2018 Volkswagen Atlas Review
Pros & Cons
- 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
- Not very quick to accelerate, even with the optional V6
- Fuel economy lags that of some competitors
Other years
Get More For Your Trade-In
Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.
Find out what your car is really worth in minutes.
Which Atlas does Edmunds recommend?
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 package trim builds on the already well-equipped SE by adding key safety systems such as automatic emergency braking along with convenience features including a power-operated liftgate and remote start.
Edmunds' Expert Review
Driving
8.0With 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.
Comfort
8.0The 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.
Interior
8.0Space, 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.
Utility
8.0If 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.
Technology
8.0The 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.
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.8 / 10 |
| Driving | 8.0 |
| Comfort | 8.0 |
| Interior | 8.0 |
| Utility | 8.0 |
| Technology | 8.0 |
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Andrea,06/19/2017
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!
Doug,01/12/2018
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 that would fix the whining noise and shaking. Problems still existed. Started noticing a rattle from the driver front end when driving over rough terrain at a slow speed. Took it in again and was told there were loose bolts under the dash and they couldn't recreate the whining noise (I've submitted several recordings but they ignore). Problems still exist. Get VW Corporate involved.....they have QTM come out only to tell me the vehicle is operating according to specs. Received it back with same problems. I decided to try a different dealership in hopes to get this resolved. After over of month of waiting, I get and appointment. I did a test drive and was able to show the service guy all problems. QTM came back and said there were loose bolts on the sway bar link; so I guess they changed or tightened them. I was told again that they were not able to recreate the whining noise. My guess is that they don't have a clue what that issue is. Anyways after 12 days in the shop, my vehicle still has the same problems. Tried to initiate a buy back with VW and was denied. They recommend me bring it back in to service. I wasted enough time with this vehicle and is beyond exhausted. I also get the metal to metal rattle form the engine when powering off, A/C sometimes doesn't work, radio glitches and the plastic on the outside is loose in several places. I will most likely hire an attorney to file a lemon law claim. I wanted to be sure that I can at least spare someone of the headaches this vehicle and VW has caused for my family and I. Yes it comes with 6 year 72,000 mile warranty, but the service departments are not prepared to address issues with this vehicle. This makes the warranty useless.
Update: VW bought back my Atlas and I’ve since purchased a Honda Pilot which is serving my family well
SonomaHog,09/18/2017
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. On 9/4/17, my wife heads out to shuttle the kids to school when the EPC check engine light comes on and the car refuses to turn over and start (resulting in the obvious inconvenience and tardiness to class). After contacting VW roadside assistance, who apparently does no additional coordination other than calling the tow company (the local dealership in Fairfield CA had no idea we were coming in, resulting in additional delays), we were provided a loaner Jetta requiring us to change carpooling plans for the week. I fully recognize issues can arise, and it’s how they are dealt with that are important, and why we are disappointed. After 6 days in the dealership (and 115 miles “test driving” added to the car without any explanation), our 5 week old Atlas (now with 1890 miles) was returned with assurance that the issue was resolved (we were told there was a problem with the fuel system). My wife subsequently goes out to clean the car and finds minor/superficial damage to the plastic floor panels in the back as a result of the repairs that were obvious and were not reported which results in us having to call again to explain and coordinate replacement. 7 days later (9/15), we again load up the kids for a long day of soccer, and like groundhog day, the EPC check engine light comes on and the vehicle fails to turn over. After again coordinating a tow, and pushing back on another Jetta to ensure we have enough room for the weeks carpooling, we are back to wondering when and what the issue is. We really want to love the Atlas, but so far it’s hard not to be disappointed and second guess our decision not to go with Honda. Will keep you posted on how this is resolved.
Kara Holm,06/29/2018
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
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.
