Watching this in 2022, my wife and I just traded in our 2016 Equinox V6 for a 2018 Atlas V6. We love it so much more. Our biggest concern was fuel economy, but surpringlt the Atlas has been better on fuel than the equinox was so overall we are extremely happy with it
My GF drove one as a rental for work. She absolutely loved it and I trust her judgement. I checked out some of the reviews and I’m liking the amount of space it has! I love to feel like I have tons of room during long trips. I’m going to be in the SUV market soon and am definitely considering the VW Atlas!
3 years later and I just bought a VW Atlas in white with black trims i got an amazing deal on it since it was a showroom model and they wanted to get rid of it
I love these videos. And one thing about the Atlas having a usable third row, it is something that is rarely done in this category. Great job Volkswagen :)
I’d lease this in a heartbeat. Wouldn’t recommend financing/buying due to shady resale value and dependability. Although the VR-6 while getting old is a fantastic engine.
@@spiralnapkin Resale is only good as how much someone is willing to pay. If the majority of sheep want to pay the same amount to get a double the miles popular car, the smart ones will buy this Atlas for far less.
For those that say the design is bad, I thought to find out from which side of the lake you are on. Hope to confirm, cause I heard VW needed to design the Atlas this way to market itself better to the North American market since the Toureg wasn't selling well (and too European design). Personally, I lean more towards the Toureg.. slightly
I’m from the US and much prefer the Toureg design to the Atlas. The problem with VW is many people in the US believe it to be an economy car brand instead of a brand that can produce entry level cars while also providing premium level cars. Not luxury as Audi fits that niche but premium cars are a better value and if you’re like me don’t attract as much attention which I like.
I don't think the design is bad. I just think it could have been better. This is VW, the god of car makers. They own 1/3 of all cars. They should have the power to make something better. The reason, I think, a lot of people hate it is because it's German. I love German cars (the way they look). This isn't 'Merican enough for the hardcore SUV buyers who comment in these videos. They don't care about how objectively good it is. They only, and I mean ONLY, care about looks. Example, look at how unreliable some, admittedly, good looking American SUVs are. People still buy them, then complain about how crap they are, then buy more.
The problem is its wheel well extends beyond the horizontal body crease, which cheapens the design look. Look at the concept and you'll notice the horizontal crease sits higher right along the top of the wheel well giving it a way more premium look. Almost Range Rover clean. The car is growing on me more. I felt the same way about the Q7, hated it at first thinking it looked like a Dodge Journey. Over time and seeing it in person it is definitely not a Dodge Journey.
Us here and I think that it's probably a great car but underpowered and the design is plain as hell... But I also don't think the Q7 is particularly gorgeous either
I have a Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility but I have driven the Atlas many times and I prefer the quick response and nimble feeling maneuvering of the atlas. If I had the money now to get an atlas I'd trade in the Interceptor for one.
Okay. This might be the vehicle I will be and use for a long time. Was planning on getting a 2018 4Runner, I really like how spaces the inside is especially if I'm going to have adults sitting in the 3rd role seats.
We always have affirmation of German Volkswagen technologic rigor , in July 2018 my father was very happy to buy a flagship version of the new Volkswagen (Teramont) 530V6 (2.5T) in Shenzhen, But driving to 4000 kilometers we found oil leakage problem of engine, my father ask the seller to a new car replacement but this request was unreasonably refused by the seller that made my father very depressed. I would like to ask how Volkswagen Germany can get a reasonable solution to Volkswagen China?
If American manufacturers built quality, efficient Diesel engines like the Europeans the EPA would never have written standards to put them just out of reach. Pure corporate manipulation of the EPA to keep the Small diesels out of the US because domestic manufacturers never invested in the technology. Has nothing to do with the environment.
I love this car! The interior is probably my favorite. We are going to test drive it to today to see if it’s the right car for us, we’re probably going to buy it!😂 My mom looked at Mercedes-Benz, but wasn’t the fit for us. I love European vehicles, Ich mag dieses auto wriklich!
Not sure why all those reviewers always refer it as V6. It's. VR6 engine. But, great vehicle. Don't ever get the 4. It's a heavy vehicle and it will kill that little TSI engine.
