Living in a box isn’t bad, especially when the box is a three-row Volkswagen SUV from the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. Unlike many competitors in the mid-size three-row family, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has a rear seat large enough to give adults a comfortable position.
$34,600
The Volkswagen Atlas starts at $34,600 for the base SE trim. The SE w/ Technology model begins at $38,770, and the SEL model starts at $44,390. Getting into the upper trims, the SEL R-Line Black model starts at $48,090, and the top SEL Premium R-Line trim begins at $51,790.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas will be powered by either a 235-hp four-cylinder engine, or a 276-hp V-6 that can tow 5,000 pounds. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. Inside, you’ll find that the interior materials are slightly finer than competitors such as the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-9.
The spacious interior of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas also makes it more than practical thanks to more cargo space when the third row is folded. If seating and cargo space is as important to you as style, the Atlas Cross Sport, which we review separately, puts a sporty twist on the big German VW carton.
Volkswagen Atlas 2023 Models
Volkswagen is simplifying the trim levels for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and making a minor equipment change for 2023. It started with the base SE model in the new five-model lineup, and the previously offered Model S is no longer on the new roster. Volkswagen has also added a digital instrument cluster called the Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch screen as standard equipment on all top-of-the-line SE models.
Quality Volkswagen Atlas 2023
The Volkswagen Atlas 2023 is the largest vehicle currently sold by Volkswagen. The Atlas has been one of the top three-row mid-size SUVs since its debut in 2018, and it delivers impressive passenger comfort, even in the third row.
It earns high marks for its simple interior design, ease of use, and fun performance on the road. An easy-to-use infotainment system and helpful driver aids are part of its features. The superior acceleration from both available Atlas engines is a drawback, but overall this is a compelling choice for a family-friendly SUV.
New 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen gave the Atlas a refresh and new design in 2021, and it’s also updated the infotainment system, so it’s hard to imagine Volkswagen changing anything major for 2023. We know that Volkswagen is working deeply to develop the next generation of the Atlas, so we’re betting that the Atlas will The current one will spend the rest of its life without any major upgrades.
Volkswagen Atlas 2023 exterior design
Volkswagen Atlas follows DRAB design thinking. Volkswagen prefers to stay in the safety zone with the minimalist exterior and interior of the Atlas 2023. Compared to midsize SUVs such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Atlas design seems boring. We don’t mind the sober exterior, but it’s hard to ignore the cabin’s utilitarian design and lackluster materials.
And if some of its competitors can achieve a distinctive, more beautiful and bold appearance, but few competitors can match the Atlas. In other areas, such as performance and technology. It’s also big but not noisy. The Volkswagen Atlas 2023 is known to be pleasantly conservative in terms of exterior appearance. It has clean, simple, traditional lines.
The standard Volkswagen Atlas is about half a foot longer than the Cross Sport, and to differentiate them, you have to put them side by side to really notice the difference. They both share the same wide front fascia with a large VW grille and plenty of bright lighting work.
While the massive fender flares along the side give way to your eyes and take you to a fairly casual tail or rear, there are some chrome accents in the front end. The only difference is the roof line, which differs in the two, and the rear window is more angled in the Cross Sport, giving it a sporty look.
Interior Design for Volkswagen Atlas 2023
The Volkswagen Atlas 2023 offers family-friendly interior space, and the abundance of cup holders makes the Atlas a practical choice. The third row of seats offers complete comfort for full-size adult passengers. The interior of the Volkswagen Atlas is uncomplicated and utilitarian, ideal for families, and there are plenty of neatly placed storage nooks for storing small items.
Quality of materials in the interior of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
There isn’t a lot of color in the interior and few Atlas interior materials feel below average for their category. Just as the Atlas lacks the same soft-touch materials as its competitors, not many switches have the same good design.
