Used 2019 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize-crossover SUV with three rows of seating. Designed and developed especially for North America, and built in Volkswagen’s factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, it’s an American-style vehicle from a German company. And it really is Volkswagen’s first rodeo in the 7-seater crossover-SUV arena. But it’s staying in the saddle thanks to competitive pricing, tempting technology, a dash of Euro flair in both the design and the driving experience, plus some good old-fashioned hospitality in the form of an accommodating and well-thought-out cabin. This is only the second model year for the Atlas and it has to compete with better-established rivals like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer, but it’s a credible and arguably attractive alternative.

This is where some European edge sneaks in. Although the Atlas has a sumptuous ride quality approaching that of a luxury vehicle, there’s still control and composure when it’s steered around corners. The basic 4-cylinder engine (paired only with front-wheel drive/FWD) is adequate for suburban duties, but anyone planning longer drives might want to consider the V6. Then again, the Atlas is not light (around 4,500 pounds) and it’s the largest vehicle VW sells in the United States, so even this option is hardly a speed demon. But it can come with all-wheel drive (AWD), a system that includes Snow and Off-road modes. Eight inches of ground clearance means the Atlas can cope with a rural trail, but not the really rough stuff.

An almost-Audi-like elegant simplicity to the cabin gives the 2019 VW Atlas an upscale atmosphere. Because this is aimed at American buyers, there are 17 cup holders. The second row can fold and slide forward even when child seats are fitted, enabling accommodation for seven occupants, or six if the optional 2nd-row captain’s chairs are selected. In the basic Atlas, the two rearward rows of seats will fold to create a flat load-space floor. Behind the third row is a still-generous 20.6 cubic feet of cargo area, which expands to an impressive maximum of 96.8 cubic feet.

Clever packaging means the 2019 Atlas is big on the inside yet capable of fitting in a regular garage. The rear-passenger doors are generously sized and open wide for easy entries and exits. And we like the large cargo-area aperture, especially when it’s accessed by the hands-free power tailgate. The standard wheel is an 18-inch alloy, going up to 20 inches on the higher trims. We might be wrongly accusing VW of second-guessing its market, but the Atlas kind of looks like what a European designer thinks would work for American buyers. Even so, it blends “rugged” and “classy” in a deceptively easy manner.

THIRD ROW
Yes, it’s so good, it’s worth a special mention. The way the second row slides forward to make the seats behind so easily accessible is just one aspect. Passengers will also find plenty of headroom and decent legroom, with space under the second row to place their feet.

SPORT MODE
Even if the 2019 Atlas doesn’t accelerate in a breathtaking manner, there’s still some VW spirit to be found. Clicking the driving modes over to Sport sharpens up the steering and throttle responses, and raises the transmission shift points. It even works with the adaptive cruise control engaged.

The basic setup is the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The 2019 VW Atlas now has forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, and heated side mirrors as standard. These are joined by cloth upholstery, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, 6.5-inch infotainment touch screen, USB port, Bluetooth, rearview camera, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and a 6-speaker audio system. Safety equipment includes six airbags, automatic post-collision braking, and VW’s Intelligent Crash Response System, which cuts the fuel supply, unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard lights in the event of a crash.

Acquiring more equipment entails going up the trim ladder. The lower two trims aren’t eligible for many extras, while some items become standard at the higher levels. The hands-free power tailgate, for example, comes in the SEL model; real leather upholstery and heated rear seats are found in the SEL Premium. Those looking to spend more can always order the panoramic sunroof, 20-inch or 21-inch alloy wheels, and 2nd-row captain’s chairs. The V6 with all-wheel drive is available in the S. The rest of the trims have the V6 as standard, offering the option of all-wheel drive. Except for the top-line SEL Premium, which has it as standard. Extra safety includes lane-keeping and parking assistance, plus an overhead-view camera.

The 2019 VW Atlas range starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This drives the front wheels only. VW also offers a 3.6-liter V6 generating 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This isn’t a particularly remarkable bump in output and nor is the V6 that thrifty with gasoline. Both engines are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system (known as 4Motion) has modes for various conditions, while the Atlas also has on-road driving modes of Eco, Normal and Sport.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
235 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/26 mpg

3.6-liter V6
276 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
266 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (FWD), 17/23 mpg (AWD)