He did say but from what I’ve seen they are pretty good. An 2019 SEL is going for $38k with a trade in value of $32k. Most cars loose $10k just driving off the lot.
Why are you complaining about the steering wheel position if you're clearly sitting lower than your capabilities of seeing over the hood? Jack the seat up so you can clearly see the top of the hood as intended and your so called steering wheel issue won't be a problem, no other review calls this an issue.
The autonomous parking is great. I was not sold on it it but it is quick. You will not hold up traffic using it if your IQ is above 100. A moron will make parking yourself or using the self parking system the car way too long. The self parking system is fun if you know how to park.
I don't really know what happen to VW but no dealer can tell me what's better on these cars then chevy cars. 4 cylinders on 5000 lb car ?!? Even vr6 should be already turbo, most people won't complain but for people who want fit 7 people and a trailer, you really need power. Hard plastics on most vw even $40k golf r. Cheap paint thats pealing off. I got to say as a design and quality vw has tripped and everyone has past them, and it got a lot work to catch up. After 10 years with vw I will try something else.
yourfast07 4cyl in a 5000lb car is fine, not everyone wants to pay for a faster vehicle...besides it comes down to gearing. I agree though if you really want to maximize it's potential... 7 people and a trailer that power IS needed but I'd like to see how the V6, loaded with people and a trailer will manage before I judge it. After all, the magic is in the Gear box... I've trailers a 4000lb car with a F150 equipped with the 3.7 with 300hp and I've towed that same trailer Mercedies Benz GLE with 300hp and it did wayyy better... I'm guessing the extra gears made light work of the trailer.
A minivan wearing an SUV bodykit; the Atlas is GIGANTIC by any measure. A good family vehicle most definitely, but I question why you buy this over an Odyssey or Pacifica when both the latter are more fuel efficient, cheaper & better to drive...unless you really do have self image problems and "need" a SUV over a significantly more practical minivan.
Trades46 Depends on what you need. Minivans are limited in where they can go in what conditions they can drive in. Any minivan I have been in has been pretty short on cargo space with the 3rd row seating up (typical of most SUV as well). They also don't provide as high towing capacities as the SUVs. Of course there are many reasons to get a minivan instead but people actually do care how their car looks and minivans lack in that department.
Daniel Boyd True, but there aren't a lot of true body on frame suv's left. Most are crossovers, which are basically cars and aren't that much more capable. At this size, this thing is a minivan. Also aesthetically speaking, I've never really thought suv's were that much more attractive than minivans. They're all just giant cars to me, at that point just get the one that's most practical and can actually fit people. To be fair I guess I'm biased, I don't like driving big vehicles, I prefer cars.
Trades46 besides "image" this SUV will handle inclement weather and worse road conditions way better than a mini van with it's All wheel drive system and higher ground clearance, it will be able to tow more than a mini van. So yes, in many cases it can be more practical for some over a mini van.
I agree; Ford learned that the hard way with the 2012 Explorer when it came very similarly to the 2017 Atlas; a standard V6 in FWD/AWD or a 4cyl turbo only in FWD. It wasn't until 2016 Ford realized NOBODY brought the 2.0L Ecoboost with FWD and the simple fact the Explorer (like the Atlas) is way too oversized & heavy to be motivated by a 2.0L engine. The 2016+ Explorer revised that decision with the addition of the larger 2.3L Ecoboost which generates more torque than the 3.5L V6 & similar hp but also for the first time, can be equipped with AWD. VW is about to repeat history...again.
Trades46 I don’t think Ford got it wrong, I think they were very strategic about it. A base model 4 cylinder is necessary to market a lower starting price and advertise a good fuel economy figure. If that gets people into showrooms it’s a job well done. Most dealers don’t stock base models, so it’s merely a tool in the manufacturers arsenal. VW knows this well too, and that’s likely the exact reason they are bringing it out with the Atlas.
Charles Gagnon that would only bump power by a fraction over the VR6 currently in it, and may even result in lower mpg figures to boot. Being that the RS3 is built on the same modular chassis, if you wanted a barn burner I think the RS derived 2.5 turbo (5 cyl with 400hp) would be a more preferred choice.