Spaciousness and spaciousness in the cabin of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
It’s a big crossover by all accounts. The Volkswagen Atlas 2023 wins front row and middle row space, there is plenty of room in all directions at the front of the Atlas, and the second row is spacious enough for three adults. The third row also fits adults 6 feet or shorter with little effect on comfort. The Volkswagen Atlas earned high praise for its intelligent sliding seat in the second row
The Volkswagen Atlas can accommodate seven passengers, with a total passenger volume of 154 cubic feet. The mid-size SUV also has a rear cargo capacity of 20.6 cubic feet, and a maximum cargo capacity of 96.8 cubic feet. And there will be no problems in adjusting the direction of the second row seats to face the rear seats, whether to hold meetings, a feature that family members will love with these connected work seats and the seats can also be reclined and sliding or the seat is fixed.
The dashboard of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
It takes some time to familiarize yourself with the range of digital scales available in Atlas, but once you get used to it, the functionality is extensive.
The main downside is the infotainment interface, its touch screen makes you look at it a lot in a way that distracts from driving.
Riding comfort in the interior of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
Wide, supportive front seats provide all-day support and standard power adjustment for the driver. Second-row passengers will discover approximately 38 inches of legroom, and on most models, they can choose between a three-seater or a double captain’s chair with little room in between. The third row in the standard Atlas chassis can handle two small adults in reasonable comfort. It’s great for kids, and it’s easy to get to thanks to the wide rear doors.
The front seats in the Volkswagen Atlas lack some adjustability, and the lower bolsters feel a bit flat and long, which can be uncomfortable for short drivers. The second row slides and has a slightly firmer middle seat.
Storage space in Volkswagen Atlas 2023
The Volkswagen Atlas 2023 offers good storage space for small items, but there are no obvious stowage compartments for items like sunglasses or the divided compartments of the center armrest box. And the second row has plenty of storage space.
Atlas dominates the mid-size SUV with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, and a maximum capacity of 96.8 cubic feet. The flexibility of the manually foldable flat seat is also great, and it has a hands-free tailgate.
Volkswagen Atlas 2023 infotainment system
No matter which model you choose, Atlas comes well connected and ready to entertain. The touchscreen interface is intuitive and responsive almost like a regular smartphone. The SE model has a standard 6.5-inch touch screen with phone capabilities, with a six-speaker sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports.
With the addition of the technology package, the touch screen grows to 8.0 inches, the rear seats share three USB ports, and the SiriusXM 360L satellite radio (subscription required) is joined in the cabin, along with a wireless phone charging pad. The screen provided Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities for smartphones.
The basic stereo is very high quality, and the optional 12-speaker system has great sound quality. Voice control has been improved compared to previous versions of Atlas but remains limited to very basic commands. In general, the controls and switches are placed neatly and in predictable locations.
Volkswagen Atlas engine 2023
The new Volkswagen Atlas 2023 offers two engine options. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine produces 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Atlas operates with front-wheel drive, and offers the option of four-wheel drive with enhanced traction for all Atlas models.
The best option here is the 276bhp V-6, although it’s not a fast demon. But it’s smoother and definitely more confident when moving on the highways. It’s also essential for an increased 5,000 lb. towing capacity. Despite the car’s weight, the smooth 8-speed automatic transmission contributes to the Atlas’ agility, as it sorts the gears with incredible precision.
On the efficiency front, the Atlas gets an estimated gas mileage of 21 city/25 mpg highway. Also, when properly equipped, the Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This number is for a V-6 engine. Thanks to the four-cylinder engine, the Atlas has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
VW Atlas 2023 Powertrain Performance
The V-6 engine feels refined, but conveys shivering into the cabin. And whether you choose the all-wheel drive or the powerful six-cylinder, you should know that the acceleration of the Volkswagen Atlas is normal, and it rarely feels powerful. And driving isn’t as fun as the Mazda CX-9.
Atlas responds obediently to routing’s input and guiding it never disappoints. It’s good on the highway and smart in the city. It gives you a smooth ride, and all but the very tough ones are sucked in.
