2018 Volkswagen Atlas Review

We like the Atlas SE w/technology as the best compromise considering price, performance and features. It comes standard with the base four-cylinder engine, but we would opt for the V6. Front-wheel drive is standard, but V6 models offer optional all-wheel drive as well. The SE w/technology packag...

Even with the optional V6, acceleration is weak. It feels as if it would be extremely slow with a full load of passengers and cargo. Not bad off the line but runs out of breath quickly at highway speeds.

Good pedal feel with easy modulation. The system feels well up to the task of effectively stopping the Atlas in emergency situations.

The Atlas has a nice, precise feel at the helm that makes it easy to maneuver despite its size. The steering has a lot of power assist to it, yet it doesn't feel sloppy or loose.

It's well-mannered when you're driving around turns, especially for a vehicle of its size. It doesn't feel top heavy or sloppy. Overall, we'd say the Atlas is more precise than a Toyota Highlander but not quite as sharp as a Mazda CX-9.

A solid performer across the board thanks to a quiet cabin, a comfortable ride and plenty of passenger room in all three rows.

The front seats have only basic adjustments, and the flat seat bottom is at odds with the kind of thick side bolstering you'd find in a sports car. Yet overall they're comfortable for long-distance driving. The second-row bench seats are average for the class in terms of comfort and adjustability.

The Atlas has a surprisingly supple ride, even with the larger wheels on the SEL Premium. It's not as soft as a Honda Pilot or a Toyota Highlander, but not quite as firm as a Mazda CX-9.

The big side mirrors generate some moderate wind noise, but otherwise the cabin is very quiet on the highway.

Simple dial controls and a handful of buttons on the center console mean the climate control is easy to set and use. The dashboard vents are large, and the rear seats get vents and separate fan and temperature controls.

A clean design coupled with high-quality materials gives the 2018 Atlas an upscale feel. Everything is where you would expect it, and there are no gimmicks.

A standard shifter, simple climate dials and easy-to-use menus on the touchscreen make it very user-friendly.

The door openings are large, but the doors themselves are a bit heavy. Step-in height is moderate.

A high cowl gives you the feeling of being "in" the car rather than looking over the hood. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel is manually adjustable.

The second-row seating is very spacious in every direction. With the second row moved all the way back, the third row is tight for adults (your knees will touch the seatbacks). But you can always slide the second-row seats up to give the third row more room.

The windshield pillars are average in size, but the view feels a little restricted by the high dashboard.

With ample cargo space in back, numerous storage bins throughout the cabin and second-row seats that can slide forward with child seats installed, the Atlas delivers above-average utility in this class.

We like the large center console, although it doesn't have any organizer bins. The doors have large bins in multiple configurations.

Open up the liftgate and you'll find a fairly large, flat area behind the third row. There is some small storage under the floor and bins that are carved out on each side of the floor. With the third row of seats folded, there is 55.5 cubic feet of space (20.6 cubes with the third row in place).

The second-row seats will slide forward without removing car seats.

The large touchscreen interface has very crisp, clear graphics. It also responds quickly to commands and has a generally easy-to-use layout. The digital gauge cluster offered on the top trim model is unique in the segment and works well in conjunction with the main display.