2018 Volkswagen Atlas Review

Name: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Brand: Volkswagen
Price: 13799 USD

Price Estimate: $15,910 - $25,990

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Volkswagen Atlas model years

2019
2018

Volkswagen Atlas for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Ed Hellwig

Pros

Spacious interior offers ample room for passenger in all three rows
Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort
Straightforward cabin design makes everything easy to use

Cons

Not very quick to accelerate, even with the optional V6
Fuel economy lags that of some competitors

What's new

All-new model
Replaces the Touareg as VW's three-row SUV
Part of the first Atlas generation introduced for 2018

Designed and built in America to suit American tastes, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is the three-row crossover SUV Volkswagen has desperately needed for quite some time. The Touareg SUV that has been around for a while doesn't offer third-row seating, and it's not as competitive on price. The Atlas not only competes well with its rivals in terms of value, it has the kind of passenger space American families typically shop for in a family-hauling crossover.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

31 listings

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Price Drop
2018 Volkswagen Atlas
V6 SEL Premium 4dr SUV
$24,985
fair price
$135 below market
- 43,040 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 7 Seats, 17 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (1,371 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Los Angeles, CA
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Low Mileage,Rare Find,3rd Row Seat,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Hands-Free Liftgate,Heated Se...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1V2NR2CA7JC575870
Stock: ZV10955R
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2018 Volkswagen Atlas
S 4dr SUV
$15,910
fair price
$1,037 below market
- 78,892 miles
- 7 Seats, 22 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (1,271 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Upgraded Headlights
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Chesapeake, VA
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Rare Find,3rd Row Seat,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Turbo/Supercharged,3rd Row Seat,4 Cylinder Engine,4-Wheel Di...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (22 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1V2AP2CA4JC532236
Stock: JC5322136A
Certified Pre-Owned: No

See all for sale

Like other Volkswagens, the Atlas features an interior design that's both simple and sophisticated. Base Atlas models have easy-to-read gauges, intuitive controls and above-average quality materials. The top-end SEL and SEL Premium offer plenty of technology features as well, but their inclusion never makes the cabin seem overly complicated.

Our only real concern at this point is performance on the open highway. Even with the optional V6, the Atlas doesn't feel particularly powerful. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder is going to feel even more taxed, especially under a full load of kids and cargo. To its credit, the Atlas has a very refined ride quality and a quiet cabin, so if the engine has enough guts for your tastes, you're not likely to find issue elsewhere.

Notably, we picked the 2018 Atlas as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs for 2018.

What's it like to live with?

Want to know even more about the Atlas? Edmunds added a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE to our long-term road test fleet. Our editors spent a year driving Volkswagen's biggest SUV, racking up more than 20,000 miles. Check out our VW Atlas long-term test coverage to read more about what we learned, from real-world fuel economy to reliability.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.8 / 10

Designed and built in America to suit American tastes, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is a spacious three-row family SUV with a comfortable ride, well-built cabin, and all the latest technology and safety features. Other than a lack of power, the Atlas is a top performer.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium (3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.8 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	8.0
Technology	8.0

Driving

8.0

With the exception of a horsepower deficit, the Atlas is a pretty pleasant crossover to wheel around, especially considering its size. Effortless but direct steering, a quick-shifting transmission and confident brakes are the main components to credit for the pleasant driving experience.

Acceleration

7.0

The optional V6 engine delivers decent acceleration off the line, but it feels just barely adequate when merging at speed — even with an empty cabin. Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are a step or more quicker, with the Atlas needing a full 8 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph.

Braking

8.0

Braking in the Atlas is confident, smooth and effortless. It's also one of its stronger performance qualities, needing only 115 feet to execute a panic stop from 60 mph. That's not only better than average, but it's also a surprise because the Atlas is heavier than most of its segment competition.

Steering

9.0

The way the steering is tuned is a big reason the Atlas drives much smaller than it is. It feels light, quick and precise, but it also manages to avoid feeling disconnected like so many overboosted steering systems. This is a hard balance to achieve, but Volkswagen managed to get it very right.

Handling

7.5

As much as the steering helps the Atlas feel nimble, it's no athlete. Sure, its ultimate road-holding grip is above average, but mostly it feels heavy and resistant to midcorner adjustments. The Atlas is great to wheel around town; just don't expect agility on curvy roads.

Drivability

8.0

The eight-speed automatic is a good match to the V6, delivering smooth and quick shifts in both casual and spirited situations. We thought we may have heard some odd noises at some point during the test, but it didn't affect performance and we couldn't replicate it a second time.

Off-road

7.5

With an approach angle that's top of class, a departure angle that's squarely midpack, and VW 4motion all-wheel drive, the Atlas should hold its own against the rest of the class. Three-row unibody crossovers are meant for light off-road duty and inclement weather, not trailblazing exploration.

