History/Overview
Back in 2018, Volkswagen reinvented its mid-size SUV model range with the three-row Atlas, a larger and more practical replacement for the upscale-wannabe Touareg. The Atlas got a refresh last year to coincide with the arrival of a smaller, two-row variant called Atlas Cross Sport, which is covered in a separate buyer’s guide entry.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2022, changes to the VW Atlas are minor trim updates, including new paint colours.
Available Trims
Volkswagen offers the Atlas in Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline trim levels. Trendline, Comfortline and Highline start out with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and can be optioned to a 3.6L V6 that is included in Execline. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission are standard across the board.
Standard Features
Trendline’s kit includes 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a 6.5-inch touchscreen powering six-speaker audio, heated washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers, an 8.0-inch digital gauge display, auto-dimming mirror, heated front seats, forward collision mitigation, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Comfortline brings an 8.0-inch touchscreen, three-zone A/C, passive keyless entry, a power tailgate, wireless phone charging, power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, rear door sun shades, and lane keeping assist.
Highline upgrades to 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, panoramic sunroof, 11-speaker audio, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free tailgate, navigation, 10.25-inch digital gauge display, heated rear and ventilated front seats, and leather upholstery.
Finally, Execline trim brings 21-inch wheels, surround-view cameras, highway driving assist, parking assistance, and automatic high beams.
Key Options
Highline and Execline trims can be optioned with second-row captains’ chairs.
Fuel Economy
Volkswagen’s fuel consumption estimates for the Atlas are 11.5/9.5 L/100 km (city/highway) for 2.0L models, and 13.8/10.2 L/100 km with the V6.
Competition
With the Atlas, VW hopes to steal attention away from the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Buick Enclave.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
