Living in a box isn’t bad, especially when the box is a three-row Volkswagen SUV like the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. Unlike many competitors in the three-row midsize segment, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has a rear seat large enough to give adults a comfortable seat.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas launches with power produced by a four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower, or a 276-horsepower V-6 that can tow 5,000 pounds. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front and all-wheel drive options. Inside, the interior materials are a bit classier than competitors like the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-9.
Also, the vast interior space in the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas makes it a more than practical car thanks to the larger cargo space when the third row is folded. If seating and cargo space are as important to you as style, the Atlas Cross Sport, which we review separately, puts a sporty spin on VW’s big German carton.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Models
Volkswagen simplified trim levels for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and made a minor equipment change for the 2023 model year. It started with the base SE model in the new lineup of five models, and the previously offered S model is no longer in the new slate. Volkswagen also added a 10.25-inch Cockpit Pro digital instrument cluster as standard equipment for all top-of-the-line SE models.
The quality of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is the largest car that Volkswagen is currently selling. The Atlas has been one of the best three-row midsize SUVs since it debuted in 2018, and it offers impressive passenger comfort, even in the third row.
It gets high marks for its simple interior design, ease of use, and fun on-road performance. An easy-to-use infotainment system and helpful driver aids are part of its highlights. The blistering 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 a new design for 2021, and it also updated the infotainment system, so it’s hard to imagine Volkswagen making a major change for 2023. We know Volkswagen is working deeply to develop the next generation Atlas, so we’re betting that the Atlas will The current one will spend the rest of its life without any major upgrades.
The exterior design of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
Volkswagen Atlas follows the design thinking DRAB. Volkswagen prefers to stay in the safety zone with a simple exterior and interior design for the 2023 Atlas. Compared to mid-size SUVs such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Atlas design looks boring. We don’t mind the understated exterior, but the cabin’s utilitarian design and understated materials are hard to ignore.
And if some of its competitors managed to reach a distinctive, more beautiful and bold exterior, but few competitors can match the Atlas. In other areas, such as performance and technology. It’s big, but not noisy. It is known that the Volkswagen Atlas 2023 is pleasantly conservative with regard to the exterior. It has smooth, traditional lines that are clean and simple.
The standard Volkswagen Atlas is about half a foot longer than the Cross Sport, and to differentiate them you have to place 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 light work.
While the huge fender flares along the side give way to your eye and take you to a somewhat normal tail or rear, in addition to some chrome touches in the front end. The only difference between them lies in the roof line, which differs in the two, and the rear window takes a more extreme angle in the Cross Sport, which gives it a sporty look.
Interior cabin design of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas offers family-friendly interior space, and an abundance of cup holders makes the Atlas a practical option. The third row of seats offers complete comfort for full-size adults. The interior design of the Volkswagen Atlas is uncomplicated and utilitarian, ideal for families. There are plenty of neatly placed storage corners for storing small items.
The quality of materials in the interior of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
There isn’t a lot of color inside and a few of the Atlas’ interior materials feel below average for its class. The Atlas also lacks the same soft-touch materials as its competitors, and not many switches have the same good design.
The spaciousness and spaciousness of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023 cabin
It’s a great crossover by all accounts. Volkswagen Atlas 2023 wins front row and middle row space, there is plenty of room in all directions in 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 minimal impact on comfort. The Volkswagen Atlas earned high praises for its smart sliding seat in the second row
The Volkswagen Atlas can seat seven passengers, with a total passenger volume of 154 cubic feet. This 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 adjusting the direction of the second row seats to face the rear seats, whether for holding meetings, a feature that family members will love with these work-connected seats, and the seats can also recline and slide or install the seat.
The dashboard of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
It takes some time to get familiar with the array of digital scales available in Atlas, but once you get used to it, you’ll find that the functionality is extensive.
The most important negative aspects is the interface of the infotainment system, as its touch screen forces you to look at it a lot in a way that distracts from driving.
Ride comfort in the cabin of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
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-seat bench seat or a double captain’s chair with little room in between. And the third row in a standard Atlas body can handle two small adults in reasonable comfort. It’s great for kids, and it’s easy to access thanks to the wide rear doors.
The front seats of the Volkswagen Atlas lack some adjustability, and the lower cushions feel flat and a bit long, which may be uncomfortable for short drivers. The second row slides out and has a slightly firmer middle seat.
Storage space in the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas offers good storage space for small items, but there are no obvious storage compartments for items like sunglasses or divided compartments in the center armrest box. And the second row has plenty of storage space.
Nyhimin Atlas leads the mid-size SUV with 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, and a maximum capacity of 96.8 cubic feet. The flexibility of the manually fold flat seats is also great, and it has a hands-free tailgate.
Infotainment system in the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
No matter which model you choose, the 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 phone-capable 6.5-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports.