Comfort

8.0

The Atlas is well-suited for long-distance trips. Ample climate system capacity and vents for all rows will keep passengers from fighting over the controls. Ride quality is good, too, even with the optional 20-inch wheels. But we found the front seats a little flat and lacking in adjustability.

Seat comfort

7.0

The front seats lack some adjustability, and the bottom cushions feel a little flat and long, which might be uncomfortable for short drivers. Both back rows recline; the second row slides and has a slightly firmer middle seat. All armrests have excellent padding with the exception of the third row.

Ride comfort

8.0

The ride comfort in the Atlas is pretty nice considering it's on large 20-inch wheels. The ride feels settled and not floaty, yet it manages to suppress most small and large bumps it rolls over. The standard 18-inch wheels might even ride a little better, but they don't look nearly as nice.

Noise & vibration

7.5

Some big vehicle cabins can sound boomy when empty, but the Atlas isn't one of them. There's some road noise and the large mirrors generate wind noise at highway speeds, but it's nothing the audio system can't conceal. The VR6 engine thankfully makes a pleasant noise when you rev it out.

Climate control

9.0

The front seats are heated and ventilated with heat for the second row. The climate dials provide easy access, but you can also control everything through the touchscreen, even adjusting, syncing or locking out the rear controls. Plenty of heating and cooling capacity and the third row has vents.

Interior

8.0

Space, space, space! That's what the Atlas is all about. But it also gets high marks for its clever sliding second-row seat with good rear visibility to boot. The upgraded Digital Cockpit interface offers a ton of functionality to go with its good looks.

Ease of use

7.5

The Atlas is pretty easy to figure out. It does take some time to become familiar with VW's Digital Cockpit, but once you're accustomed, functionality is wide-ranging. One downside to the touchscreen interface is having to look at what you're pressing, which takes attention away from driving.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

Entry and exit are about as easy as they get for this class. The Atlas is low enough to not require a step rail, and and there's virtually no sill to step over. Third-row passengers have decent access to the back because of the clever sliding second-row seat, but you'll need to be somewhat limber.

Driving position

7.5

You can sit low to maximize headroom or high for a more commanding view of the road, what most people want in an SUV. The steering column has a good range of tilt and reach adjustments too. The driver's seat lacks a little bit of fine-tuning adjustments, but that doesn't compromise driving position.

Roominess

9.5

Space is one of the Atlas' biggest strengths. It has plenty of room in all directions upfront and enough second-row seat width for three adults across. Also the third row will accommodate adults 6 feet tall or shorter with surprisingly little compromise to comfort. This roomy cabin uses space well.

Visibility

8.0

Visibility is good for a vehicle this big. The windows are large all around, and the rear headrests don't impede the rear view unless people are seated in the third row. Big side mirrors create small blind spots at the 45-degree front view, but the available 360-degree camera system helps.

Quality

7.5

The cabin's build quality is a mixed bag. Up front, the Atlas feels like a near luxury car at this trim level, especially with the Digital Cockpit option. Everything behind the front seats is more durable hard plastic with the high likelihood of kids sitting in back. Overall, the Atlas feels solid.

Utility

8.0

If it's utility you value most in your midsize crossover, then the Atlas could rise to the top of your list. Impressive cargo-carrying capacity and easy-folding seats are strong selling points. Small-item storage isn't as clever as others, but the sliding second-row bench more than makes up for it.

Small-item storage

7.5

There's a pretty good amount of storage space for small items, but its cabin isn't quite as clever as the Honda Pilot's. There's no clear storage cubbies for items such as sunglasses or sectioned compartments within the center armrest bin. The rear cabin cubbies are also sparse and relatively basic.

Cargo space

10.0

At 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, and a maximum of 96.8 cubic feet with all rows folded, the Atlas dominates the midsize segment competition. The flexibility of the manual-folding flat seats is great, and our tester also has a hands-free tailgate feature.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

There's plenty of space in the second row, but the anchors are tucked behind slits in the backseat cushion, which are a little difficult to access. Otherwise there shouldn't be any issues fitting a rear-facing car seat in the second row, which is designed to tilt and slide with a seat installed.

Towing

7.5

With a max tow capacity of 5,000 pounds, this Atlas matches both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander and will pull 1,500 pounds more than the Mazda CX-9. The 2-inch receiver is nicely integrated into the rear bumper.

Technology

8.0

The Atlas shows strong on the tech front at the SEL Premium trim level. The Digital Cockpit interface looks of Audi quality and the advanced driver aids are some of the better tuned systems we've experienced in this class. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make smartphone integration a snap.

Audio & navigation

8.5

The audio-navigation system is really slick. The optional Fender audio system delivers great sound and tons of bass from a trunk-mounted subwoofer. The infotainment proximity sensor cues additional menus when your hand gets close and the nav responds quickly to swipe and pinch-to-zoom gestures.