Is this sold in the european market also? If yes read my answer if no nevermind. Europeans generally prefer smaller engines compared to Americans. That's why most Euro cars come with 1.4, 1.5, 1.9, 2.0 etc rather than 4 liters. Big engines don't sell much in Europe because of taxes and peoples needs. I don't think they will fail anything. I've definetly seen more 2.0 Amaroks compared to 3.0 V6 Amaroks.
Watching this in 2022, my wife and I just traded in our 2016 Equinox V6 for a 2018 Atlas V6. We love it so much more. Our biggest concern was fuel economy, but surpringlt the Atlas has been better on fuel than the equinox was so overall we are extremely happy with it
The Atlas has a VR6 ENGINE. Good idea not to get the 4. It's asking for trouble.
I love how on an European vehicle cheap plastic is a problem, on americans they don't even mention it - have ever sit in a Chevy?
Owned a chevy and never going back to cheap plastic rather travel local transit 😂😂
Thanks for the review, I was waiting for this! Vw got this one right for the American market.
My GF drove one as a rental for work. She absolutely loved it and I trust her judgement. I checked out some of the reviews and I’m liking the amount of space it has! I love to feel like I have tons of room during long trips. I’m going to be in the SUV market soon and am definitely considering the VW Atlas!
3 years later and I just bought a VW Atlas in white with black trims i got an amazing deal on it since it was a showroom model and they wanted to get rid of it
I love these videos. And one thing about the Atlas having a usable third row, it is something that is rarely done in this category. Great job Volkswagen :)
As always.
I’d lease this in a heartbeat. Wouldn’t recommend financing/buying due to shady resale value and dependability. Although the VR-6 while getting old is a fantastic engine.
RL Fitness so, you'd prefer to use the most expensive method of obtaining a car, to avoid losing a little money in comparative resale?
Ok.
RL Fitness old is gold, at least in car engine terms.
@@spiralnapkin Resale is only good as how much someone is willing to pay. If the majority of sheep want to pay the same amount to get a double the miles popular car, the smart ones will buy this Atlas for far less.
Just got my wife one today ,boyyyyy does dhe love it
"The diesel engine that was originally planned,... Well you know." 😂
Billy Hornet that was favorite part! ....lol #dieselgatesurvivor
My mom (a minivan mom with a 2016 Odyssey Touring) has always been a VW person and she wants one of these. I’m all for it!
It is like a jeep grand Cherokee & Audi Q7 had a baby
You might be on to something here
😂😂😂😂
Agree
To me it looks like a Chevy Tahoe
The Audi is its baby, actually.
Saw one on the road today from the back. Looked pretty nice especially the LED lights.
Love the review. You guys are so funny.
So glad you enjoyed it!
I like the design
This guy is awesome! Love the reviews..keep' em up
For those that say the design is bad, I thought to find out from which side of the lake you are on. Hope to confirm, cause I heard VW needed to design the Atlas this way to market itself better to the North American market since the Toureg wasn't selling well (and too European design). Personally, I lean more towards the Toureg.. slightly
I’m from the US and much prefer the Toureg design to the Atlas. The problem with VW is many people in the US believe it to be an economy car brand instead of a brand that can produce entry level cars while also providing premium level cars. Not luxury as Audi fits that niche but premium cars are a better value and if you’re like me don’t attract as much attention which I like.
Audi light basically i heard people calling it now
I don't think the design is bad. I just think it could have been better. This is VW, the god of car makers. They own 1/3 of all cars. They should have the power to make something better. The reason, I think, a lot of people hate it is because it's German. I love German cars (the way they look). This isn't 'Merican enough for the hardcore SUV buyers who comment in these videos. They don't care about how objectively good it is. They only, and I mean ONLY, care about looks. Example, look at how unreliable some, admittedly, good looking American SUVs are. People still buy them, then complain about how crap they are, then buy more.