With the addition of the Technology package, the touchscreen grows to 8.0 inches, the rear seats share three USB ports, and a SiriusXM 360L satellite radio (subscription required) joins the cabin, along with a wireless phone charging pad. The screen has provided capabilities of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphones.
The basic stereo is of very high quality, and the optional 12-speaker system is of great sound quality. Voice control has been improved over previous versions of Atlas but remains restricted to very basic commands. In general, the controls and switches are neatly arranged and in predictable locations.
Volkswagen Atlas 2023 engine
The new 2023 Volkswagen Atlas offers two engine options. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6-liter V6 engine produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Atlas is front-wheel drive and offers the option of traction-enhancing all-wheel drive on all Atlas models.
The best option here is the 276-hp V-6, though it’s no speed devil. But it’s smoother and definitely more confident on the highway. It is also necessary to increase the towing capacity of 5000 lbs. Despite the car’s heaviness, the smooth 8-speed automatic transmission contributes to the Atlas’s agility, as it sorts gears with impressive 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 lbs. This number is for the V-6 engine. Thanks to the four-cylinder engine, the Atlas has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Powertrain Performance
The V-6 feels refined, but transmits the shiver into the cabin. And whether you choose the powerful four- or six-wheel drive, you should know that the Volkswagen Atlas’s acceleration is normal, and you rarely feel forceful. And driving is not as fun as the Mazda CX-9.
The Atlas obediently responds to steering inputs and its steering never disappoints. It is good on the highway and nimble in the city. It offers a smooth ride, and all but the very hardest potholes are absorbed.
Driving impressions of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
The Atlas’ powertrain isn’t great, and the optional inline-six delivers decent acceleration. The V6-equipped Atlas takes 8.5 seconds to cover 0-60mph, slower than many competing three-row SUVs. Our test of the standard four-cylinder engine surprised us, as it was faster, sprinting from 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds.
Otherwise, the Volkswagen Atlas is fun to drive around considering its size. It’s stable around corners, and the brakes are smooth and the transmission shifting makes it an easy-to-drive SUV every day. The Bottom Line The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas won’t win any drag races, but its agile ride makes it a great car.
Handling and stability in the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
The Atlas has consistent ride quality. And the suspension absorbs most bumps and ripples in the road without floating overly. There is some road noise, and the large mirrors generate noticeable wind noise at highway speeds, but the audio system can’t mask it. The Atlas climate system is powerful and has a great 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 engine makes it more powerful, but it also makes it smoother and definitely more confident in highway traffic. It is especially important for towing operations that have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Suspension in the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
With precise steering that builds heft in a gradual manner, the Atlas struggles to cope with its sheer size on the winding road. It handles well.
The independent suspension absorbs big bumps better with the standard 18-inch wheels. Twenty-one wheels make the Atlas a bit stiffer, while models equipped with twenty-one wheels on higher models can wreck and spoil.
Steering in the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
Even with precise steering that builds heft in a gradual fashion, the Atlas struggles to cope with its sheer size on a winding road. But it handles well.
Fuel economy of the Volkswagen Atlas 2022
The four-cylinder engine is less thirsty than the optional six-cylinder. The EPA estimates it gets 22 mpg combined (20 city/24 highway) with all-wheel drive. The AWD system averages 23.5 mpg, which indicates that the rating is accurate.
Technological features of the Volkswagen Atlas 2023
Atlas has a strong variety of technological features. In addition to the Atlas’ infotainment system and sound system, a number of driver assistance technologies are standard. Rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, and heated front seats with 10-way power driver’s seat adjustment are all standard on base SE models.
For 2023, the SE model with the Technology Package adds a 10.3-inch display configurable to match remote start, tri-zone climate control, wireless charging, and a hands-free power liftgate. The standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen comes with wireless connectivity to apps.
The SEL trim features a standard heated steering wheel and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. Using all of these technologies in the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line gives you power-folding side mirrors, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 12-speaker Fender premium sound 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 precision assist it always keeps you in the lane. And just as the rear view camera is clear, it provides many viewing options.
Value for money Volkswagen Atlas 2023
The Atlas comes in at a slightly higher price point than most of its competitors at its highest tier. They balance the price by offering plenty of security features and efficient, easy-to-use technology. What the price isn’t worth is the lack of horsepower, plus the abundance of hard plastic in the second and third rows.
Safety and security features in the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
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’ coverage. Volkswagen sweetens the deal with free scheduled maintenance similar to what Toyota offers.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Free maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles
Features of the Volkswagen Atlas 2022
- The spacious interior provides ample space for passengers in all three rows
- They are a great compromise between subtle handling and everyday comfort
- Cabin design is simple and easy to use
Disadvantages of Volkswagen Atlas 2023
- Poor acceleration, even with the optional V6
- Fuel economy is lower than most competitors
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