Smartphone integration

8.0

The Wi-Fi hotspot works pretty well, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make smartphone connections easy. Bluetooth was also fairly quick and simple to pair.

Driver aids

8.5

Driving aids work well and are easy to switch on and off. The adaptive cruise control in particular maintained a really small gap for such a big car, and the lane keeping assist is subtle but effective. The camera system provides crisp, clear HD images on the infotainment system, which is handy for parking.

Voice control

5.5

The voice control system provides clear and convenient screen prompts, but it had a difficult time understanding our commands. Functions are limited to the usual navigation, audio and phone commands, but even simple tasks such as requesting a satellite radio station were a hassle for some reason.

Compare 2018 Volkswagen Atlas trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Volkswagen Atlas models

The Atlas is offered in five trim levels — S, SE, SE w/technology, SEL and SEL Premium. The first four trim levels can be paired with either the base four-cylinder engine (235 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) or the optional V6 engine (276 hp, 258 lb-ft). The SEL Premium comes with the V6 engine as standard. Front-wheel drive is standard, and V6 models can also be ordered with all-wheel drive (standard on the SEL Premium). For all Atlas versions, an eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Base Atlas S models have cloth seating, a bench seat in the second row, LED headlights and dual-zone manual climate control along with typical features such as power mirrors, a rearview camera and cruise control. There's also a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen interface that offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity. A limited run of Atlas S Launch Edition models will be offered with the V6 engine only and the addition of a panoramic sunroof, HomeLink programmable garage door opener and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen with satellite radio.

Upgrading to the SE adds simulated leather upholstery, push-button start, automatic headlights, a power driver seat, heated front seats, rear sunshades, a blind-spot monitoring system, a larger 8-inch touchscreen interface and the option of captain's chairs in the second row. The SE w/technology builds on the SE's equipment list with the addition of remote engine start, automatic three-zone climate control, a power rear liftgate, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

Moving up to the SEL adds a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front passenger seats, park distance control and two available options: black 20-inch wheels and the R-Line appearance package. The top-of-the-line SEL Premium adds several exclusive features. The most notable among them is the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a display that replaces the standard gauge cluster with a video screen that can be reconfigured to show a wide variety of information beyond basic speed, fuel and temperature readings. All SEL Premium models also get LED taillights, full leather seating, an upgraded touchscreen display with navigation, and a parking assist system. The same 20-inch black wheels offered on the SEL are also optional on the SEL Premium, but the R-Line package is not.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

$166/mo

$231/mo

Avg. Large SUV

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Volkswagen Atlas Owner Reviews

3.5

172 reviews

5(39%)

4(17%)

3(9%)

2(19%)

1(16%)

See all 172 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

The new car that drives like an old car.....

Doug, 01/12/2018

2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SE 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

I purchase the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE back on August 19, 2017. After having it 3 days, I had to bring it in to service for severe shaking at speeds over 40mph and a whining noise when accelerating from stop. The performed wheel balance and gave it back without testing. Problems still existed. Took it back and this time I was told I had 2 bad tires. They replaced the 2 tires and told me …

40,000 miles and loving it!

Andrea, 06/19/2017

2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 Launch Edition 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

First, I love this car, it's comfort, style and maneuverability. It fits my kids and I perfectly and we have really enjoyed it. There were a couple of repairs and updates that we had to have on the Atlas shortly after purchasing but that is to be expected with a newly launched car. I’m happy with our purchase and hope to keep the car for many more years. Drives so well!

Everything was great until it wasn't

Kara Holm, 06/29/2018

2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SE w/Technology 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

