2020 Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen is pretty desperate to grab a fair share of this segment as it offers 7 trims with the Atlas. Apart from that, there are two different powertrains and two different drivetrains that you can choose from. That means, the 2020 VW Atlas can be had in 16 different kinds of setups.

In the spectrum of choices, the base-spec Atlas is placed with a standard 235 hp, 2.0L, four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, starting at $31,545. That said, the rest of the trims can be configured with a 276 hp, 3.6L, V6 motor either in FWD or AWD setup. 

While the base Atlas is a pocket-friendly buy for utility, the premium versions costing upwards of $45,000 are generously luxurious and bring many segment-above features into the picture. With lots of safety features and amenities, this spacious SUV is a family-friendly car.

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The best choice here would be the mid-level SE trim, which adds useful convenience features like keyless access on all five doors, push-button start, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel apart from standard active safety features. If great fuel economy isn't a priority, get this trim mated to the V6 AWD setup, and voila, you've got yourselves a punchy SUV at a value-for-money proposition of $37,895.

Check out the Warranty, Maintenance Costs, and Reliability Ratings of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas! >>

"While it's not as fun to drive as the Mazda CX-9, the Atlas responds obediently to steering inputs and never feels clumsy." - Car And Driver

The 2020 VW Atlas's entry-level trim comes with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, I-4 engine that produces 235 HP of power and 258 lb-ft of torque. However, the 2.0L motor can only manage to handle the front wheels (FWD). It seems pretty underpowered to drive an almost half-ton vehicle. With a full load of passengers aboard, the 2.0L motor of the 2020 VW Atlas demands more power as the gas gauge shrinks faster than the speedometer rises. On the other hand, the 3.6L V6 trims, driving either the front-wheel (FWD) or all-wheels (AWD), suffices the purpose.  

It produces 276 HP of power and 266 lb-ft of torque. This unit features a linear torque band with the peak torque available at pretty low RPMs. The V6 is quiet and sounds refined, offering a composed and smooth ride quality. That said, ferrying 7 passengers is a much more comfortable task with this motor. It enables the Atlas to gain momentum quickly even when fully loaded. But irrespective of the powertrain you pick, an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission translates the power to the wheels.

This helps the Atlas performs fairly well, doing 0-60 MPH in 7.9 seconds with the four-cylinder FWD setup, and in 7.2 seconds when configured with the V6 AWD. The V6 can also lug 5,000 pounds worth of weight behind it. The Honda Pilot is assisted very nicely with its slick 9-speed shifter to come out as the quickest contender here, reaching 60 mph from 0 in just 6.3 seconds. The braking system on the Atlas is comprised of vented front discs and solid rear discs combined with standard ABS and EBD on all four wheels. As a result, the Atlas can come to a halt from 60-0 MPH in 165ft.

With independent suspension on all four wheels, the Atlas offers a composed ride quality. It may not excite the spirited driver in you (not even the V6 cousin), but it can stay at 70 MPH all day long. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act laterally, avoids wheel slipping, and enables the uninterrupted and stable drive. Also, its steering complies with the desired course and keeps the vehicle in a straight line. The Atlas has on-point handling and never feels clumsy. However, let's not forget that the Atlas is the biggest vehicle based on the MQB platform, therefore, some body-roll is ought to be there.

Also read:

• 2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
• Is the Toyota Highlander a better performer than the Atlas?

If you go around the town for a drive, the Atlas returns around 20 MPG, whereas, hit the freeway for a long drive and this number escalates to 24 MPG. With a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG, the Atlas's 2.0L unit is a fuel-guzzler, especially considering that this small 4-pot motor drinks as much as its V6 competitors. Making matters even worse, the Atlas's V6 motor with AWD.

It returns 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highways. All Atlas models are outfitted with an 18.6-gallon fuel tank that further doesn't work in its favor as it offers a much lesser range than the competition. The FWD V6 does not offer a better MPG rating with its 19 MPG combined, the same as the V6 AWD. That said, this SUV isn't very proud when it comes to its fuel-economy.

The Atlas falls behind its competitors in this category. The likes of Toyota Highlander enjoy better MPG ratings with a higher combined range of 412 miles as well. Turns out, the Honda Pilot may be pretty fast, but it is also very generous when comes to sipping fuel. It offers 21 MPG combined and a maximum range of 410 miles in mixed conditions.

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• 2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Honda Pilot
• The Honda Pilot not only performs better but is also more fuel-efficient than the VW Atlas

"Space, space, space! That's what the Atlas is all about. Plenty of room in all directions up front, and the second row is wide enough for three adults across." - Edmunds

Unlike most of the Volkswagens, the Atlas's interior consists of a broadly laid dashboard with masculinity dripping everywhere. The steering wheel is a familiar sight and the cleverly placed A-pillar makes the Atlas feel much smaller than its actual size. Owing to its boxy and upright structure, the 2020 VW Atlas can impressively offer 20.6 cu.ft of cargo space with 7 passengers inside the cabin.

The VW Atlas studded its abundant space with ample storage nooks to stash small items. There's a unique style to that, reducing its acreage among style mavens. Also, the leatherette seating surface is standard except in base trim which comes in tough-feeling cloth work. You can also opt for Captain's Chair package which comes with second-row captain's chairs and a third-row easy access mechanism. All in all, your spine will appreciate the Atlas.

Even vehicles as big as Traverse and the Highlander fail to offer so much space in the third row. The middle and front rows are almost equally matched in all of them. The 2020 VW Atlas is well connected, wi-fi enabled, and crafted to elate the driving experience with great reason. The Premium trim exclusively features Discover Media 8.0-in touchscreen w/ navigation in addition to standard feature which includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio and one USB port. On up-gradation to the SE or SEL models, three more USB ports in the console, SiriusXM radio, and two additional speakers to amplify the volume are also included.