The problem is its wheel well extends beyond the horizontal body crease, which cheapens the design look. Look at the concept and you'll notice the horizontal crease sits higher right along the top of the wheel well giving it a way more premium look. Almost Range Rover clean. The car is growing on me more. I felt the same way about the Q7, hated it at first thinking it looked like a Dodge Journey. Over time and seeing it in person it is definitely not a Dodge Journey.
Us here and I think that it's probably a great car but underpowered and the design is plain as hell... But I also don't think the Q7 is particularly gorgeous either
With VW bringing the Atlas to the States they really should follow up and bring the Amarok too.
I'd love to see someone in the volkswagen group bring out a full size suv like tge Tahoe or Yukon. Volkswagen could base one off of the Amarok
VW didn't bring the Atlas to the States, it's made purposely for the states
I'm German, so I didn't know much about American German cars, so I just learned you guys don't have the *PASSAT ALLTRACK* .
Drive my friend’s Atlas today. Talker than 6’1 no problem with the steering.
This thing is sure nice!
What was the price ? I like the Explorer better.
I'm a fan of the dash tray and deep console
I'm 6'1 and actually rather prefer the seat at its tallest position. Does it have enough room for 6 footers to stretch their legs at the pedals ?
Royale with cheese yes
I have a Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility but I have driven the Atlas many times and I prefer the quick response and nimble feeling maneuvering of the atlas. If I had the money now to get an atlas I'd trade in the Interceptor for one.
I’m 6 foot 5, have an atlas and have no issues with the steering wheel thing
I love it when they say bumper to bumper warranty that's not true....
Great vehicle. Drove it several times, however seriously underpowered. That thing needs V6 turbo with at least 320 lb-ft of torque.
Edin Mujkic It needs the diesel.
That’ll be great, but if it’s coming ture, how about his brother, audi 😜
W. David
Audi: slap a few gadgets, that will break, and this VW for the win. That 72,000 bumper to bumper is nice
NOW IM 6’3”
Okay. This might be the vehicle I will be and use for a long time. Was planning on getting a 2018 4Runner, I really like how spaces the inside is especially if I'm going to have adults sitting in the 3rd role seats.
You guys are the best
We always have affirmation of German Volkswagen technologic rigor , in July 2018 my father was very happy to buy a flagship version of the new Volkswagen (Teramont) 530V6 (2.5T) in Shenzhen, But driving to 4000 kilometers we found oil leakage problem of engine, my father ask the seller to a new car replacement but this request was unreasonably refused by the seller that made my father very depressed. I would like to ask how Volkswagen Germany can get a reasonable solution to Volkswagen China?
I've had that steering wheel problem in several new cars from different manufacturers. Honda civic, gmc acadia, Hyundai elantra.
I like it, this is a very good implementation of VW's Modular Chassis
Can you do a 2018 Ford Expedition Review please!
If American manufacturers built quality, efficient Diesel engines like the Europeans the EPA would never have written standards to put them just out of reach. Pure corporate manipulation of the EPA to keep the Small diesels out of the US because domestic manufacturers never invested in the technology. Has nothing to do with the environment.
I love this car! The interior is probably my favorite. We are going to test drive it to today to see if it’s the right car for us, we’re probably going to buy it!😂 My mom looked at Mercedes-Benz, but wasn’t the fit for us. I love European vehicles, Ich mag dieses auto wriklich!
*Ich mag dieses Auto wirklich.
Danke! 🇩🇪
Reliability? How does it compare to the Highlander in this regard
No mention or review of 2018 traverse which seems a good comparison, why?
Do review 2017 passat se with tech package
which one has a smooth drive. audi q7 , atlas, explorer or any other 7 seater suv.
How does this compare to a Ford Explorer size-wise?
Sweet! Livable SUV! Car Life!
Would you buy the Pilot or Atlas?
How big is the SEL screen?
I want to have a wife and kids just so I can justify buying this
Right.
American macho thinking!
I wonder if they ever come out with a 3.0 liter turbo engine that makes 350 hp. That would be the most appropriate engine for this SUV.
doug the type of guy to get that bumper to bumper warranty
give it more powaaaahhh!!! next year guys
Atlas vs Odyssey? Considering long drive journeys ( abt 500 miles each way, every 2-3 months) with 6-7 people on board???