First of all, I loved my BRAND NEW Atlas when I bought it. Every time I walked up to it for the first two weeks, I thought "man, that Tourmaline blue R-Line SE w/ Tech Atlas is sexy as hell!" It looked so much better than the vehicles around it. Then I went to fill the tank up. The fuel door fell off. Okay, no big deal. I put it back on and kept going... only to find that EVERY TIME I … FILLED UP, THE FUEL DOOR FELL OFF!! Tip. Of. The. Iceberg. Next, my vehicle starts taking longer to start up. I thought it may be the change of weather. My remote start isn't working either but I just figured I was doing something wrong when pressing the buttons. No big deal, right? WRONG. The next day, MY CAR WON'T START! It tries turning over, but won't fire! What in the world? I try 7 times before finally! It starts! I go drop the kids off at daycare and then head straight to the dealership. Mind you, I sell cars for a living, so any time spent out of work is money out of my pocket! I drop my vehicle off and am given a ride to my dealership. I get a call saying it's a fuel pump and they need to give me a loaner. I get picked up and go back to the VW dealership... more time away from my work! I am told the fuel pump is on an "intergalactic backorder" and that it will take over a month to possibly get the part in. One person has already been waiting 3 weeks for one. WHAT??? So they give me a Passat - a $400 a month car!! I immediately call VW of America and express my concerns. I get in contact with Jeff Newell, the new car manager at Village VW in Chattanooga and he works his magic and gets me a part from another dealership overnighted and I get my vehicle back within two days. This was the dealership working for me, NOT VW OF AMERICA. I go back to happily driving my car..... for two weeks until ANOTHER problem! My car starts acting funny again and my freaking fuel door is STILL falling off every time I get gas!! WTC?? I take it to the dealership again. It's a purge valve! So they replace that. I make my first payment and call VW of America about this service visit. I tell them something needs to be done about this. Their response? Oh, we have fixed it according to warranty. That's all we can do at this time. If it happens again, let us know. What? Okay. Fine. Only two issues, whatever, they have to work the kinks out I guess. I go on my merry way, driving my beautiful car that yes, I did still love. I wake up about two weeks later ON MY DAY OFF, get the kids ready, put them in the car and start it. I hear this loud, ungodly noise from inside my car. I open the door and it's even louder! I took videos of it, sent it to some guys in service and they said "That's not good. Drive it to the dealership NOW" GREAT. So instead of enjoying the day with my kids, I drop them off at daycare and go to the dealership. I spend over half the day there for them to tell my it's the cooling fans and motor... What. Oh, and they don't have a loaner but I can still drive my car... They tell me "Hey, it's going to take over a week for this part to come in. Drive your car and if it starts to over heat, pull over and call roadside assistance to tow it here." I LIVE IN THE SOUTH. WHERE IT IS 90+ EVERY DAY IN THE SUMMER!! So let me get this straight, you want me to drive around with my two babies in the car and if it over heats, pull over and call roadside?? And sit in my over heated car in almost 100 degree heat? WITH MY BABIES? You're crazy! Finally, after getting with the person who sold me the car, I get a loaner. I call VW of America and ask again for my vehicle get bought back or replaced or something! Because I no longer feel safe in this vehicle! Kim L leaves me a voicemail to call her back. I call her back within 15 minutes. Conveniently, she is already out of the office. Of course. I call her EVERY DAY FOR A WEEK. I leave voicemail after voicemail to PLEASE give me a call back! While waiting for a call back, my start stop error keeps coming on but no check engine light so the service tech tells me it should be fine. So still waiting for VW of America to call but my husband and I load up the kids and one of their big power wheel trucks into the Atlas for a day at the park on my day off, which is precious time because we both work 50-60 hours a week. I start the Atlas and guess what... check engine light. I bring it straight to the dealership again and they put us in a 2017 Tiguan... We try to fit the power wheel in the Tiguan and we can't. Park day cancelled. In the meantime, I decide to try calling Kim L at VW of America again. I get a voicemail that says she is now out of the office until July 2nd.... So she couldn't return my phone calls all week and now she is out of town for a long weekend? Lolol okay. There is only ONE person in the entire region that can help me, when I am located in the same city as the plant so hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of vehicles have been sold in this region alone. RIDICULOUS

Hard not to be disappointed

SonomaHog, 09/18/2017

2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SE w/Technology 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A)

With our minivan on its last legs, we were in the market for a new vehicle that could seat 7 (3 young boys and frequently shuttling their friends) and it looked like the Atlas fit the bill as we loved the styling and had a previous good experience with VW. We purchased an Atlas SE (w/tech) after seriously considering a Honda Pilot on August 10. After 3 weeks is when the problems start. …

See all 172 reviews of the Volkswagen Atlas

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2018 Volkswagen Atlas video

2018 Volkswagen Atlas Review

Our experts review the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. Edmunds Road Test Manager Jonathan Elfalan takes a thorough look at the all-new 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, the company's largest three-row SUV to date. He covers everything from the Atlas' expansive cabin quarters (all three rows of it) to its available luxury-level technology features to its handling and drivability.

2018 Atlas Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$30,750
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$166/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	6 years / 72,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Atlas models:

Blind-Spot Warning System: Alerts you with visual and audible warnings if other vehicles are in your blind spot.
Post-Collision Braking System: Applies the brakes once the airbags go off to reduce the possibility of further damage during an accident.
Lane Keeping Assist: Sounds an alert when you drift from your lane due to inattention and can automatically steer to help out.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2018 Volkswagen Atlas Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

For sale nearby

2018 Volkswagen AtlasV6 SEL Premium 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2018 Volkswagen AtlasS 4dr SUV

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Atlas does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Volkswagen Atlas models

Cost to Drive

Volkswagen Atlas Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

The new car that drives like an old car.....

40,000 miles and loving it!

Everything was great until it wasn't

Hard not to be disappointed

2018 Volkswagen Atlas video