Volkswagen Atlas 2023 driving impressions
The powertrain in the Atlas isn’t great, and the optional six-wheel drive provides decent acceleration, and the V6-equipped Atlas needs 8.5 seconds to cover acceleration from 0 to 60 mph, slower than many competing three-row SUVs. Our test of the standard four-cylinder engine surprised us, it was faster, jumping from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds.
Otherwise, the Volkswagen Atlas is fun to drive around given its size. It’s stable when turning around, and smooth brakes and shifting transmission make it an easy SUV to drive every day. Conclusion The Volkswagen Atlas 2023 won’t win any drag races, but its agile handling makes it a great car.
Maneuverability and stability of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
The Atlas has a consistent ride quality. The suspension absorbs most road bumps and undulations without overly flotation. There is some road noise, and the large mirrors generate noticeable wind noise at highway speeds, but the audio system cannot mask that sound. The Atlas Climate System is robust and has a large heating and cooling capacity.
Volkswagen Atlas 2023 speed
The standard Turbo-4 engine sends 235 horsepower to the front or all four wheels. And since it’s a heavy SUV, mere acceptable acceleration turns into dull responses when loaded with passengers. So the six-cylinder makes it stronger, but it certainly makes it smoother and more confident on the highway. Its role is highlighted in towing operations with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Suspension in Volkswagen Atlas 2023
With precise steering that gradually builds heaviness, the Atlas struggles to conquer its sheer size on a winding road. They do well.
Independent suspension absorbs big bumps better with standard 18-inch wheels. The 20′ wheels make the Atlas a bit stiffer, while the 21″ wheels on the higher models can crack and spoil.
Steering in Volkswagen Atlas 2023
Even with careful steering that builds the weight incrementally, the Atlas struggles to overcome its sheer size on a winding road. But it does well.
The fuel economy of the Volkswagen Atlas 2022
The four-cylinder engine is less thirsty than the optional six-cylinder. An EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined (20 city/24 highway) and all-wheel drive. The AWD system averages 23.5 mpg, indicating that the rating is accurate.
Technological features of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
Atlas boasts a robust variety of technological features. In addition to the infotainment system and the good audio system in the Atlas, a number of driver assistance technologies are standard, as they are equipped with rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, heated front seats with a 10-way power driver’s seat, all of which are standard on the base SE models.
For 2023, the SE model with Technology Package adds a 10.3-inch display that is configurable to match with remote start, three-zone climate control, wireless charging and a hands-free power tailgate. The standard model has an 8.0-inch entertainment screen with wireless connection to apps.
The SEL features a standard heated steering wheel and eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The SEL Premium R-Line features all these technologies on top, which gives you power folding side mirrors, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system.
The adaptive cruise control handles shifts well and keeps the gaps between you and other cars well, and for such a large car I also liked the precise performance assist as it always keeps you in the lane. Just as the rear view camera is clear, it offers many viewing options.
Value for money Volkswagen Atlas 2023
Atlas comes at a slightly higher price than most of its top competitors. It balances the price by offering a lot of security features and efficient technology that is easy to use. What isn’t worth the price, however, is the lack of horsepower, as well as the abundance of hard plastic in the second and third grades.
Safety and Security Features of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
Volkswagen has equipped the Atlas with a range of standard and optional driver assistance technologies. Key safety features include:
- Standard Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking
- Standard Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and maintenance coverage
Volkswagen offers an above-average limited warranty, but its powertrain coverage falls short of most competitors. Volkswagen improves the deal with free scheduled maintenance similar to what Toyota offers.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Free maintenance is covered for 2 years or 20,000 miles
Volkswagen Atlas 2022 features
- The spacious interior provides ample space for passengers in all three rows
- It is a great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort
- The cabin design is simple and easy to use
Disadvantages of Volkswagen Atlas 2023
- Poor acceleration, even with the optional V6 engine
- Fuel economy is lower than most competitors
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