Atlas is an SUV, the Odyssey is a minivan. long drives will easily win the odyssey over but offroad capabilities win over the Atlas.
It's a beautiful vehicle.
Crossover?
Not sure why all those reviewers always refer it as V6. It's. VR6 engine. But, great vehicle. Don't ever get the 4. It's a heavy vehicle and it will kill that little TSI engine.
Ventilating seats?
Regular-style shift lever FTW
All I can think is that my 85 olds sedan seats 6, and has a V8 and Velour interior.
Why can't we get the Arteon ?
Excelente trabajo, los felicito
When you drive vw it feels like close to drive an audi but when you drive a toyota it feels like close to drive a garbage
Did someone say BUMPER TO BUMPER warranty??
She handles real nice!
I think it looks great. But it kind of reminds me of the previous generation Honda Pilot
what did he say about resell value?
He did say but from what I’ve seen they are pretty good. An 2019 SEL is going for $38k with a trade in value of $32k. Most cars loose $10k just driving off the lot.
Mid sized SUV? Christ, I'm in the wrong country...
Henry Kincaid This is large.
The suburban/gmc yukon XL are extra large
I’d take a Ford Explorer or a Nissan Pathfinder over this. Maybe even a Pilot, Highlander, and CX-9.
Just whatever you may get, DON'T choose the pathfinder I'm surprised they still make it....
Why are you complaining about the steering wheel position if you're clearly sitting lower than your capabilities of seeing over the hood? Jack the seat up so you can clearly see the top of the hood as intended and your so called steering wheel issue won't be a problem, no other review calls this an issue.
Reliable??
why no diesel option ?
just a bagel you either was born after 2015 or was in coma and just woke up :)
don't care about diesel gate i know many people who would buy one.
Europeans cars ~ number 1
Any known common problems? Getting one today
I'll take a Highlander easy
Toyota drivers are bad drivers tho and Toyotas look ugly af
Highlander is tiny however in the 3 row SUV segment. The Pilot & Explorer seem to be more similarly sized compared to the Atlas.
As long as you don't need to use the third row.
Chuck C and aslo don't care for Apple carplay or Android Auto.
Then why did you comment on this video.
Ford Explorer?
kelley blue book is fashionably late getting this review out
Why does first or early matter when KBB does some of the very best reviews of any channel on youtube? I prefer quality over quick.
let' talk about maintenance and cost
At first glance at the thumbnail, I thought it was the new expedition 😧
No.
The autonomous parking is great. I was not sold on it it but it is quick. You will not hold up traffic using it if your IQ is above 100. A moron will make parking yourself or using the self parking system the car way too long. The self parking system is fun if you know how to park.
Very nice.
I don't really know what happen to VW but no dealer can tell me what's better on these cars then chevy cars. 4 cylinders on 5000 lb car ?!? Even vr6 should be already turbo, most people won't complain but for people who want fit 7 people and a trailer, you really need power. Hard plastics on most vw even $40k golf r. Cheap paint thats pealing off. I got to say as a design and quality vw has tripped and everyone has past them, and it got a lot work to catch up. After 10 years with vw I will try something else.
yourfast07 4cyl in a 5000lb car is fine, not everyone wants to pay for a faster vehicle...besides it comes down to gearing. I agree though if you really want to maximize it's potential... 7 people and a trailer that power IS needed but I'd like to see how the V6, loaded with people and a trailer will manage before I judge it. After all, the magic is in the Gear box... I've trailers a 4000lb car with a F150 equipped with the 3.7 with 300hp and I've towed that same trailer Mercedies Benz GLE with 300hp and it did wayyy better... I'm guessing the extra gears made light work of the trailer.
Do your homework before to buy a VW atlas......
Cheap Plastic vs Expensive plastic?...Please...feel free to elaborate ; /
Looks like the previous version of the Honda Pilot
5:18 is all of us.
Yawn
The "steering doesn't have any slack"?? What new? vehicle has "slack" in the steering
Looks good
I love this car but It sucks that it it inst for sale in EU also the subrua acsent inst for sale in EU that really annoying
Goerge Ibrahim haven’t you seen the new Touareg?