This infotainment should remind of various other Volkswagens like the Golf and the Jetta that share the same infotainment screen. As expected, this interface is fluid in transiting from one menu to another and comprises of a user-friendly interface. One quirk we found here was that on broad day sunlight, this infotainment gets slightly hard to see even when at the maximum brightness. That said, some of its key features that caught our eye were:

• AM/FM Stereo HD Radio
• Car-Net 2.0 telematic system
• Satellite Radio Service
• USB Connection
• 12-speaker Fender Premium Audio System
• App-Connect
• Voice Control and Media Control
• Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Navigation System

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• PIctures of the new VW Tiguan have leaked
• How different is the Atlas Cross Sport from the regular Atlas?

"The wide grille, rectangular headlights, and massive fender flares give the Atlas a plus-size model look that has lost its appeal in the face of more stylish rivals from Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet." - The Car Connection

The 2020 Atlas's front, unlike any other VW, showcases an upright hood with no curves to spoil the view. Good, chunky, squared-off headlamps added with the chrome grille dominate the front look of the car. Move over to the sides and the high window line imposes a rugged look here as well. The bent-over A and C-pillars may seem out of proportion for an SUV with straight lines all over. Nevertheless, it's nothing to crib about. A broad crease follows across either side of the SUV further adding to its presence. The rear pretty much looks like a swollen-up VW Tiguan, just broader.

Though the Atlas has been drawn in-line with its previous generations with very few styling updates, surprisingly this year SE w/ Technology models and above get standard 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while SEL Premium models upgrade to standard 21-inch wheels. That said, the Atlas continues to maintain a brawny presence on the road with a massive footprint to add to the stance. Despite being the biggest Volkswagen, the Atlas is still not the biggest SUV in the segment. However, it also means that parking the Atlas in cramped spaces won't be much of an issue. Moving through crowded spaces will be easier as well as opposed to other adversaries in talks here. Its 8 inches of ground clearance add to the SUV's go-anywhere attitude, and if your Atlas has an AWD setup, you just might! 

The mid-size three-row SUV has been the German’s best attempt at landing a US-centric SUV. Its long 117.3-inch wheelbase assists in soft landing through a crater. Having said that, Volkswagen still needs to step up its effort to make it look sporty, athletic and appealing in order to keep up the sales against the fierce styling toppers from Honda, Chevrolet, and Toyota. The American in the talks here also casts the biggest shadow on the road here. Volkswagen has bundled a plethora of features on the outside of the Atlas to ensure that onlookers stay hooked to the Atlas, every time one passes by. Here are the most notable features on offer:

• LED Headlights with LED DRLs and taillight
• Heated washer nozzles
• Power-adjustable, heated side mirrors
• Power-folding side mirrors with puddle lights
• Panoramic sunroof
• 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) accredited the 2020 VW Atlas with a five-star rating. Despite being the largest vehicle based on the MQB platform, the Atlas never feels overdone with its heft when on the road. It might be a different story if the engine's sluggishness is also weighed in as a factor. Apart from this tan-like build quality, the German SUV also comes backed by a plethora of advanced safety features that just keep on increasing as you move up towards the higher trims. Having said that, the Atlas's key safety features that we appreciated the most were: 

• Dual front & side airbags, front & rear curtain airbags
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Intelligent Crash Response System
• High Beam Control
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control 
• Active Blind Spot Monitor 
• Parking Steering Assistant
• Park Distance Control
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking System

Also read:

• 2020 Volkswagen Atlas: NHTSA and IIHS Ratings, and Safety Features

2020 VW Atlas vs Honda Pilot

The 2020 Honda Pilot for an MSRP of $33,550 is the best style package in the mid-size SUV segment. Where VW Atlas has enriched comfort, ample space and quality ride, the Pilot’s 3.5L V6 engine powering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft torque pumps the adrenaline much better.

It is a trade-off between great styling and better performance of Honda Pilot against slightly bigger cargo capacity and quality in VW Atlas. It's time to weigh ion your priorities here as both of these cars come with specialties for a specific set of buyers and are utterly reliable.

2020 VW Atlas vs Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is neck to neck with VW Atlas in terms of cargo capacity and towing capacity. Still, the standard 3.6L V6 engine of Chevrolet Traverse generating 310 HP is the best in its class, though it comes at an MSRP of around $30,000.

Also, more power doesn't mean that the Traverse is faster, it just compensates for the added heft that Traverse flaunts over other competitors. The fuel economy isn't in the Bow-Tie badge's favor either. This is why we'd say, in terms of the value for money, the VW Atlas base trim at an MSRP of $31,545 would be a better choice to make.

2020 VW Atlas vs Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander comes with a standard 3.5L V6 engine and even a hybrid configuration for much better fuel economy. The Toyota highlander disappoints in terms of internal cargo volume with reference to its opponents. However, Toyota has managed to improve the Highlander's resume with one of the best in class fuel economy.

That said, this Japanese marquee fails to gather speeds quickly and feels even slower than the Atlas. The limited cabin space is also where the Atlas takes over the Highlander to emerge as the winner here. Hence, we believe you should stick to the Atlas if you need a capable third-row and stupendous build quality.

Although the 2020 VW Atlas has embarked on next-generation technology and intuitive infotainment features standard on all models, its base trim with a sluggish 2.0L four-cylinder turbo motor has failed to impress. The V6 option might not be the best in class in terms of power and performance either but it masks the base trim's shortcomings by offering superior quality ride and comfort along with ample space. For the price that you'll be paying for the Atlas, we think the Chevrolet Traverse is a better value for money proposition.

Check out some used Volkswagen Atlas for sale in the US starting from $17,900! >>