen Atlas vs Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse brings in an understated yet sophisticated styling which stands out from the crowd. It does look premium and comparatively sleeker on the outside, it misses the premium interior real-estate of the Atlas. However, it does get comfortable seating though accentuated by a smooth and supple ride. It also gets a powerful V6 engine that's not only energetic but also more efficient than the Volkswagen V6 here. Important of al, the Traverse is also one of the best handling products in its class. 

Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander

While the other rivals in the lot here carry some SUV muscle, the Toyota Highlander is a perfect example of a modern day crossover. It looks humble and family friendly, gets an upscale cabin on the inside and is probably one of the most comfortable offerings in its segment. It may not be as practical as the Atlas but it compensates that with an extensive suite of active safety tech and Toyota's dependability. Available with two engine choices, the Highlander also offers good drivability.