Practical.
looks good
Can I get it with the 2.0 TDI? Trollolol
conceptcs in germany the VW SUVs got a 2.0TDI with 280HP. The 2.0 is the biggest
A stop start feature that is defeatable
A minivan wearing an SUV bodykit; the Atlas is GIGANTIC by any measure. A good family vehicle most definitely, but I question why you buy this over an Odyssey or Pacifica when both the latter are more fuel efficient, cheaper & better to drive...unless you really do have self image problems and "need" a SUV over a significantly more practical minivan.
Trades46 Depends on what you need. Minivans are limited in where they can go in what conditions they can drive in. Any minivan I have been in has been pretty short on cargo space with the 3rd row seating up (typical of most SUV as well). They also don't provide as high towing capacities as the SUVs. Of course there are many reasons to get a minivan instead but people actually do care how their car looks and minivans lack in that department.
Daniel Boyd True, but there aren't a lot of true body on frame suv's left. Most are crossovers, which are basically cars and aren't that much more capable. At this size, this thing is a minivan.
Also aesthetically speaking, I've never really thought suv's were that much more attractive than minivans. They're all just giant cars to me, at that point just get the one that's most practical and can actually fit people.
To be fair I guess I'm biased, I don't like driving big vehicles, I prefer cars.
Trades46 besides "image" this SUV will handle inclement weather and worse road conditions way better than a mini van with it's All wheel drive system and higher ground clearance, it will be able to tow more than a mini van. So yes, in many cases it can be more practical for some over a mini van.
Mini Van? UGLY, and demasculating! No thank you! 🖕
No one will care about this once the Ascent arrives.
It's about as macho as a Pilot.
this guy is Thomas Lennon from 17 again the movie from 2009 lmao
I love volkswagons
It's big, boxy, slow, thirsty, and grey.
Volkswagen obviously used the Tiger II as inspiration when designing the Atlas.
the wheel well buldges were a bad design choice
Why worry about 3rd row seating when 99% of the time it's only one American in a car?
Kids. The car is made for families. that's their target
One American, but weights 500lb
4 cylinders and FWD? Dead on arrival.
And if you're not pleased with a 4 cylinder and FWD, there is the VR6 and AWD. So it's essentially a win-win. Dont know why you're complaining Siri...
I agree; Ford learned that the hard way with the 2012 Explorer when it came very similarly to the 2017 Atlas; a standard V6 in FWD/AWD or a 4cyl turbo only in FWD. It wasn't until 2016 Ford realized NOBODY brought the 2.0L Ecoboost with FWD and the simple fact the Explorer (like the Atlas) is way too oversized & heavy to be motivated by a 2.0L engine.
The 2016+ Explorer revised that decision with the addition of the larger 2.3L Ecoboost which generates more torque than the 3.5L V6 & similar hp but also for the first time, can be equipped with AWD. VW is about to repeat history...again.
Trades46 I don’t think Ford got it wrong, I think they were very strategic about it. A base model 4 cylinder is necessary to market a lower starting price and advertise a good fuel economy figure. If that gets people into showrooms it’s a job well done. Most dealers don’t stock base models, so it’s merely a tool in the manufacturers arsenal. VW knows this well too, and that’s likely the exact reason they are bringing it out with the Atlas.
Charles Gagnon that would only bump power by a fraction over the VR6 currently in it, and may even result in lower mpg figures to boot. Being that the RS3 is built on the same modular chassis, if you wanted a barn burner I think the RS derived 2.5 turbo (5 cyl with 400hp) would be a more preferred choice.
Is this sold in the european market also? If yes read my answer if no nevermind.
Europeans generally prefer smaller engines compared to Americans. That's why most Euro cars come with 1.4, 1.5, 1.9, 2.0 etc rather than 4 liters. Big engines don't sell much in Europe because of taxes and peoples needs. I don't think they will fail anything. I've definetly seen more 2.0 Amaroks compared to 3.0 V6 Amaroks.
My search is over...
Moctezuma Costa Rica
2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor aint foolin nobody 😒