2019 Volkswagen Atlas Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byTravis Langness
Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.
Pros
- Spacious interior offers ample room for passengers 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
- Two new trim levels debut
- Expanded availability of features for 2019
- Part of the first Atlas generation introduced for 2018
Volkswagen designed its Atlas specifically for the American market, so that explains this big SUV's abundance of passenger and cargo space. It's got three rows of seating and one of the highest cargo capacities you'll find. But it also possesses all of the typical Volkswagen touches such as high-quality interior surfaces, abundantly available safety tech and excellent on-road performance.
On the highway, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is comfortable and quiet. In the city, it's easier to maneuver than you'd expect. Power is lacking a bit when you compare it to top rivals, but that's the one minor flaw we've been able to find in its on-road performance. Otherwise, the Atlas has a long list of virtues.
You also get more standard features on some trim levels this year. We specifically like that every Atlas now comes with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. On the SE, you get three-zone climate control, and on the SEL you get Digital Cockpit instrumentation, LED taillights, a navigation system and a heated steering wheel.
Overall, we're quite pleased with the 2019 Atlas. Alongside other top rivals such as the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-9, it should be one of your top models to consider for a three-row crossover SUV this year.
Notably, we picked the 2019 Atlas as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs for this year.
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 our experience, from real-world fuel economy to reliability. Note that while the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas differs slightly from our long-term 2018 model, nearly all of our observations still apply.
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 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium (3.6-liter 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
8.0With 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 enjoyable driving experience.
Comfort
8.0The Atlas is well-suited to 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 available 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 in other competitors, 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.
Which Atlas does Edmunds recommend?
The trim level we recommend is called SE with Technology. While we'd love for everyone to experience the topped-out SEL Premium trim level, it is pricey and not everyone needs the creature comforts it provides. And this year Volkswagen has given the lower trim levels more standard equipment such as forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert — all excellent additions. The SE with Technology trim level also comes standard with the Atlas' impressive V6, and it's available with all-wheel drive.
2019 Volkswagen Atlas models
The Atlas is offered in seven trim levels: S, SE, SE with Technology, SE with Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium. The base S comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (235 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque). All other trim levels come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine (276 hp, 266 lb-ft). Front-wheel drive is standard, and V6 models can also be ordered with all-wheel drive (standard on the SEL Premium). Regardless of engine, every Atlas gets an eight-speed automatic transmission.