The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is large, roomy, and big on utility, offering customers something the brand has long lacked – a three-row, seven-passenger SUV. But while the Atlas arrives late to the party, it supplies Volkswagen with the vehicle it needs to keep Tiguan and Passat owners loyal. Or at least, that's the hope.
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is an all-new model.
Volkswagen offers the 2018 Atlas in five grades, plus a special launch edition: S, Launch Edition, SE, SE with Technology, SEL, and SEL Premium. Seating for seven is standard. The standard cargo space measures 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 55.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Fold down both the second and third rows and the 2018 Atlas offers 96.8 cubic feet of cargo carrying capacity.
Two engine choices are available. The base engine is a late-arriving 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. As we reported previously, the 2.0-liter base engine is a special-order item for 2018. A 3.6-liter V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque will represent the bulk of Atlas sales and adds $1,400 to the starting price wherever it's optional. Both engines work alongside a standard eight-speed automatic and send their power to the front axle – all-wheel drive is an available option with the V6 for $1,800 across the range.
The Atlas' option list is short, sweet, and only offered as late-availability items, later in the 2018 model year. Owners can get a sporty looking R-Line styling package for $1,960 on the SE and SEL trims. Black 20-inch alloys are also available on the SEL and SEL Premium, as a $995 or $235 option, respectively. And in the cabin, customers are limited to a pair of captain's chairs – they're available for $625 on SE and above models and reduce the Atlas from a seven-passenger vehicle to a six-passenger one.
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas launched in May 2017, but not all models are available immediately. The base S grade arrives in late summer and comes with a standard 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Priced from $31,425 (including a $925 destination charge), this grade includes 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, a rearview camera, two USB ports, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a six-speaker audio system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Cloth upholstery is standard. Upgrading to the V6 engine adds $1,400 and is a requirement to grab the $1,800 all-wheel-drive system.
Based on the Atlas S, the Launch Edition is available with front- or all-wheel drive and the 3.6-liter V6 engine only. The all-wheel-drive system adds $1,800 to the $33,425 starting price. This package adds a panoramic sunroof, an eight-inch infotainment system, and SiriusXM satellite radio to the Atlas S' standard equipment.
Starting at $34,515 for the turbocharged four-cylinder, the Atlas SE builds on the S by adding automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, heated washer nozzles, keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control, heated leatherette seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, rear sunshades, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eight-speaker audio, satellite radio, and three additional USB ports. You'll also find a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
Priced from $36,615, the SE with Technology is the most affordable way to get an Atlas with advanced, active safety features. Those include big, important ones like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring. Lane departure warning is also standard. Other upgrades include remote start, a power liftgate, additional USB ports, and three-zone climate control.
With a starting price of $40,085, the SEL builds on the SE with Technology model, bringing in an eight-way power front passenger seat, park assist, and a 115-volt outlet in the second-row center console.
The SEL Premium is the only model providing a standard V6 engine with all-wheel drive. Priced from $49,415, this grade pulls out all the stops, bringing in 20-inch wheels, LED taillights, power-folding door mirrors with a heating feature and puddle lights, a trailer hitch, leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, park assist, an area view camera, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. Also included is Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a simplified version of Audi Virtual Cockpit that replaces the traditional gauges with a 12.3-inch display.
All-wheel drive is a popular choice in this segment, so with the Atlas you must choose the V6 engine to acquire it. The Atlas SE with Technology offers the most asked for amenities in this class, including advanced driver assistance features and represents arguably the best value in the Atlas range. Take the V6 option with standard all-wheel drive and you’ll pay about $40,000 for one.
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